Sustainable Communities Bill

I add my congratulations both to the hon. Member for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Hurd) and to the hon. Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Julia Goldsworthy) and my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew). The way in which the Bill has been dealt with shows Parliament working at its best across the parties and with the support of the vast majority of local community groups. The Bill will not necessarily allow people to solve the problem of global warming, but it will allow them to add their own local efforts and to make decisions that involve them and make a difference locally. That is extremely important. I have been assured that the Bill cannot be used as a nimby’s charter. That was a possibility in the early stages, when there was less information available. Congratulations have been offered to my hon. Friend the Member for West Ham (Lyn Brown), who has elevated the role of PPS and shown us all what can be achieved. As a flatmate of hers, I can say that she has been working on the Bill 100 per cent. of her time, and the rest of us who share the flat are grateful that has got this far. I offer congratulations and thanks to all concerned.