Chris Webb MP: speeches

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Speeches

18 Dec 2025 · Indices of Deprivation: England · Hansard source
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I am grateful for the opportunity to hold the final Adjournment debate of 2025. I thank everyone for staying behind to join me, and I thank the Minister as well. From what I have seen in the headlines, I believe she had a busy morning. People in Blackpool often feel forgotten by national politics, so it matters that their experience is the last issue debated in this Chamber before Christmas. Whereas colleagues in the House will be returning home to spend time with their families, this time of year is a period of struggle, rather than celebration, for many in my constituency. Throughout 2025, this Government have begun to show Blackpool that they understand the scale of our challenges, but belief takes time when a place has for so long been held up as a symbol of decline, a poster child for deprivation and a stark reflection of the pressures facing our country as a whole. I hope the Minister will join me in demonstrating to my home town that it is not forgotten, and it is no accident that we have saved this issue till last. In October, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government updated the English indices of deprivation for the first time since 2019, marking a rare and important moment to reassess Government action. The indices rank small areas in England according to deprivation across multiple domains. They look beyond income alone, taking account of housing, access to services, education, employment, health, crime and the living environment. Although it may feel like it for local people when their town is splashed across newspaper headlines, the indices are not a league table for shame; they are a tool for targeting Government action. If the 2025 indices do just one thing, they should convince the Government that action must focus on Blackpool.
18 Dec 2025 · Indices of Deprivation: England · Hansard source
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I completely agree, and the Pride in Place scheme is a great start. I will come on to that later, but I want to see it expanded to many more of our communities, based on the new indices. If we can turn around a town that contains seven of the 10 most deprived areas of the country, and 10 in the top 20, we can turn around the fortunes of the country. Rather than being a poster child for deprivation, Blackpool, where 38% of adults live in the top 10% of the most deprived areas in England, can be a poster child for renewal.
18 Dec 2025 · Christmas Adjournment · Hansard source
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There are many issues affecting Blackpool South, but my work this year has often returned to a few key areas. I have met hundreds of business owners, community groups and young people in Blackpool who have told me the same thing: they want pride back in our town, job security and opportunity. My constituency is home to an iconic tower, three piers, the pleasure beach and countless attractions in between. It is a place where tradition meets reinvention and has been welcoming visitors for generations. Alongside our permanent attractions, our seasonal and annual events, including the illuminations, are the key reasons why 21.5 million people visit Blackpool every year. I congratulate Kate Shane on receiving her MBE and thank her and all the Blackpool tourism team for the outstanding work they do on behalf of our town and the countless independent businesses I have visited across my patch. They keep Blackpool going. Tourism and hospitality are the beating heart of Blackpool’s economy and, as chair of the all-party parliamentary group for hospitality and tourism, I have been pushing to give this sector the recognition it deserves nationally. The sector employs more than 3.5 million people, contributes £93 billion to the economy and generates £54 billion in tax revenue each year, but right now it is under real pressure. The current business rates discount for hospitality is 5p—far below the 20p permitted. I will keep pressing the Government to increase the discount to the full 20p. Businesses tell me that they want to invest but that the system is holding them back. Nearly 3,000 people have backed my call for a world-class arena on the empty Blackpool Central site, where every previous proposal has failed. It would bring in visitors year round, support local businesses and secure Blackpool’s future as a leading destination for entertainment. Sticks of rock and fish and chips are part of the seaside’s identity, but I also want to address dietary health in my constituency. Blackpool faces some of the highest levels of food-related ill health and deprivation in the country. We have one of the highest densities of fast food outlets alongside high levels of poverty and limited access to nutritious food. Among children of reception age, 27% are affected by obesity, rising to a shocking 42% by year 6. We need to limit unhealthy food outlets, support healthier businesses and make education a priority. Good work is already happening through organisations such as Grow Blackpool, LeftCoast and Blackpool Learning Rooms. In 2026, I want to see those projects grow. Crime and antisocial behaviour has had a real impact in my constituency. This year, I have supported grassroots boxing and rugby league as a tool for focusing young people’s minds. I have seen how boxing and rugby league give young people structure and purpose: they build discipline and confidence, teach respect and turn people’s lives around. Clubs like Brian Rose boxing academy and Blackpool Scorpions provide support, create belonging and improve physical and mental health. I am pleased that Ministers are listening, and I look forward to working with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to drive that forward.
18 Dec 2025 · Violence against Women and Girls Strategy · Hansard source
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From my time as a deputy police and crime commissioner, I know that there has been a growing pattern of violence relating to younger people, especially young boys, in Blackpool and beyond. Will the Minister set out plans to engage with young people, particularly young boys and men, to tackle that?
15 Dec 2025 · Topical Questions · Hansard source
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The recent Typhoon deal is welcome news in my constituency of Blackpool South, an area in the country where we see high levels of deprivation, but also high demand for jobs and apprentices. Can the Minister outline what more can be done? Could there be a domestic order? What other deals are we looking at internationally to create more of the jobs and apprenticeships that we need on the Fylde coast?
11 Dec 2025 · Topical Questions · Hansard source
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Last weekend I attended Waterloo Road’s first ever winter wonderland Christmas lights switch-on, which was a fantastic celebration in the spirit of small business Saturday in the most deprived ward in our country. Those businesses told me on Saturday, as they have done many times, that they have been left behind for too long, and that the high street is suffering. Will the Minister meet me to discuss what we can do to support our high streets in the most deprived areas of this country?
20 Nov 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source
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Blackpool council has asked for the views of residents for the most ambitious and exciting regeneration project in our town’s history. In less than a week, more than 2,500 residents have signed my petition calling for Blackpool to build a world-class arena on the empty site in the Blackpool central area, which is backed by local industry experts and local artists. Such a venue could hold major concerts, e-sport tournaments and international sporting events and secure Blackpool’s legacy as a destination for world-class entertainment. Does the Leader of the House agree that a project of that scale could be transformational for my home town, which is in desperate need of an economic boost to tackle the highest level of deprivation in a place in this country?
20 Nov 2025 · Russian Ship Yantar · Hansard source
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This reckless act from Russia demonstrates how important it is that the world stands united against Putin’s aggression. What discussions has the Minister had with his international partners about maintaining and galvanising that support?
20 Nov 2025 · Topical Questions · Hansard source
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Yesterday in Parliament, I met a number of bus drivers who told me that in their research of 420 routes, 222 did not have any toilets on the route, and 155 of those had no procedures in place for drivers who needed to access toilets during their route. These drivers deserve toilet dignity in their workplace. Does the Minister agree that we need to ensure that those providers give their drivers toilet dignity, and will she meet me to discuss this matter further to ensure they get that access?
27 Oct 2025 · Prisoner Release Checks · Hansard source
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On your advice, Madam Deputy Speaker, I withdraw that remark. To finish my question, will the Secretary of State ensure that there is a swift plan, so that when mistakes are made we can ensure that public trust in the justice system is retained?
27 Oct 2025 · Prisoner Release Checks · Hansard source
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I thank my right hon. Friend for coming to the House today to address this serious issue. Many of my constituents raised it with me over the weekend. I notice that not a single Member from Reform is here, especially not the hon. Member for Runcorn and Helsby (Sarah Pochin). I am assuming that she is still running scared after her horrific racist remarks over the weekend. Can the Secretary of State confirm that the deportation of Kebatu will proceed unhindered and without delay—
21 Oct 2025 · Rape Gangs: National Statutory Inquiry · Hansard source
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Blackpool continues to live with the scars of Charlene Downes and Paige Chivers, two young girls in Blackpool who never came home and were subject to grooming. Will the Minister confirm to my constituents that the grooming gangs inquiry will be thorough and comprehensive, and committed to a full and transparent investigation, ensuring that every avenue is examined to uncover the truth?
20 Oct 2025 · Topical Questions · Hansard source
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In Blackpool, too many young people needing SEND placements have been sent outside the borough, often an hour away. There is a proposal on the table for two new SEND schools in Blackpool with 120 places, but it seems to be in limbo. Will the Minister agree to meet me to discuss this and how we can get adequate support for our great young people?
16 Oct 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source
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I am sure the whole House would join me in expressing my deepest condolences following the sad passing of the people’s champion, Ricky Hatton—a man who inspired millions with his courage in the ring and his honesty outside it. My thoughts are with Ricky’s family at this time. In his memory, those closest to him have launched the Ricky Hatton Foundation, dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of current and former sportspeople. Will the Leader of the House join me in paying tribute to Ricky’s remarkable career and contribution to British sport, and in wishing the new foundation every success in building a lasting legacy for Ricky?
15 Oct 2025 · Pride in Place · Hansard source
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In my area of Blackpool, the damning legacy of the Tories means that we now live in the most deprived borough in the country. High streets such as those in South Shore—Bond Street, Waterloo Road and Lytham Road—have been left to ruin. Will the Minister outline how the £1.5 million that can be used to restore high streets can be used quickly and efficiently in South Shore? Will she join me in Blackpool to meet residents and businesses in South Shore, and get some fish and chips along the way?
13 Oct 2025 · Topical Questions · Hansard source
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South Shore in my constituency is one of the most deprived areas in the country. It has just been named by the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods, which outlined 34 mission-critical neighbourhoods, as No. 1 for hyper-local need. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss how we can improve South Shore in Blackpool?
11 Sept 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source
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I recently had the pleasure of attending this year’s switch-on of the iconic Blackpool illuminations, lighting up our promenade and attracting millions and millions of visitors each year since 1879. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating Kate Shane, Richard Williams and all the people at Visit Blackpool, Blackpool council and Lightworks for delivering such an impressive event this year, and join me in encouraging more people, far and wide, to join us in Blackpool for the illuminations this year?
11 Sept 2025 · Transport: Economic Growth · Hansard source
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Taxis are an essential part of Blackpool’s transport network, yet the licensing scheme is failing both passengers and our local economy. Vehicles licensed outside the area continue to operate in Blackpool, undermining passenger safety, costing our publicly owned bus company nearly £1.5 million, and holding back wider economic growth. Will the Minister commit to urgently reforming the licensing scheme, so that vehicles and drivers licensed locally can operate in Blackpool, ensuring that public safety is protected and that vital taxi revenue supports our local economy?
11 Sept 2025 · Transport: Economic Growth · Hansard source
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3. What steps she is taking to ensure that the transport system supports economic growth.
8 Sept 2025 · Topical Questions · Hansard source
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Young people in my constituency are crying out for decent, well-paid jobs, especially in the defence sector, so will the Secretary of State agree to meet me to discuss the Typhoon order that is desperately needed, not only for our country, but for jobs across Blackpool and Lancashire?
22 Jul 2025 · Sir David Amess Summer Adjournment · Hansard source
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It is a privilege to speak in this debate in memory of Sir David Amess. My home town of Blackpool is full of character and resilience. Its people are proud, its communities are close-knit and, despite facing more than a decade of neglect, we remain hopeful for the future. A person does not have to spend long in my constituency of Blackpool South to feel the warmth and strength of our coastal spirit. But as the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods made clear in its recent report, our communities have been asked to bear more than their fair share of the country’s hardship, and nowhere is that starker than in Blackpool South, where we have 34 mission-critical neighbourhoods, which is more than any other constituency in the country. That represents nearly every part of our town, where 97.8% of our population lives, including me and my family. I see the impact of this daily: the exhausted public services, the empty shop fronts, the health inequalities and the frustrations that many feel when they see new developments, new initiatives and new opportunities as being for someone else. I am proud that this Government are working on a new child poverty strategy, which will benefit many of the young people in my constituency, but it must be backed by real, targeted action at a neighbourhood level. Crime is also concentrated. Over 40% of all antisocial behaviour incidents in Blackpool happen in just three areas. A 16-year-old girl told me recently that everyone she knows in the Claremont area carries a knife and is involved in drugs or gangs, and that it is nearly impossible not to get involved. She says: “Gangs make you feel like you have some sort of power. That’s the way it is. That’s Blackpool.” That is not the Blackpool that I know and love. It is the result of communities being left behind and let down for too long. In areas where we have focused, however, we have seen progress. In the Brunswick ward, thanks to the multi-agency Youth ASB working group there has been a 45% drop in youth-related incidents. The same applies to health. Research from the Centre for Coastal Communities shows that young people in coastal towns such as Blackpool suffer worse health outcomes on almost any measure. This is avoidable. Thanks to local charities such as Counselling in the Community, young people are getting support every day. Organisations like the Blackpool Boys and Girls Club already do vital work with our young people. This summer local boxing champion Brian Rose will be launching Box Park—a free summer boxing initiative in partnership with MaverickStars to stop young people from engaging in ASB in the summer. It is a free event and an initiative I will be taking part in. We all know where we need to focus and who needs the most help, and we know how to do it: by empowering these places, listening to communities and targeting support where it will have the greatest impact. Blackpool South needs the Government to invest in its future, because when Blackpool succeeds, Britain succeeds.
22 Jul 2025 · Orgreave Inquiry · Hansard source
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It was alleged that Amber Rudd refused to hold an Orgreave inquiry because it would slur the memory of Thatcher. Can the Minister confirm that this inquiry will have a statutory power to compel witnesses to provide evidence, and that politics will not get in the way of uncovering the truth once and for all?
22 Jul 2025 · Music Streaming: Label-led Principles · Hansard source
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indicated assent .
22 Jul 2025 · Music Streaming: Label-led Principles · Hansard source
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Today’s news is great, especially for the artists and musicians in my constituency who regularly play at the Bootleg, a fantastic venue that we must ensure stays open for future generations to enjoy as my dad and I have enjoyed it. What plans are in place to engage with artists, representatives and the trade unions to ensure that today’s welcome changes deliver meaningful improvements for artists at all stages of their careers?
21 Jul 2025 · SEND Provision: Funding · Hansard source
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8. What steps her Department is taking to ensure adequate funding for SEND provision.

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