John Slinger

Processed Russian Oil Products: Sanctions

Can the Minister assure me that we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian friends? Can he particularly reassure my Ukrainian constituents? One of them has written to me to say that “one of the biggest issues facing civilians in Ukraine is the constant uncertainty—not only physical safety, but the emotional pressure of living with disrupted homes, schools, work, healthcare and family life.” They are standing firm and I am sure that he can reassure me that we are standing firm b

Getting Britain Working Again

I do not know if colleagues noticed, but a lot of rhetoric and rumours have been flying around Westminster recently. MPs have been huddled in the Tea Room and the corridors, whispering feverishly—tensions are high. After all the anticipation and the angst, today was the day. Rumour became reality. Members will have guessed it: today it was announced that, for the start of 2026, we had the fastest GDP per capita growth in four years. In Q1, the UK’s growth was the fastest of six G7 nations for wh

Referral of Prime Minister to Committee of Privileges

rose—

Referral of Prime Minister to Committee of Privileges

I like the right hon. Gentleman a great deal and thank him for his kind words. The moment has somewhat passed, but he was implying that the Prime Minister is avoiding answering questions. [Interruption.] If Members will listen: this is the Prime Minister who came before the House last Monday and answered questions from right hon. and hon. Members for two and a half hours. The right hon. Gentleman spoke about transparency, but we are talking about a Prime Minister who led a Government who are rel

Referral of Prime Minister to Committee of Privileges

Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?

Courts and Tribunals Bill (Tenth sitting)

The Minister is quite right to point out that the clause is somewhat technical, but it speaks to the importance of we as a society and we as a Parliament—as legislators—making sure that, although we do not seek to professionalise the magistracy entirely, we give them the support that professionals would expect. If we want to attract people into the magistracy, this is exactly what we need to do. They certainly deserve an update to the system of expenses and more.

Creative Arts and Culture (Broadcasting Requirements)

And in my hon. Friend’s constituency. It is time that more people heard about this—heard about what is going on nationally, regionally and locally. Creative arts bulletins would help to bring about the mind shift needed throughout society to normalise, celebrate and promote participation in the creative arts and help to embed them ever more deeply in our national consciousness. Question put and agreed to. Ordered, That John Slinger, Adam Jogee, Jess Brown-Fuller, Cat Eccles, Bambos Charalambous,

Creative Arts and Culture (Broadcasting Requirements)

I am not going to do it now. It is lovely, but it is not the only part. To learn an instrument or create a painting takes massive amounts of hard work; to play in an orchestra or act in a play takes discipline, so the creative arts are about both soft and hard skills. We are told that in this age of artificial intelligence we need creative thinkers, as well as those with hard skills. Increasing the visibility of cultural news would stimulate interest among the public in becoming a spectator, a p

Creative Arts and Culture (Broadcasting Requirements)

I beg to move, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about the regular broadcast of news about creative arts and culture; to make provision about duties on the Secretary of State, Ofcom and certain broadcasters in relation to such broadcasts; and for connected purposes. First let me declare an interest: I am a classically trained violinist who learnt at Beauchamp Music Group and benefited from a brilliant musical provision at Newent community school. I am also a guitarist, key