That this House expresses its concern about the announcement of closures at three post offices in Blackpool in the last few weeks, Marton, Waterloo and Mereside; notes that this leaves local residents without a range of post office services and without access to free withdrawal facilities at ATMs attached to them; and calls on Post Office Counters to provide a rapid resumption of services in those areas because of its statement that the closures are temporary and for that organisation to respect as paramount the needs of local communities and residents dependent on those services.

That this House expresses its concern about the announcement of closures at three post offices in Blackpool in the last few weeks, Marton, Waterloo and Mereside; notes that this leaves local residents without a range of post office services and without access to free withdrawal facilities at ATMs attached to...

That his House notes that hospital cleaning workers employed by the private contractor Compass Group PLC at Blackpool Victoria are currently in dispute with Compass over that company's failure to award them a decent pay rise to give them the same hourly rates as the NHS colleagues they work alongside, which is an unfairness experienced by other Compass workers in St Helens; believes that a multi-national outsourcing company that made £1.5 billion profit last year is able to afford an 82 pence an hour pay rise for its lowest-paid staff; deplores Compass' failure to engage properly to resolve the dispute for the past six months and that it is pressurising staff that have spoken out about difficulties in supporting families on their current pay and threatening them with disciplinary action; supports those staff and UNISON in their strike action; and calls on Compass to engage with a decent offer that addresses these workers' grievances.

That his House notes that hospital cleaning workers employed by the private contractor Compass Group PLC at Blackpool Victoria are currently in dispute with Compass over that company's failure to award them a decent pay rise to give them the same hourly rates as the NHS colleagues they work alongside,...

That this House welcomes the establishment of a new Osteoporosis Support Group to be based and have meetings at Blackpool Victoria Hospital with the support of the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; applauds the recognition that people who have osteoporosis, which can affect one in two women and one in three men over the age of 50, need practical support and help in living with that painful and debilitating condition and also need up to date information on research and new treatments; congratulates the initiative of Heather O'Hara and Beverley Clark, both public governors at the Trust who proposed and took forward this initiative, as well as the Trust's management for its support of the proposal; and hopes that this example will encourage other NHS Trusts to consider establishing similar support groups, as well as pressing for more funding and priority in the NHS for early diagnosis of the condition, as well as fracture liaison clinics, which could save the NHS increased costs through late diagnosis as well as assisting in reducing stress and help alleviate this very painful condition.

That this House welcomes the establishment of a new Osteoporosis Support Group to be based and have meetings at Blackpool Victoria Hospital with the support of the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; applauds the recognition that people who have osteoporosis, which can affect one in two women and one...

That this House congratulates Councillor Ivan Taylor on 50 years of service to the people of Blackpool, making him the longest serving councillor ever in the town; recognises the achievements of that service which include having been leader of the Labour group of Blackpool Council for 30 years, leader of the council for nine years and mayor in 2002; acknowledges that Mr Taylor oversaw as leader of the council its transformation to unitary status, the building of its first-ever public sports centre and the commencement of Surestarts; pays tribute to the support of his family, especially his wife Sylvia who was his fellow councillor in Claremont for many years and grandson Luke who is a current councillor; and sends him and Sylvia warm congratulations on this milestone achievement.

That this House congratulates Councillor Ivan Taylor on 50 years of service to the people of Blackpool, making him the longest serving councillor ever in the town; recognises the achievements of that service which include having been leader of the Labour group of Blackpool Council for 30 years, leader of...

That this House notes the decision of the High Court on February to place Blackpool FC into receivership because of the failure of the owners to carry out its instructions; notes that despite the crises produced as a result of this and the conflicts by the previous owners picked with supporters, the hard-working manager, Terry McPhillips, his coaches and his players have done an excellent job in League One so far this season; urges the EFL not to deduct penalty points as a result of the receivership as this would unfairly penalise the players and management and could jeopardise the Club's League One status; and hopes for the new ownership that can remedy the failings that has led to the receivership.

That this House notes the decision of the High Court on February to place Blackpool FC into receivership because of the failure of the owners to carry out its instructions; notes that despite the crises produced as a result of this and the conflicts by the previous owners picked with...

That this House congratulates, at the start of the Easter holiday season in Blackpool, Notarianni's Ice Cream on its 90 years of production of its celebrated products, particularly its iconic vanilla ice cream; salutes the Vettese family, now in their fourth generation as a family business, in the best tradition of Italian families who have brought a taste of fame and glory to both Blackpool’s residents and tourists; and celebrates all those Italian businesses and entrepreneurs who over the years have enriched our culture and pleasures in the UK.

That this House congratulates, at the start of the Easter holiday season in Blackpool, Notarianni's Ice Cream on its 90 years of production of its celebrated products, particularly its iconic vanilla ice cream; salutes the Vettese family, now in their fourth generation as a family business, in the best tradition...

That this House pays tribute, on the day of his funeral at St Peter's Church, Blackpool where he was organist, to Jimmy Armfield OBE DL, a football legend as player for Blackpool FC, a manager, England Captain and a hugely influential football commentator and journalist; commends Mr Armfield as an embodiment of all that was best about Blackpool and the football world; recognises the tireless work and support he did for charities and organisations across Blackpool, done with huge personal modesty and decorum; and offers condolences to his wife and all his family.

That this House pays tribute, on the day of his funeral at St Peter's Church, Blackpool where he was organist, to Jimmy Armfield OBE DL, a football legend as player for Blackpool FC, a manager, England Captain and a hugely influential football commentator and journalist; commends Mr Armfield as an...

That this House is extremely concerned by the decision of Lloyds Bank to close its branch on Whitegate Drive in Blackpool; regrets its failure to consult either the Councillors for the area or the hon. Member for Blackpool South before this announcement; recognises that significant numbers of businesses, many of them small and local residents, will be unable to access local facilities, with the nearest alternative branch being too far; and is saddened by the failure of Lloyds Banking Group to understand that consultation does not consist of telling people after the event and that its corporate reputation is not improved by the rubber-stamp nature of such exercises.

That this House is extremely concerned by the decision of Lloyds Bank to close its branch on Whitegate Drive in Blackpool; regrets its failure to consult either the Councillors for the area or the hon. Member for Blackpool South before this announcement; recognises that significant numbers of businesses, many of...

That this House applauds the Bluelight Walk initiative by four members of Blackpool Ambulance Station to raise money for awareness for Mind's Bluelight Programme to help members of the emergency services to be given mental health support; wishes the very best to Richard Morton, Dan Farnworth, Gill Despard and Philip Baggaley from the Blackpool station, who will begin the walk on 25 September 2016 at Scarborough RNLI Station and end at RNLI Blackpool on 30 September 2016; and hopes that their 160 mile journey across the Pennines from Yorkshire to Lancashire will be cheered by support, sponsorship and heightened awareness of all the pressures Ambulance and other services endure in the line of duty.

That this House applauds the Bluelight Walk initiative by four members of Blackpool Ambulance Station to raise money for awareness for Mind's Bluelight Programme to help members of the emergency services to be given mental health support; wishes the very best to Richard Morton, Dan Farnworth, Gill Despard and Philip...

That this House marks with sorrow the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination on 22 November 1963 of President John F. Kennedy, whose short presidency nevertheless brought a new approach to international politics, inspiring people across the world and especially across the British Isles, to which his ties were particularly strong and to whom, uniquely for this country among American Presidents, a national memorial was established; observes that this consists of not just a physical memorial at Runnymede on land given to the people of the US, where a ceremony is being held on the day of the anniversary, but also of the Kennedy Memorial Trust's scholarship programme which each year sends a group of British graduates to study at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; notes that the total number of people who have benefited from this now totals 488, including a number of Members of both Houses of Parliament, and that the special opportunities the Trust's scholarship programme and activities give reflect and refresh the aspirations and outlook of President Kennedy, not just the fostering of personal, cultural and knowledge exchanges between Britons and Americans, but also the principles of outward-facing liberal internationalism so vigorously promoted by him throughout his life.

That this House marks with sorrow the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination on 22 November 1963 of President John F. Kennedy, whose short presidency nevertheless brought a new approach to international politics, inspiring people across the world and especially across the British Isles, to which his ties were particularly strong...

That this House notes with approval the success in Blackpool of the Christmas Give A Little, Help A Lot, campaign which aims to help underprivileged children in the town to have a happier Christmas by collecting toys, games, books, gift sets, new clothing and other items as well as cash donations for this purpose; further notes that last year's campaign helped over 950 local children; congratulates Pam and Fred Jackson, the originators of the scheme, as well as Blackpool Council, for their wholehearted support and promotion of it, all the local groups, organisations and businesses who are assisting both with gifts and collection points and the generous public across Blackpool; and expresses the hope that this year's campaign, which continues throughout November with collections until 9 December, may consolidate previous success and the reputation of the town for charitable generosity and activity.

That this House notes with approval the success in Blackpool of the Christmas Give A Little, Help A Lot, campaign which aims to help underprivileged children in the town to have a happier Christmas by collecting toys, games, books, gift sets, new clothing and other items as well as cash...

That this House is concerned with the announcement by the Government of the rolling out of its new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) programme to replace Disability Living Allowance benefits and at continued reports that ex-service personnel injured in Iraq and Afghanistan are being denied disability benefits after assessments by one of the Government's new PIP assessors Atos Healthcare; calls for an urgent review of the adequacy of the knowledge and experience of the doctors and psychologists contracted by Atos in assessing conflict veterans mentally and physically; and asks Ministers in the Department for Work and Pensions, in conjunction with veterans' charities and the Minister for Veterans, to commence an urgent independent review of the protocols used and the experience of those assessed so that, in the run-up to this year's Armed Forces Day, Parliament and people can feel that those who have made great sacrifices for their country are being treated fairly by it.

That this House is concerned with the announcement by the Government of the rolling out of its new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) programme to replace Disability Living Allowance benefits and at continued reports that ex-service personnel injured in Iraq and Afghanistan are being denied disability benefits after assessments by one...

That this House congratulates Blackpool's North Pier opened on 21 May 1863 in front of 20,000 residents and visitors and which is celebrating (as the oldest of the town's three piers) 150 years of continuous recreation for the town's residents and visitors; applauds the North Pier Theatre for highlighting this event with a Summer Season showcase; and commends the work of the current owners, the Sedgwick family, for their focus on restoring the pier to its Victorian ambience and a place for entertainment and fun.

That this House congratulates Blackpool's North Pier opened on 21 May 1863 in front of 20,000 residents and visitors and which is celebrating (as the oldest of the town's three piers) 150 years of continuous recreation for the town's residents and visitors; applauds the North Pier Theatre for highlighting this...

That this House expresses its deep concern at reports that the organisation Festival for Stars Talent Search UK Ltd is currently encouraging children and families to take part in a 2013 competition in Scotland and elsewhere across the UK when its directors of a new Board established in September 2012 have failed to respond to charges that their 2012 competition left children and young people who had been successful without promised prizes, contracts and appearances at prestigious venues; notes that its managing director Nicholas Pamment appears to have failed to publish a list of prizes and has blocked enquiries about them; further notes that families in Blackpool and elsewhere who have previously participated in such dancing and singing competitions have set up a Facebook page entitled Festival for Stars - The Unrewarded to collate the experiences of those affected; and urges Trading Standards and other regulatory agencies to investigate the serious allegations being made about Festival for Stars Talent Search UK Ltd.

That this House expresses its deep concern at reports that the organisation Festival for Stars Talent Search UK Ltd is currently encouraging children and families to take part in a 2013 competition in Scotland and elsewhere across the UK when its directors of a new Board established in September 2012...

That this House notes that this year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Allen Clarke (alias Teddy Ashton) who was born in Bolton at the height of the Lancashire cotton famine and moved in later life to Blackpool; celebrates his achievements as an author, leading dialect writer, poet and radical thinker coming from a working-class background and also for his love of and campaigning to preserve windmills across the Fylde including Little Marton Mill in Blackpool which now serves as a centre for local heritage information; and pays tribute to his granddaughter Shirley Matthews and all those who have worked both to preserve Little Marton Mill and Clarke's memory, including his biographer Paul Salveson, in this his anniversary year.

That this House notes that this year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Allen Clarke (alias Teddy Ashton) who was born in Bolton at the height of the Lancashire cotton famine and moved in later life to Blackpool; celebrates his achievements as an author, leading dialect writer, poet...

That this House commemorates with sadness the 30th anniversary of the loss of three Blackpool police constables Colin Morrison, Gordon Connolly and Angela Bradley, drowned while heroically attempting to rescue a holiday visitor, Alistair Anthony, who also lost his life from the sea off Blackpool in January 1983; reflects that this reminder of the perils of the sea was reinforced when New Year's Day 2013 saw Paul Morris, who is still missing, swept into the sea near Blackpool's South Pier; extends its sympathy to all those who have lost friends and family in such circumstances; and commends the continuing dedication and courage of the police and emergency services called to assist with such incidents.

That this House commemorates with sadness the 30th anniversary of the loss of three Blackpool police constables Colin Morrison, Gordon Connolly and Angela Bradley, drowned while heroically attempting to rescue a holiday visitor, Alistair Anthony, who also lost his life from the sea off Blackpool in January 1983; reflects that...

That this House commends the work of all those individuals and organisations raising money for this year's Poppy Appeal; congratulates the Blackpool branch of the Royal British Legion on its annual Poppython which brings singers, comedians and variety acts to its club in the town to support its fundraising day and this year has celebrated its 1,000th performer at the event; honours and admires also those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan or their families who are now raising money for service charities, including in Blackpool, Sergeant Rick Clements and the family of the late Gunner Lee Thornton; and congratulates D-Day veteran Jim Baker, President of the Fylde Ex-service Liaison Committee, on celebrating his 90th birthday.

That this House commends the work of all those individuals and organisations raising money for this year's Poppy Appeal; congratulates the Blackpool branch of the Royal British Legion on its annual Poppython which brings singers, comedians and variety acts to its club in the town to support its fundraising day...

That this House congratulates all those members of staff and researchers from the House of Commons Library involved in the publication of Olympic Britain, a fascinating and timely comparison of how our country has changed between the two previous London Olympics of 1908 and 1948 and now; admires the way in which they have deployed their subject areas, graphs and statistics to appeal to a general readership;urges its wider dissemination and awareness outside Parliament as well as in;and believes that the production and publication of similar initiatives to convey important surveys showing the relevance of recent history to current public policy issues should be encouraged in Parliament.

That this House congratulates all those members of staff and researchers from the House of Commons Library involved in the publication of Olympic Britain, a fascinating and timely comparison of how our country has changed between the two previous London Olympics of 1908 and 1948 and now; admires the way...

That this House congratulates English Heritage for launching the exhibition Blackpool: Wonderland of the World in its brand new exhibition space, the Quadriga Gallery at the Wellington Arch by Hyde Park Corner; praises all those at Blackpool Council who have worked to bring the range of memorabilia, photographs and other materials to illustrate the history and glamour of the town's twin icons, Blackpool Tower and the Winter Gardens; applauds the role English Heritageis playing in the repair and renewal of both buildings with Blackpool Council and the work of all those in the town including its Civic Trust and Heritage Forum who are assisting; and urges all those interested to visit the exhibition over the summer.

That this House congratulates English Heritage for launching the exhibition Blackpool: Wonderland of the World in its brand new exhibition space, the Quadriga Gallery at the Wellington Arch by Hyde Park Corner; praises all those at Blackpool Council who have worked to bring the range of memorabilia, photographs and other...

That this House pays tribute to the life and work of Blackpool councillors James Houldsworth and Mary Smith who, though from different political parties, exemplified the best traditions of public service in local government for the dedicated service they gave to the communities they represented and particularly in their concern and advocacy for the welfare of servicemen and servicewomen, veterans and their families in Blackpool, and who were always prepared to put those interests at the centre of their work as local councillors; and extends condolences to their families, friends and all those who were supported and enriched by the service they gave.

That this House pays tribute to the life and work of Blackpool councillors James Houldsworth and Mary Smith who, though from different political parties, exemplified the best traditions of public service in local government for the dedicated service they gave to the communities they represented and particularly in their concern...