VerbatimParliament, as it happens
Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith

LabourMP for Hyndburn

What Sarah said recently

Questions

Urgent question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will make a statement on whether the Government is planning to change the law to deport Rochdale grooming gang leader, Shabir Ahmed.

“Will the Minister commit to reviewing every case where an individual has been stripped of his British citizenship on public protection grounds, but remains in Britain because deportation has failed? And tell the House how many such people t…”

Debate

Legacy of Jo Cox

“I have similar fond memories, as I was also a member of the Tower Hamlets constituency Labour party for many years. I am sure that my honourable Friend remembers the important role Jo played there, not least because it has frankly been a di…”

Debate

SEND Provision and Reform

“I thank the honourable Member for Farnham and Bordon (Gregory Stafford) for securing this debate. As the motion states, it is vital that Parliament keeps a spotlight on the SEND system as the Government work to bring about the necessary ref…”

Statement

Ministerial statement: Middle East

“While this war of choice is raging, Netanyahu’s forces have been murdering innocent Palestinians—men, women and disabled children —in the west bank, so what further action will the Foreign Secretary take to stop Israel repeating what happen…”

Urgent question

Urgent question: Strait of Hormuz

“My constituents consistently say to me that they support the Prime Minister’s decision not to take us into this war. My thoughts—and, I am sure, those of the whole House—are with our brave service people who are stationed in the middle east…”

Debate

Youth Unemployment

“Does my right honourable Friend agree that while it is easy to debate who is getting it right and who is getting it wrong, fundamentally, we require a systemic shift in how we look at the problem, which is generational and intergenerational…”

Statement

Ministerial statement: Arctic Security

“I want to put on the record my gratitude for the leadership that the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have shown on this issue as it evolves. Does she share my confusion about why Members of this House who claim to be patriots would…”

Statement

Ministerial statement: Gaza and Sudan

“I welcome the news of the UN security resolution passed last night, the establishment of the international stabilisation force and the arrangements that will follow for the board of peace and the Palestinian committee. With a record 260 Isr…”

Debate

Welfare Spending

“Does the honourable Lady not recognise that personal independence payment is not a benefit paid on your ability to work—it is paid regardless—so providing that case study is perhaps not the most appropriate to making the argument she is try…”

Legislation

Public Office (Accountability) Bill

“It is a privilege to witness proceedings and to speak as this landmark Bill is given its Second Reading. As others have remarked, this day is a testament to the courage, resilience and awe-inspiring fortitude of the bereaved families of the…”

Legislation

Sentencing Bill

“I want to speak in support of new clause 36, which would require offenders to comply with an earned progression scheme before being subject to release. I think that is an important opportunity to enhance the Government’s ambitions for this …”

Urgent question

Urgent question: Gaza and Hamas

“I place on record my thanks to the Minister for his tireless work on the issues in the middle east. The devastation continues for Palestinian people living in Gaza, whether from the murderous intent of Hamas or from further strikes from Isr…”

Debate

Business of the House

“Does the Leader of the House agree that access to high-quality residential care close to home is essential for the dignity and wellbeing of our elderly constituents? In Clayton-le-Moors, the Reform-led Lancashire county council is consultin…”

Statement

Ministerial statement: Middle East

“I welcome yesterday’s ceasefire agreement and the Prime Minister’s statement today, and I recognise the leadership that he and his Ministers have shown on this issue so tirelessly and for such a long time. We know that sustaining the peace …”

Debate

Baby Loss

“Baby Loss Awareness Week is an opportunity for those affected by baby loss to remember and commemorate their babies’ lives and to highlight this deeply important subject. I am glad to see that we are doing just that in this debate, and has …”

Debate

Department for Education

“Nothing is more important than ensuring that every child in every part of our country has the opportunity to thrive. That is why breaking down the barriers to opportunity is such a key part of this Government’s plan for change We are determ…”

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