On 26 November 2024, I chaired an Evidence session of the Bill. We heard from Allen Simpson, deputy CEO UKHospitality, Neil Carberry, CEO, Recruitment & Employment Confed. Jamie Cater, Make UK, Jim Bligh, director, Food and Drink Federation; Gemma Griffin, VP global crewing DFDS, Martyn Gray, Director for Nautilus International, Mick Lynch, Gen Secretary, RMT. Paul Nowak, Gen Sec TUC; Maggi Ferncombe, Director, political strategy, and transformation for Unison; Dave Moxham, deputy gen sec STUC; Hannah Reed, Unite. Jemima Olchawski, CEO, Fawcett Society, and Joeli Brearley, founder and CEO of Pregnant Then Screwed.

I hosted and opened the Indo-UK Global Business Awards at the House of Commons on 21 November 2024 with a speech before the evening of  awards. In my speech I said: “It is vital for our community to come together andengage with Parliament, not only to hear from parliamentarians but also to facilitate meaningful exchanges with individuals visiting from India and members of the Indian diaspora in the UK. (picture with Virendra Sharma former for MP Ealing Southall.)  India’s growing global significance, with its rapid economic growth projected to outpace other nations in the coming years, underscores the importance of strengthening this partnership. Building friendships and maintaining open dialogue are crucial for fostering an exchange of ideas and perspectives. (Picture right all the award winners).  



These efforts will enhance trade opportunities and cultural collaboration, ensuring a deeper connection between the two nations. By bringing people together, we can create a platform for shared understanding, cooperation, and the celebration of our vibrant cultures." (picture left Neeraj Bansal Head India Global - KPMG in India)  All the awardees were inspiring both in terms of their entrepreneurship and their charity work. It was encouraging to see girls' education and social activism among the values celebrated, and I look forward to witnessing the growth of Indian and British relations in the years to come. 

On 19 November 2024, the House voted on amendments from the Lords to the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill. This Bill aims to make provision for passenger railway services to be provided by public sector companies instead private franchises.




The results were as follows: Lords Amendment 1 - Motion to disagree


The House divided:  Ayes: 344 Noes: 172   Lords amendment 1 disagreed to.







Lords Amendment 2 - Motion to disagree 
The House divided:  Ayes: 350 Noes: 108  Lords amendment 2 disagreed to.






Lords amendment 3 agreed to.



The amendments will now be considered before Royal Assent is given.

On Tuesday 19 November 2024 I chaired the debates held in Westminster Hall from 9.30-11.30am.

The first motion, moved by Seamus Logan MP was 'That this House has considered the use of foodbanks', and was responded to by the minister Alison McGovern MP.

The second motion, moved by Jim Allister MP was 'That this House has considered the Windsor framework', and was responded to by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP.

On 14 November 2024, I intervened in the debate on the Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill, which aims to increase female representation among the bishops who sit in the House of Lords. It seeks to extend the provisions of the 2015 Act for a further five-year period, allowing vacancies among the lords spiritual to be filled by female diocesan bishops if available.

I made the following contribution: 

I thank the Minister, who is doing a fantastic job of ensuring, through the Bill, that women are represented at every level; in the 21st century, we should not be talking about firsts for women.

In the spirit of colleagues who have intervened already, may I ask my hon. Friend to recognise the brilliant role played by the first black woman to be Speaker’s Chaplain here in the House of Commons? The Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin then rose to be Bishop of Dover; I am thinking also of the Reverend Tricia Hillas, who also served as Speaker’s Chaplain. Parliament is seen as an important place for the representation of women and I very much support the Minister in ensuring that the Bill makes progress.