Matthew Patrick MPMatthew is clear that we need a welfare state that is there for us all when we need it, that protects those most in need, and that delivers equality and dignity for all.
He was pleased to ask a question to Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions about that Labour’s reforms. In her answer, she confirmed that Labour would finally ends the cruel practice of needlessly reassessing people who will never be able to work.
Highlighting the case of a constituent, who is a victim-survivor of rape, Matthew emphasised the need for swift justice, which has sadly not been the case for far too long.
The Government is serious about halving the rate of violence against women and girls, but it must be equally serious about tackling the unacceptable delays in the criminal justice system which are failing women and girls.
Matthew has committed to monitoring progress on the enhanced partnership between Merseyside Police and the CPS to ensure victim-survivors can have their cases heard.
Matthew highlighted how imperative it is that the ceasefire in the Middle East holds.
He raised the plight of the 59 remaining hostages and their families who have lived through hell for more than 530 days, and the people of Gaza who desperately need aid and security.
The Foreign Secretary set out reassurances that Hamas should have no role to play in the future of Palestine’s governance, and that Britain is working hard to support the reform of the Palestinian Authority so the two-state solution can be realised.
Matthew has today (18 March) asked a question to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
He highlighted that he climate emergency is the challenge of our generation, and the role of Merseyside in meeting that challenge, with pioneering carbon capture and hydrogen technology.
As the Energy Secretary set out, people in Wirral West will benefit from the region’s expertise with good jobs and a cleaner future.
I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement today that defence spending will increase to 2.5% in this Parliament.
Internationally, this solidifies our government’s commitment to defending our values abroad.
At home, we can make this an opportunity for British businesses to be at the very heart of our nation’s security.
Speaking in the debate on the New Homes (Solar Panels) Bill, Matthew shared how increasing the use of solar energy will better for the pockets of Wirral West residents, and will be better for the planet.
Speaking in a debate in the House of Commons (6 January 2025), Matthew outlined the need for economic abuse to be a central part of the Government’s strategy to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade.
He highlighted the work of Citizens Advice Wirral in supporting victim-survivors of domestic abuse on the Wirral, and the charity Surviving Economic Abuse for their pioneering support and research on economic abuse.
The Government has announced new housing targets in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in order to tackle the housing crisis in the UK. The announcement comes following Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes in the next five years. The Government confirmed that brownfield land must be the “first port of call” for development.
The housing crisis is impacting many people on the Wirral, with the numbers of people in temporary accommodation in the borough doubling since 2021 and homelessness rising. Temporary accommodation now costs Wirral Council a projected £1.6m a year, up from £406,418 in 2019.
Matthew Patrick, MP for Wirral West, said that this is “unsustainable” and that “urgent action” was needed to ensure everyone has a safe and secure place to call home.
In the House of Commons, Matthew highlighted to the Housing Minister the thousands on waiting lists for housing on the Wirral, and welcomed the Government’s brownfield first approach. He also asked the Minister to confirm the support Wirral Council would get from the Government to ensure that housing was built in the right places.
Following the Government’s statement in the Commons, Matthew said:
“The housing crisis is impacting many people on the Wirral, with many forced to move away to get onto the property ladder. Urgent action is needed so children can grow up and stay in our area, and families can find affordable places to live.
“People on the Wirral have been clear that brownfield first is their preference, alongside the desperately-needed regeneration of Wallasey and Birkenhead. I agree and I have taken action on this to deliver the change Wirral voted for at the election. I want to see regeneration and development in areas that need it, and to protect our green spaces.
“I submitted representations to the NPPF consultation which addressed the need to unlock viable building on brownfield sites, so that we can protect the greenbelt which contributes so much to our lives and our environment here in Wirral West.
“I also highlighted the risk of speculative planning applications. Developers should not be allowed to refuse to build on brownfield land and speculate on our beautiful countryside while our community is left with empty industrial buildings, shuttered shops, and poor-quality housing.
“I will continue working with Wirral Council and with other MPs to ensure that affordable, decent homes are built in the right places and that the council has the right support to deliver for local people.”
Matthew Patrick MP has today (Wednesday 6 November) used a Prime Ministers Question to advocate for survivors of economic abuse.
Matthew asked the Prime Minister and the Government to work with him to get the credit files of victim-survivors of economic abuse restored.
Currently, victim-survivors can suffer lasting consequences of economic abuse perpetrated by a current or former partner long after they’ve fled due to their credit rating being harmed by coerced debts.
Matthew shared the story of Emily*, a survivor of domestic abuse who was left with a ruined credit file when her abusive ex-partner stopped contributing to their joint mortgage after she fled to safe accommodation for her safety.
Despite informing her lender of the economic abuse she was experiencing, Emily* has seen lasting damage from the years spent trying to separate herself financially from her perpetrator, having faced issues trying to rent a property, finance a car and take out a mobile phone contract in her own name.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Matthew said: “Emily left her ex, but the abuse did not stop.
“He stayed in their home, cancelled his mortgage contributions and destroyed her credit score.
“Now, she cannot even take out a mobile phone contract.
“Surviving Economic Abuse and UK Finance have made progress tackling this problem, but there is more to be done.
“Would the Prime Minister and his Government work with me to bring in new provisions to restore the credit files of survivors of economic abuse like Emily?”
Responding, Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed to ending the “national emergency” of economic and domestic abuse. He also assured that Matthew would meet with relevant Ministers to progress his work.
He said: “I thank my Honourable Friend for raising this important issue because economic abuse has a devastating impact on victims leaving them vulnerable and isolated.
“We are committed to ending this national emergency and keeping women safe from domestic abuse, harassment and stalking.
“That includes £200,000 this year to the charity Surviving Economic Abuse and HMRC have launched an online tool to help charities and business identify and respond to economic abuse.”
Notes
I was pleased to be able to champion the incredible work of Claire House in Parliament last week, and the passion and pride every single member of their team displays.
Funding must be there for all seriously ill children and their families to ensure they have the support they need, regardless of where they live.
Matthew Patrick MP