Diane Forsythe
South Down · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“The Schomberg Society and the staff and pupils of Kilkeel Primary School worked hard alongside the team from Blue Eagle Productions, especially director Rosie McClelland, to deliver a fantastic performance. We saw Northern Ireland's history, heritage and the pupils' great talent shining through.”
“<BR /> <BR />The production was an excellent way to mark that important historic event and for those P7 pupils to bring their time in primary school to a close. It was bittersweet for the year group, as one of their dear classmates was notably missing.”
“As we come to the end of another school term, I pay tribute to some excellent work at Kilkeel Primary School in my constituency, especially by the P7s. I declare an interest, as my son is one of them.”
“Mrs McCabe, the school principal, shared with the children the words of Proverbs chapter 17, verse 17 on how true friends love at all times — through the good times and the hardships of life. I thank Mrs McCabe for her leadership.”
“The Minister will not be surprised by my question on the delay of the accounts certification on SEUPB, as we are in June 2026, 18 months after the end of financial year 2024. Those accounts have still not been certified in both jurisdictions, and a full further financial year has since passed.”
“Minister, you say that you want to avoid unintended consequences for businesses and property owners, but those measures do nothing for existing long-term businesses that are struggling on, already occupy premises and cannot afford to invest in their properties, and there will be consequences for them.”
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“They were determined to ram into a crowd and start a riot on Saturday. We negotiated and agreed with the police that our elected representatives would stand amongst the people on the side of the law and peace. We did that, right along the line of the canal at the water's edge, but the media zoomed right in on our MP and vilified her for manning that front line. <BR /> <BR />The two-tier policing was on full display when the Palestine walk appeared: people on that walk unfurled banners and chanted at the crowd, but that was not policed at all. There were clear breaches of the determination. Those protesting rightly chanted back, because nothing was being policed.”
“There was no communication, and they antagonised everyone. Repeatedly, our MP, we as MLAs and our councillors tried to communicate with police, but to no avail, as they provoked the crowd. Then, without warning, the riot police, with their weapons in hand, ran towards the crowd. We, as elected representatives, stood between the police and the crowd. The police must have thought that we would move as they shoved into us. They thought that we would stand aside and let them ram the crowd of our people, but we did not: the DUP and UUP representatives stood shoulder to shoulder along that line. Clearly, once somebody senior in the police saw how the optics of their physically attacking two female elected representatives on the front line would look, they paused, and, finally, spoke to us.”
“The Parades Commission determined that the residents' peaceful protest was to be at Scarva bridge, but the police completely blocked the bridge and prevented those conducting their protest from actually doing so in accordance with the determination. After negotiation over where they were supposed to conduct their protest, the police finally said that they would close the road, and that the protest could be held on the road. A short time later, over a dozen police Land Rovers powered into the crowd, demanding that they clear the road and stating that, if they did not, they would be removed. Excessive force arrived, with water cannons, tactical support group (TSG), the dog unit and dozens of riot police lined up in the road to face a peaceful crowd. They would not speak to anyone. No one understood what was happening.”
“On this day last week, I spoke about the disgraceful Parades Commission decision, disregarding Scarva residents, on a contentious parade. On Saturday past, the outworkings of that decision, and the spectacular failure of the PSNI in policing the determinations, were on full display. High-level decisions put front-line police in a shocking position. Many political opponents have jumped on the bandwagon of attack and gaslighting, smearing others without any facts, but I was there, and here are the facts, if anyone wants to listen to them. <BR /> <BR />At 9.30 am, I arrived in the small rural village of Scarva to a police checkpoint, dozens of police Land Rovers and over 200 police. It was completely over the top. There was also helicopter and drone presence. It really upset the residents.”
“I thank the Minister for his commitment to progressing Jade's law in Northern Ireland. Given the high levels of femicide in Northern Ireland, coupled with the long delays in getting cases to court, when Jade's law is introduced here, if it replicates that in GB, it will not be activated until the person is convicted, so the family of little children whose mother has been brutally murdered in devastating circumstances will possibly have to wait a couple of years until the case gets to court to get an answer. That seems really unreasonable to me. What other measures are therefore available through the family courts in the very moment that children are faced with that situation?”
“The DUP stands firmly with the residents and businesses of Scarva, who deserve to be able to live in peace in their homes and trade in their businesses. It is a bad decision by the Parades Commission.”
“That gathering has no genuine local connection to Scarva. We suggested alternative routes. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the route has been deliberately chosen just to provoke tensions in a quiet, rural community that neither supports nor welcomes the parade. <BR /> <BR />The Parades Commission is out of touch with local residents. It has not taken account of last year's disorder, and it has not listened to the concerns. The good people of South Down and Northern Ireland understand and respect the role of lawful and established cultural events in community life. However, there is understandable anger when an overtly political demonstration is brought into our area, despite clear local opposition and the scenes that we witnessed last year.”
“In the DUP's meeting with the Parades Commission last week, the commission acknowledged that it knew about the disorder, that Hamas flags were on full display and that businesses and residents were intimidated and frightened as riot tourists descended on Scarva and caused absolute turmoil. Local people have made their opposition crystal clear, but, instead of acting decisively, the commission has chosen to wave through another deeply provocative parade, with only token restrictions placed on it. The residents will rightly conclude that their concerns have once again been ignored and sidelined. <BR /> <BR />Markethill Volunteers Flute Band put in for a sponsored walk on the same morning to raise funds for veterans, yet that has been ruled out by the commission in favour of the Palestine demonstration.”
“I rise to highlight my serious concern about a huge failure of the Parades Commission, given that it has ignored residents and businesses in Scarva. Once again, we have seen the Parades Commission completely bottle a decision. It has refused to listen to the legitimate concerns of residents who live along the route of a Palestine walk, and that is so disappointing. <BR /> <BR />Last year, we warned about the parade. The Parades Commission's excuse then was that the police had not marked the parade as sensitive, so the commission did not consider it. That proved to be a disaster, and mayhem descended on the peaceful, rural village of Scarva. It is astonishing that, after the disruption, tensions and disorder that we witnessed last year, so few lessons appear to have been learned.”
“I have serious concerns about the Bill: how it is drafted; its direct and unintended consequences; its effect on rural life; its vilification of hunting and dog owners; and the costs that it will impose on the PSNI in delivering its services, especially in rural communities.”
“<BR /> <BR />I love animals, and I oppose cruelty to them, but I have an ingrained respect for and appreciation of the ways of rural life in Northern Ireland. Severe animal welfare issues in a variety of circumstances, including torture of animals by humans, are ignored and not policed, and the Bill does not cover them. There is a fundamental issue here with how animal welfare issues are policed. The police's inconsistent approach on such issues is a serious concern, and I agree with Robbie Butler that the Bill needs to be more precise. <BR /> <BR />I am concerned for what the Bill may mean for the 400,000 dog owners across Northern Ireland.”
“lacks a meaningful statutory limitation. It is incredibly vague on the line at which criminal liability exists. That is incredibly concerning for those of us who own animals and live in the Northern Ireland countryside. The Bill is not specific. There is no defence of intent. It is shocking to think that I could be criminalised if, when I am out on my walk, my dog "is pursuing", as it states in proposed article 23B(4), a rabbit, squirrel or any other type of vermin, or that that could happen to any other dog owner. In any case, I have little confidence in the defence around intention, because, as we have seen recently, people have been prosecuted for their thoughts when praying in public.”
“Members' Bills should not be brought forward at this time, as they put burdens on the Assembly Budget, with the Executive then struggling to deliver other objectives. At the very least, the Bill should be costed. I do not understand why there has not been a broad attempt to cost it. Without that, the Bill does not stand up. <BR /> <BR />Pam Cameron made a point about unintended consequences. Proposed article 23A(2), which states:”
“I believe that we need to do that when we look at the Bill. <BR /> <BR />What is the true cost to the PSNI? Just the other day, the Justice Minister, from the Bill sponsor's party, highlighted the budget pressures and cuts to policing that would be required under the current financial constraints. Were this Member's Bill to be passed, it would potentially prioritise policing these matters over other police work. I have been consistent on that point. The Education (Holiday Meal Payments) Bill would mean an additional cost of £30 million a year, which must be found from the Education budget, and education services would be cut in order to fund it. The Areas with Natural Constraints (Payments) Bill would cost an additional £11 million a year, which would need to be found from the DAERA budget, taking money from other farming funding streams.”
“<BR /> <BR />I have specific concerns, having read the section in the explanatory and financial memorandum that sets out the financial effects of the Bill and which, I believe, is contradictory. Paragraph 20 of the explanatory and financial memorandum states that the Bill has no direct financial consequences. Paragraph 22 states that there would be implications for the public purse with the requirement for increased staffing costs for the PSNI, yet no costing is provided. That is clearly a financial consequence. The next paragraph discusses fines to offset enforcement costs. The Bill cites fines in the region of £20,000, which, again, represents a clear financial consequence. At a time of extreme financial pressures on the Budget, which continue to increase, we need to be honest about what everything we do means for the public finances.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Bill sponsor said that the Bill's provisions have been tried and tested in other jurisdictions. As my colleague Paul Frew outlined, however, the Bill does not directly replicate legislation that exists elsewhere, as it has been changed. I have also been consistent in expressing my concern that Members' Bills come to the Assembly without going through the full departmental structures. Where there is substantive change and a commitment through legislation, I believe that it is best that that is fully informed and brought forward with allocated funding by the Departments. I believe that this legislative proposal should come through those structures in order to ensure that it is fully scrutinised and applied appropriately.”
“As someone who has initiated a Member's Bill in this Assembly term, I understand and in no way underestimate the amount of work that has been undertaken by the Bill sponsor to introduce this legislation. Like my colleague Paul Frew, I congratulate Mr Blair on that. <BR /> <BR />I love animals, and of course I care about animal welfare, but the Bill is not just an animal welfare Bill; it is about so much more than that. The consequences for those of us who live in rural Northern Ireland will be huge and significant. Even though I can see that I am in the minority in the Assembly, I will still take the opportunity to speak up for those whom I represent. While I do not support the Bill, I can see that it is going to pass its Second Stage today.”
“In response to an earlier question, the First Minister implied that it was the DUP Minister who imposed severe climate targets on Northern Ireland when that was not the case. The Minister tabled legislation and, like the UK Climate Change Committee, warned against the targets. As a party, we warned about what would happen to our agriculture and our infrastructure.”
“I thank the First Minister, the deputy First Minister and all their Executive colleagues for continuing to make the case for fair funding for Northern Ireland. Does the First Minister agree that there are simple things that the UK Government could do to help, including making changes to borrowing so that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive can start to build homes? What discussions has she and the deputy First Minister had with the Prime Minister or Treasury about that?”
“I thank all those who engaged with the Committee, including the Forget-me-not Group and the bereavement midwives. I also thank the local groups and individuals who reached out to me directly on the issue. This means so much to them all. All their stories have impacted on us, and, today, as the scheme moves into law, we should pause and acknowledge that, in the Assembly today, we are formally recognising those babies. Today really matters, and I am proud to be here to welcome the scheme. One of the first motions that came to the House after I joined the Assembly was on the need for baby loss certificates in Northern Ireland, and, today, we are delivering on that. Every life matters.”
“Families have suffered loss, heartbreak and trauma, and it is important that, at the final stage of the process, their application and the administration of the scheme to get their certificate happen smoothly and compassionately. Again, I thank the Minister for bringing the regulations forward, and I thank his departmental officials, especially the Registrar General, for being available to the Committee at any time and for bringing the scheme forward at pace. <BR /> <BR />Throughout the Committee Stage of the Bill, members of our Finance Committee worked carefully and sensitively on the topic. We heard directly from those who have experienced loss. At times, it was emotional, but we took those personal testimonies on board and did our best to ensure that they are reflected in the legislation and the regulations.”
“This could easily have passed with a press statement from Ministers about future policy intent with nothing being delivered, but that has not been the case. Joined-up working and support to deliver the scheme has ensured that important and compassionate legislation will be introduced here. <BR /> <BR />As today's motion will allow for the formal launch of the scheme without delay, we should note, for caution and clarity, that that does not mean that parents can go out and get a certificate immediately this afternoon. There will be a process. I ask the Minister to provide some further detail on that, including the dates, in his closing remarks.”
“Today, I remember all those babies who left us too soon. They lived, were precious, were loved and were lost from this earth to heaven. Every single one of their lives mattered, and they should always be remembered and recognised by more than just the memories and hearts of their parents and families. I especially think of the babies who passed away before 24 weeks of pregnancy and currently have no formal record of their life. <BR /> <BR />I welcome the progression of the baby loss certificate scheme in Northern Ireland, and I am honoured to have played a part in bringing it forward. It has been a true example of the Finance Committee working with the Department and the Minister. That collective work will mean that, in the coming weeks, baby loss certificates will be in law in Northern Ireland.”
“Minister, with the current financial pressures, the Executive are united in calling for extra funding. Therefore, when £235 million of transformation funding has been made available by the UK Government, it is critical that we get it out and show that we can use it well. However, I have sight of correspondence from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Chair that expresses her concern that funding has been surrendered for both the 2025-26 Estimates and the 2026-27 Estimates. Minister, of the money that has been announced and allocated to date, can you confirm how much has been spent and how much has been given back to the Treasury? Are we guaranteed that we will get back in the future the money that has been handed back or is that lost?”
“I thank the Minister for her response. She will understand that, in rural constituencies, such as my South Down constituency, young people who are going to university anywhere have to look at arrangements for accommodation. I am really concerned that there is a perception out there that specific campuses — for example, Coleraine — might be adversely impacted. People are concerned about their accommodation and what they need to do. I am keen that there be some firm clarification for people as soon as possible, because we do not want to see areas such as Coleraine miss out on having a student population.”
“It was devastating last week. Many constituents reached out to me. I felt like a gut blow to women across Northern Ireland that no inquiry would progress, with over 17,000 women affected, two women dying and women across the Chamber and across Northern Ireland really losing confidence in the system. <BR /> <BR />We heard last week of a review declaring institutional misogyny in the PSNI. Minister, we see that time and time again with women's health issues and the lack of a women's health strategy. Are you concerned about the confidence that women in Northern Ireland have over the prioritisation of their health issues?”
“Minister, discussion of the issues often leads to discussions about wildfires, but it is important to make the point that cases such as the recent fires in the Mournes are rural arson and are a crime. We need to continue to use that language. We are also keen to hear what steps have been taken by you and the Justice Minister to tackle that issue, make an example of people and get justice, because, until we see some repercussions, the fires will continue and areas will be devastated. This is only May; it is only the start of the summer season in the Mournes.”
“<BR /> <BR />I support any work to promote St Patrick: Down Cathedral, the Saint Patrick Centre and St Patrick's Trail, which encompasses more of the story across Northern Ireland, reaching right down into Armagh. There is huge potential in our heritage. As Colin said, Downpatrick, as the county town, often fails to receive what it deserves. It fails to receive investment, promotion and recognition. We have an opportunity to do so much more. As others have said, there is huge potential to be unlocked, and, if we all work together with a collective vision, we could deliver so much more for Northern Ireland.”
“<BR /> <BR />Newry, Mourne and Down District Council covers a huge area, and some of the local provision for tourism is disappointing. The council has dropped support for local attractions such as the Mourne Mountains, potentially losing the city deal money around the same, and cancelling things such as the Newcastle Festival of Flight. It is no surprise that the events in Downpatrick do not live up to their potential. Anything that the Minister can do would be welcome. As Cathy said, there is huge potential to be unlocked, and, if leadership could come from the Minister's Department or anywhere else, it would be so welcome. However, this is about more than communities; it is also about tourism and a boost for the local economy. A cross-section of work could be done to boost the experience for the people in Downpatrick.”
“I hope that such visibility at the heart of those parades will go some way to break down barriers and remove some of the hostility that lingers in our local community, but there is a long way to go. <BR /> <BR />Colin spoke of the potential for more of the experience to be shared. That applies well beyond Downpatrick. In my community in the Mournes, through our local Ulster-Scots group, the Schomberg Society, we enjoy regular events about the history of St Patrick around that time of year. We have a stew night and some dancing and support the tradition of presenting a sprig of shamrock to local veterans, as led on the mainland by the Princess of Wales, the Colonel of the Irish Guards, setting off the traditions that we are all proud to watch.”
“Over many years, the parade in Downpatrick was especially unwelcoming for those from a unionist background. The council-funded festivities were hostile for many years, with inappropriate stalls and activities. A lot of sectarian abuse went on, and some of our local councillors faced terrible slurs. Complaints were made repeatedly, but until we move forward from that and see the occasion as inclusive and have the confidence to work together on it, not all of us can promote it. <BR /> <BR />Last year, it was good to see more bands of Ulster-Scots heritage in the Downpatrick and Belfast St Patrick's Day parades. That is a step in the right direction.”
“St Patrick's cross is an integral part of our Union flag, and we should all be confident in learning about and understanding our history. <BR /> <BR />Down Cathedral in Downpatrick is a spectacular place, and, in the graveyard, we have the grave of St Patrick. Throughout the year and regularly on St Patrick's Day, some of our DUP representatives hold modest services there in remembrance. Each St Patrick's Day, services are organised at Saul and Down Cathedral to mark the occasion. For me, that reverence is so important. <BR /> <BR />We need to insert a little honesty about some of the events. Unfortunately, many St Patrick's Day events in the area are far from solemn or commemorative. Since I was a child, we have long kept out of the way of many of the activities.”
“I thank Colin for the Adjournment debate. I declare at the outset that my dad is a councillor on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. <BR /> <BR />I always seek to promote my constituency of South Down and Northern Ireland as a whole, as, I know, the Minister for Communities does. His work on establishing historic links and research, as he has done with US250, is most welcome, and there is huge potential for so much more. I have long felt that the story of St Patrick has not had the attention that it deserves, and so much more could and should be done here. He is the patron saint of Ireland and the missionary who brought Christianity to Ireland, and his life, his teaching, his story and his faith have shaped this country and the people who live here today.”
“As my colleague Diane Dodds said, responsibilities lie at Westminster and in the Assembly. We all have a role to play. The Finance Committee welcomes the debate and commends the motion to the House.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee had some discussion about whether to table the motion, given that the Budget has not been agreed by all. We felt that it was important, given the scrutiny work that took place, for us to table a motion to highlight the themes: the need for a multi-year Budget; the need for Northern Ireland to be funded fairly; the need for improved scrutiny by Committees through different opportunities; and the push for difficult decisions to be made on the basis of priorities. <BR /> <BR />At one of the Committee's recent sessions, the fact that 77% of the Northern Ireland public spend is via arm's-length bodies was noted. I once again highlight the need for strong governance over that spending. <BR /> <BR />We cannot simply default to blaming others for our Budget position.”
“He quoted Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) reports on education but ignored its reports referencing failures in infrastructure, such as those on major capital projects and road openings, and other recent reports. Also predictably, he criticised defence spending, which, as my colleagues highlighted, is not devolved to the Northern Ireland block grant. Brian Kingston noted the DUP's leading role on many of the issues. Danny Donnelly noted further issues in health. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Finance Minister for being here to respond. I agree with a lot of what he said. People in Northern Ireland pay their fair share of taxes, and they deserve the best public services. I welcome the Minister's update on his live engagement on funding with Treasury. We hope to hear more about that soon.”
“I thank the Minister for that. I want to highlight those two points. We do our best as a Finance Committee — we work quite well together — to scrutinise the roles. We would encourage any of that information to be shared with us officially. I understand that the open-book exercise is a joint effort by the Treasury and the Department of Finance and that there is dispute around it, but we would welcome its being shared officially with the Finance Committee, as is appropriate. <BR /> <BR />Getting back to contributions to the debate, Michelle Guy highlighted some issues around the Education budget and noted how visible the shortcomings are in any school that you might go into in Northern Ireland. Pat Sheehan, predictably, blamed the DUP for failures across many things in Education.”
“I thank the Chair of the Committee for his intervention. Yes —.”
“<BR /> <BR />Steve Aiken noted issues with the open-book exercise. The Minister also commented on that. It is frustrating that the open-book exercise is being discussed in the Chamber when the Finance Committee is yet to receive it or to see it officially and it remains unpublished.”
“She highlighted what the issues with hospital parking charges meant in that respect and raised concerns about uncosted Members' Bills in the context of the draft Budget. <BR /> <BR />Colm Gildernew, Chair of the Communities Committee, highlighted the challenge of economic inactivity in Northern Ireland and the fact that many areas across the Department for Communities' remit require an invest-to-save approach, all of which are at risk under the current budget position. <BR /> <BR />Peter Martin, Chair of the Infrastructure Committee, highlighted the fact that, in the absence of an agreed Budget, written submissions were returned to his Committee and that Northern Ireland Water had not been advised what that would mean for it, which is concerning. He once again highlighted the need for key priorities.”
“<BR /> <BR />Paula Bradshaw, Chair of the Executive Office Committee, highlighted the key Programme for Government objectives that would be at risk under the current proposals, including that of ending violence against women and girls. She rightly highlighted the serious issue of femicide in Northern Ireland. She also commented on the extremely constrained allocations to DAERA. <BR /> <BR />Philip McGuigan, Chair of the Health Committee, highlighted many pressures across the Health budget, as advised by officials, and emphasised the need for the Health Minister to prioritise. Diane Dodds spoke further about Health, highlighting a number of issues, including, once again, the need to make tough decisions.”
“He highlighted the role of Committees in supporting their Minister and the fact that the Committees are not able to assist in scrutiny of Budgets if they are not afforded that opportunity. A key message to take from the debate is that the role of Committees is not just to criticise but to support and work with officials to support Ministers in assessing their priorities. <BR /> <BR />Deirdre Hargey again highlighted the need for enhanced funding. Maurice Bradley spoke about the need for the Department for Communities to have a multi-year budget to give the voluntary and community sector security, and he spoke about the critical outcomes for housing and the anti-poverty strategy if there were to be insufficient allocations to that Department.”
“There have been common themes — nothing unexpected — throughout: the need for a multi-year Budget; the underlying need for Northern Ireland to receive more funding; and the reflection that some Committees were not able to complete full scrutiny as they had wanted. <BR /> <BR />Jemma Dolan spoke about the challenges to Northern Ireland's finances and the level of need. Paul Frew, Chair of the Justice Committee, spoke of the real-life impact on the PSNI, prisons and many other services of the cuts that the draft Budget would mean for Justice. Eóin Tennyson echoed concerns about the Justice budget and the same themes. <BR /> <BR />Robbie Butler, Chair of the AERA Committee, outlined how officials were unable to come to the Committee to give evidence on the draft Budget.”
“When officials do not liaise with their Committees on budgetary matters, it is difficult, if not impossible, for the Committees of the Assembly to provide the necessary and important scrutiny that every Budget should receive. In the Finance Committee's view, that is unacceptable. When a Budget, whether for multiple years or one year, is agreed, the Committee expects Departments to do a better job of supporting Committees than they have with this draft Budget. <BR /> <BR />I will reflect on some of the themes that Members have raised in today's debate and then make further comments as an individual MLA. <BR /> <BR />The Chair of the Committee opened the debate.”
“The Committee supports the passing of the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council Bill, which will put the council on a statutory footing. <BR /> <BR />As the Committee had hoped, the debate has been useful and constructive. The Committee heard Department of Finance officials talk on many occasions about the need for Departments to live within their means and about the fact that there are unlikely to be significant in-year transfers from the Treasury this year. <BR /> <BR />The Committee notes that the draft Budget has been extremely difficult to scrutinise. The Budget does not currently command the support of the Executive, and, without that support, many Ministers have not engaged with it, meaning that departmental officials have not engaged with the relevant Committees.”
“Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. First, I thank those who contributed to the debate. The Committee tabled the motion to allow Members, particularly the Chairs of the Statutory Committees, an opportunity to discuss and reflect on the draft Budget for 2026-29/2030. The Committee is grateful to the Minister of Finance for agreeing to respond to the debate today and for his contribution. <BR /> <BR />The Committee again thanks the Fiscal Council for its assessment of the draft Budget. The council performs a vital function in supporting the Assembly's scrutiny of the draft Budget, and I know that the Finance Committee finds its assessment very useful. It raises issues that the Committee has previously identified.”
“I thank the Minister for her response. Does she accept that it was failings by her and by the AERA Minister and the direct impact of unrealistic climate targets that led to the case being lost in the High Court?”
“— those claims is significantly more. Will the Minister undertake an assessment of the full cost of the claims that are made and the processes of dealing with them for her Department?”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Given the recurrent cost of around £1 million a year in reimbursement for damage to vehicles, we find ourselves in a really unsatisfactory position. In my constituency office, I find that there has been an increased volume of work. It is not just about the amounts being repaid to members of the public but the staff time required to deal with those complaints. The actual damage is getting worse. People have had issues with multiple wheels, their suspension and wheel realignment. There are towing and recovery costs, and some things have been refused. There is a lot of going backwards and forwards. The true cost of dealing with —”
“Over the weekend, we saw significant election results in England, Scotland and Wales that show clearly that people are frustrated by government's lack of delivery. What can you do to ensure that we deliver fundamental reform and see transformation across the public sector?”