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Jo Platt

Jo Platt

Labour (Co-op)MP for Leigh and Atherton

What Jo said recently

Debate

Business of the House

“As Members will know, this week Parliament welcomed Prestur, the wonderful Icelandic horse showcasing the value of animal-assisted and community-based support for neurodivergent people. May I personally thank you for that, Mr Speaker? I am …”

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Legislation

Crime and Policing Bill

“When people talk about feeling safe where they live, they are talking not about spreadsheets or crime statistics, but about whether they feel okay walking home at night, whether their local shops can open their doors without worrying about …”

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Questions

Oral questions: Business and Trade

“A lot of the hospitality small and medium-sized enterprises in my constituency start out as market traders. As we know, our markets are a vital part of our identity and central to our local ecosystem, giving businesses the space to start, t…”

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Debate

Business of the House

“Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Last week I visited Howe Bridge leisure centre to meet sensei Billy Higgins and watch one of his much-loved karate sessions. There are too many accolades to list today, but as a founder, international champi…”

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Urgent question

Urgent question: Digital ID

“I thank the Minister for his announcement about the changes to digital ID. As a neighbouring MP, he will know that I recently held a public meeting in Leigh and Atherton, and there was overwhelming agreement that this should not be mandator…”

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Debate

Business of the House

“Like others, to mark Parliament Week I had the pleasure of visiting Leigh Church of England primary school and hearing directly from students about their campaign to support teaching assistants. It was inspiring to see young people champion…”

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Debate

Budget Resolutions

“The autumn Budget shapes the choices we make and the kind of society we want to build together. After 14 years of mismanagement, this Budget is about turning the page. It is about moving from uncertainty to opportunity, and about giving peo…”

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Debate

Regional Transport Inequality

“I thank my honourable Friend the Member for Derby North (Catherine Atkinson) for bringing this really important debate to the House. Growth goes where growth is, but when transport is inefficient, access to opportunity is limited. Leigh and…”

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Debate

Business of the House

“Our high streets in Leigh and Atherton are being undermined by illicit shops that are used for money laundering, illegal working and counterfeit goods. Raids on shops have taken place this week, leading to the seizure of over £10,000-worth …”

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Debate

Bank Closures and Banking Hubs

“I thank my honourable Friend the Member for Blyth and Ashington (Ian Lavery) for bringing this really important debate to this House, and I think we speak with one voice on this particular issue. We both represent post-industrial towns, and…”

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Statement

Ministerial statement: Free School Meals

“I whole- heartedly thank the Minister for this much-needed announcement. Up to 5,600 children in my constituency will no doubt be grateful for the relief it brings to their families in easing the financial pressures that many face. Will the…”

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Debate

Dementia Care

“I thank the honourable Member for South Devon (Caroline Voaden) for bringing this really important debate to the House. I am speaking today on behalf of the 1,422 people in Leigh and Atherton living with dementia. That is above the national…”

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Debate

Access to NHS Dentistry

“I thank my honourable Friend the Member for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes (Melanie Onn) for securing the debate. For far too long, people across the country have struggled to access NHS dental care, and I have heard heartbreaking stories in…”

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Debate

Business of the House

“To mark NABMA’s “Love Your Local Market” campaign, I want to express my support for Leigh market in my constituency. It is a vibrant hub of creativity, entrepreneurship and community spirit, and this Saturday it will host live events and wo…”

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Debate

Business of the House

“The Canal & River Trust manages 2,000 miles of waterway, including nearly 500 miles in the north-west. I recently met the trust and its dedicated volunteers, who highlighted confusion about ownership and funding difficulties. Will the L…”

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Debate

Business of the House

“May I draw the House’s attention to my position as chair of the all-party groups on long covid and on myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)? In recognition of International Women’s Day, I wish to draw attention to the significant gender disparity …”

Read Jo’s full contribution →1× at the despatch box

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