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Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire) (Con)
Will the Leader of the House give us the forthcoming business?
The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir Alan Campbell)
The business for the week commencing 20 April will include:
Monday 20 April—Consideration of Lords message on the Victims and Courts Bill, followed by consideration of Lords message on the Crime and Policing Bill.
Tuesday 21 April—Consideration of Lords amendments to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.
Wednesday 22 April—If necessary, consideration of Lords message on the Pension Schemes Bill, followed by, if necessary, consideration of Lords message on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, followed by, if necessary, consideration of Lords message on the Crime and Policing Bill.
Thursday 23 April—General debate on the contribution of allied health professionals, followed by general debate on reform of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee.
Friday 24 April—The House will not be sitting.
The provisional business for the week commencing 27 April includes:
Monday 27 April—If necessary, consideration of Lords message on the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, followed by, if necessary, consideration of Lords messages.
Tuesday 28 April—Consideration of Lords messages.
Wednesday 29 April—Consideration of Lords messages.
Jesse Norman
As the House will know, this has been a week of sporting triumph. I think of the Lionesses’ 1-0 world cup qualifier against the world champions, Italy—or former world champions, I should say—and Rory McIlroy defending his Masters title, which was another great moment. Whether or not we play, watch, or even like golf, it was an extraordinary, gripping achievement.
Jesse Norman
And he is from Northern Ireland to boot. He is an honest man facing his demons and triumphing. What a contrast with the Prime Minister’s failure to answer, or even to engage with, the question at Prime Minister’s questions. The last four Prime Minister’s questions have focused on the Iran war, fuel duty, North sea oil and gas, and the defence review. Of the 24 responses given by the Prime Minister to the Leader of the Opposition, 23 have ignored the question and changed the subject. Yesterday, Mr Speaker, we even saw the Prime Minister hectoring you in your Chair, on live television, just for doing your job. That is a shameful record, for which the Prime Minister should write to you—and therefore by implication to this House—and apologise. This behaviour is contemptuous—of you, Mr Speaker, of the Leader of the Opposition, and of all MPs, now and in years gone by.
Our job, however imperfectly we may do it, is to pursue the truth on behalf of those we represent. If we give that up, then heaven help us. It is the Prime Minister’s job to answer, and to hold himself accountable for those answers. No Prime Minister likes to do that, but those are the rules. If the Prime Minister does not like the rules, does not want to offer honest answers, or is not up to it, he should step back and let someone else do the job instead. I thank you, Mr Speaker, on behalf of all of us for maintaining the traditions of this House. I have three questions for the Leader of the House today, and I ask him first if he shares my view that the Prime Minister’s behaviour is wholly inappropriate and disrespectful of this House.
This is just part of a wider problem to do with accountability and disrespect for Parliament. My noble Friend Lord Gilbert’s parliamentary question of 16 March asked the Government about authorised Budget briefings to the media. Lord Livermore replied on the Government’s behalf:
“Consistent with these principles, there are occasions where the Government will trail and/or announce policy ahead of a Budget to provide context and help the public understand major fiscal events.”
This is nonsense. The rules are perfectly clear: major events must be announced first to this House. To do otherwise is a breach of the rules of this House, a flagrant violation of the ministerial code and contempt of Parliament. Previous Governments, as we all know, have done this on occasion, since 1997 at least, and previous Chancellors of the Exchequer have been fired for inadvertent briefings to the media before a Budget, but never before has it been a Government’s declared policy to ignore Parliament.
The deeper constitutional point is, of course, that in our representative system of government, the people are Parliament, and Parliament is the people. Nothing good can come of an attempt to undermine the British constitution by this means. I ask the Leader of the House, secondly, to comment on this, and to set out what he will do to get this policy of non-announcement of major measures withdrawn and revoked.
Finally, Lord Robertson spoke of the “corrosive complacency” of current political leadership, and of putting our country at risk. He said,
“We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget.”
No one has more experience and expertise on defence across the whole of Parliament, in both Chambers. This man, the noble Lord Robertson, was a political activist for Labour since 1961. Just think. He is the last person one could imagine wanting to offer public criticism of a Labour Prime Minister, let alone in these terms—a man Labour to his boots, but a patriot first.
It is impossible to blame previous Governments for this. This Government and this Prime Minister created the defence review and the defence investment plan—no one else. It is their choice and their decision. It matters because in every constituency across the country there are companies wanting to know what the Government have decided. They are waiting for leadership. They need to know the numbers and the commitment, and, of course, our adversaries need to know that we are serious in our resolve, and they need to see the measure of that seriousness. My great fear—perhaps it is also Lord Robertson’s great fear—is that the Government will never publish this document, or they will do so in a completely insubstantial and lightweight way, and that 10 months of delay will end in nothing, and it will all have been a colossal waste of time and energy. The Prime Minister has been utterly hopeless on this. He told the Liaison Committee weeks ago that the document was on his desk, yet nothing has happened. I leave it to colleagues to judge the truth of his remarks.
I ask the Leader of the House, thirdly, if he will give this House a cast-iron guarantee on behalf of the Government that the defence investment plan will be published, and not simply shelved and forgotten. The one-year anniversary is in July.
Sir Alan Campbell
First, my thoughts are with our servicemen and women currently serving in the middle east. As the as the situation unfolds, our highest priority is to ensure the safety of our people in the region. My thoughts are also with those affected by the terrible attempted attack on the Finchley Reform synagogue. I am sure that the House will join me in thanking the police and emergency services for their swift action.
This week has seen the 37th anniversary of the disaster at Hillsborough. My thoughts are with the family and friends of those who died. As the Prime Minister reaffirmed yesterday, the Government are committed to delivering legislation and introducing a duty of candour across all public services.
I also want to pay tribute to Lord Jeremy Beecham. Lord Beecham was an incredibly influential and dedicated politician who was respected across the political divide. His dedication to the city of Newcastle changed the city into what it is today. I know that the whole House will join me in sending condolences to his family and friends.
During recess, we published our plan to halve knife crime. At the core of that plan is prevention, providing safe spaces in communities and supporting schools and families to address root causes. That means giving an alternative path to young people, which will literally save lives.
We have also announced our intention to invest £237 million to expand community diagnostic centres across England. Four CDCs will open, 17 will be expanded and 15 will receive enhancements to boost diagnostic capacity and get patients seen quicker. That means patients will be able to get swifter results, which is really important, and get them closer to home, which again is important. This week, over 500 new free breakfast clubs also began to open their doors, helping parents with the cost of living and giving children a healthy start to the day.
I turn now to the remarks of the shadow Leader of the House. If I may, I will deal broadly with his first two questions together. He referred first to the way in which the Prime Minister addressed the questions put to him yesterday, and secondly announcements made outside the House and whether the House should be the first to hear. The right hon. Gentleman has been here a very, very long time—[Interruption.] Well, a long time—let me put it that way. Not as long as me, but a long time. Frankly, we have both been here long enough to know better than to ask the questions he did. I know why he did so, and I understand exactly what the point is at the heart of it, but all Prime Ministers deal with Prime Minister’s questions in their own way. It is not unusual for any Prime Minister or any Minister not to give the answer that the Opposition want on a particular day, so let us not kid ourselves that we are entering a new chapter on that.
The shadow Leader of the House talked about announcements to the House. He actually said that the previous Government “on occasion” made announcements outside the House. On occasion? I think it was on occasion that they actually made the announcements in the House.
But there is a serious point, which I will address. I am absolutely clear, and I have said from the Dispatch Box before, that serious announcements should be made at the earliest convenience in the House. But we understand that politics is done in a different environment from how it was done a decade or two decades before: to some extent, it is a moving environment, and Government is working in that environment, too. However, I do take the shadow Leader of the House’s point, and I have said that announcements should be made in the House at the earliest opportunity.
Let me turn to the comments of Lord Robertson. The Prime Minister made his and the Government’s view clear on that. The shadow Leader of the House asked about the defence plan. It will be delivered, and the House will have an opportunity to debate the plan. I do accept that perhaps it has taken longer than any of us would have wished; let me give the House three reasons why that is so. The first is that we inherited a defence budget that was totally out of control and which had been mismanaged for the past 14 years. It had been, in the words of a previous Defence Secretary, hollowed out—and that was not a previous Labour Defence Secretary but a previous Conservative Defence Secretary. That is the first reason why it takes time to put this right and turn it around.
The second reason, and I think the shadow Leader of the House knows this because he is a distinguished member of the Defence Committee, is that we inherited an economic mess. If we are going to put defence right, we have to have the money to do that. Again, the right hon. Gentleman understands that, because he has all but admitted in this place that he is a secret Keynesian at heart. [Interruption.] He has admitted to it. Don’t worry; he has owned up to it. The point is that he understands, as do most people, that our economic inheritance was absolutely appalling, and we have to get that right too before we can press ahead with our commitments to properly fund defence.
The third point that is relevant here is that the botched Brexit deal left us diplomatically isolated, and the Prime Minister has personally invested a great deal of his time and energy to build alliances with our allies, not least in Europe. Those alliances are important as we look at the question of defence in a moving international situation and of where defence will be as we move forward. I cannot accept the analysis or the suggestion by the Leader of the Opposition that somehow, at the election, it was day zero and nothing that happened before that has any impact on the way in which this Government are forced to face up to those difficult decisions. We will publish the plan and there will be an opportunity to debate it.
Let me finish on this: I understand the shadow Leader of the House’s point about companies, and obviously there needs to be some certainty. However, let me just rid him of the suggestion that everyone is waiting for announcements and nothing is happening. Contracts are being issued all the time, and more than 80% of contracts in the last two years have gone to British companies, which is in stark contrast to the performance of the previous Government.
Kim Johnson (Liverpool Riverside) (Lab)
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon is urging his followers to behave ahead of the “Unite the Kingdom” march on 16 May. The Met police have allowed the fascists the freedom to march in central London. By contrast, the organisers of the annual Nakba march, who provided the Met with details last December, are still waiting to have their route approved. The previous “Unite the Kingdom” march erupted in unacceptable levels of violence, unlike the hugely popular and peaceful anti-genocide marches. The treatment of the two groups by the Met is stark and biased. Will the Leader of the House find the time for a debate on the alarming rise of far-right activity on our streets?
Sir Alan Campbell
I know that my hon. Friend is a keen campaigner on these matters. I am sure that the Met police will have heard her comments. Where there is the threat of a demonstration turning to violence or disorder, the Met police have a responsibility to take that very seriously indeed, even if it takes a while to agree how, or indeed whether, that march will take place. It does not matter which part of the political spectrum it comes from; what matters is security on our streets, and we trust the Met police to get on with that.
Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
I start by wishing my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Bobby Dean) all the best for his parental leave. Sadly, and particularly for his wife, I have no news to update the House with, but I hope to be able to do so in due course.
I draw the House’s attention to the devastating civil war in Sudan, which sadly entered its fourth year yesterday. This is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with over 29 million Sudanese facing acute food insecurity. Earlier in the parliamentary Session, the Prime Minister said in response to a question on Sudan from the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, my right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Ed Davey), that he does
“not think we discuss it enough in this House.”—[Official Report, 30 October 2024; Vol. 755, c. 806.]
Will the Leader of the House act in the spirit of those words and ask the Foreign Secretary to give a statement on the conflict next week and include an update to the House on her discussions at this week’s Berlin conference?
We continue to reel from the news emerging from the Oval Office. I must confess that I did not have the President of the United States labelling the Pope as “weak on crime” on my 2026 bingo card, but given recent events, perhaps I should have done. His latest AI image released last night of him embracing Jesus Christ reminded me of the immortal words of Brenda from Bristol in April 2017: “Not another one!” In all seriousness, Trump’s chaos is having real impacts here in the UK and in my own constituency of North East Fife. His reckless war in the middle east is hitting families up and down the country in the pocket and at the fuel pumps. Will the Leader of the House schedule a debate in Government time on the economic impact of Trump’s war and include a consideration of Liberal Democrat proposals for a 10p fuel duty cut? Other countries are providing that certainty on fuel duty now. Is it not time that the Government did likewise?
Sir Alan Campbell
I join the hon. Member in wishing the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Bobby Dean) well, and we await news with bated breath—at least he might get the nursery finished by the time of the arrival.
The hon. Member makes a serious point about the Sudan civil war. The Government are doing everything we can, not just to help to address the humanitarian situation, but to try to get an end to that war. We have committed £146 million in aid to Sudan and have sanctioned Rapid Support Forces commanders. We are doing everything we can, but I join her in hoping that the conflict ends soon. We are not shy in updating the House on this matter and will continue to do so. I will draw her remarks to the attention of the Foreign Secretary.
I will not comment on the President of the United States’ comments and the effect they are having, because I think we can see that play out not just in the hon. Member’s constituency but elsewhere. The real answer from the Government is that we are absolutely focused on doing everything we can in the national interest to see if we can ensure the ceasefire continues, but also to bring an end to the conflict. She is right to point out that the economic situation is very serious, too—possibly the most serious energy crisis in the last half century. The economic impact may well be beginning to be felt and may continue for some time. Again, there are lots of suggestions about what we might do. The Government are absolutely focused on this. We will not rush to judgment about action that we need to take now—we have already taken some targeted measures, not least on heating oil—but we are absolutely focused on that, and I reassure the House that we will continue to do so.
We are looking at all of that, and I am sure that, again, because we are not shy of doing so, when the opportunity arises, there will be an opportunity for further statements on these matters. I hope the House can come together not just to ensure that we have a firm view going forward in the international situation, but on how we can combat the economic issues that I am afraid are likely to continue for some time.
Gareth Snell (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab/Co-op)
On 28 April, it will be Staffordshire Day across the Houses of Parliament. There will be a marketplace in the Jubilee Room from 12 pm till 2 pm, and there will be Staffordshire oatcakes in the Tea Room for breakfast. Could I, through a question to the Leader of the House, invite the whole House to come and sample some of the delicacies of what I think is the greatest county—after Lancashire, of course, Mr Speaker—in the country? On a serious note, would he consider holding a debate in Government time on the importance of county identities? Given local government reorganisation, county identities are important, as is how we bolster them as we look to the future with our new councils.
Sir Alan Campbell
It is a tempting offer, and I encourage the House to support my hon. Friend’s efforts to demonstrate what a fantastic part of the country he represents. I share his view about counties and county days—they are, indeed, important. I cannot offer him Government time to do this, but if he seeks an application for a Backbench Business or Westminster Hall debate, I am sure that people who represent counties right across the country will come and share his view about the importance of county identities.
Mr Speaker
And they will fly the flag for Staffordshire. I call Bob Blackman, Chair of the Backbench Business Committee.
Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)
Bring back Middlesex, I say.
On behalf of the Backbench Business Committee, I remind the Leader of the House that we await the promised motion to change the Standing Orders for the election of the Backbench Business Committee for the new Session.
In addition to the business announced by the Leader of the House, next Thursday in the Chamber there will be Select Committee statements from the Environmental Audit Committee and the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee. Turning to the business in Westminster Hall. on Tuesday 21 April there will be a debate on the need for an independent national review body overseeing wheelchair provision. On Thursday 23 April there will be a debate on access to education and training for young adult carers, followed by a debate on gambling advertising. On Tuesday 28 April there will be a debate on Government support for park home owners.
I managed to get a private Member’s Bill through this place, which became the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023. We are still awaiting the implementation of that Act, which means that vulnerable people are being exploited by rogue landlords. I understand that the Department has completed the consultation on the regulations to implement the Act, but it is likely that we will not see it implemented until 2027. Could the Leader of the House arrange for a statement in this place next week on what exactly the Government are doing to implement the Act, which has cross-party support? If there is no statement, Mr Speaker, may I urge you to allow me an Adjournment debate on the subject?
Sir Alan Campbell
That is quite a bid, Mr Speaker— I have not heard that one before. I thank the hon. Gentleman for his work and the work of the Committee and for updating us on the business.
The hon. Gentleman mentioned the Standing Orders. As he knows, we are bringing forward a number of Standing Orders relating to the work of his Committee. I made a commitment that we would do that before the end of this Session, and we are committed to sticking with that. I cannot tell him the exact day, but I am committed to doing that, so that is what we will do.
I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on the way in which he got his private Member’s Bill through this place, because it was quite an achievement. I am sorry to hear that the Act has not yet had the anticipated effect. I know that he remains an assiduous campaigner on these matters—I think he has met Ministers and continues to press them. I cannot guarantee him Government time, so I hope that you will listen carefully to his plea, Mr Speaker, and then he can hear directly from the relevant Minister about what the plan is. In the meantime, I will take it up with the Minister because, as the hon. Gentleman points out, his concern is shared by Members across the House.
Shaun Davies (Telford) (Lab)
This week, Telford experienced a major fuel tanker fire near a primary school in Newdale, which affected many children, families and staff. I thank Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service for its swift action, together with other blue light services. In particular, I thank Rachel Cook, the headteacher of Newdale primary school, I thank the children for their fast action, and I thank the community for the way in which it rallied around those children to get them away from danger, including PureGym, the Grazing Cow public house, Lawley village academy, Lawley nursery and Morrisons. Can we have a debate in Government time on the importance of community resilience, and will the Leader of the House join me in thanking everybody for supporting that community effort to ensure that those children were safe?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to bring this matter to the House, and I join him in congratulating and thanking everyone who supported the response to the fire and ensured the safety of the local community, including Miss Cook and all the others he mentioned. The contribution of emergency first responders has been raised with me on a number of occasions, and I encourage my hon. Friend to apply for a Westminster Hall debate, where I am sure others will join him, so that he can raise these matters in greater detail.
Alison Griffiths (Bognor Regis and Littlehampton) (Con)
In Wick in my constituency, over 1,000 local residents have raised with me their concerns about unfair and confusing parking charges, which are deterring shoppers and damaging local businesses. May we have a statement from the Secretary of State on the delay to the revised private parking code of practice?
Sir Alan Campbell
This is a frustrating issue for a lot of people, not least in my constituency, and it is a bit of a moving target for legislation. I will draw it to the attention of the Secretary of State and see where we can get.
Kirsteen Sullivan (Bathgate and Linlithgow) (Lab/Co-op)
Last month I attended a celebration to mark the 40th anniversary of the reopening of Bathgate railway station in 1986, as part of efforts to regenerate the local economy. More than 80 passenger trains now travel through Bathgate railway station every day between Edinburgh and Glasgow, playing an important role in supporting connectivity and economic growth. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating all those who campaigned for the reopening of the station, and commend the volunteers, including Bathgate community council, which brought people together to celebrate the occasion?
Sir Alan Campbell
I absolutely join my hon. Friend in congratulating Bathgate railway station, its staff and the volunteers who helped to bring the celebration together. I particularly mention volunteers because they play such an important role in our local communities. It is vital that communities have access to joined-up transport systems. The Government have recently announced the “Better Connected” strategy for England, so we are on the side of the people she is talking about.
Sir Roger Gale (Herne Bay and Sandwich) (Con)
Many Members of the House, possibly including you, Mr Speaker, will have received communications from retired civil servants who are facing personal and financial distress as a result of the failure of Capita—the company handling the pensions—to deliver properly. Will the Leader of the House be good enough to write to the Cabinet Secretary and ask her to get a grip and sort out this mess, and seek to ensure that Capita receives no further Government contracts of any kind until this matter is fully, finally and satisfactorily resolved?
Sir Alan Campbell
As has been said on a number of occasions in Business questions and beyond, the Government are absolutely of the view that such delays are unacceptable. This is not the service that people deserve, and resolving it is a matter of the utmost urgency. An urgent recovery plan is under way, and loans are available in the meantime to provide immediate financial support where it is needed. As the right hon. Gentleman reasonably requests, I will write to the Cabinet Secretary and make her aware of the situation, and get an update for him.
Samantha Niblett (South Derbyshire) (Lab)
I recently met an incredible woman, Rachel Liew, a constituent of mine who joins us today in the Gallery. Following the devastating loss of her five-year-old son Sam in 2021, she has channelled unimaginable grief into extraordinary action. Sam’s death was due to FIRES—febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome. That is a rare condition within NORSE—new onset refractory status epilepticus—which can suddenly strike previously healthy children and remains poorly understood. Through her charity, Sam’s Superheroes, Rachel supports families, raises awareness and funds vital research. Will the Leader of the House help to secure a meeting with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to discuss increasing funding, improving research co-ordination and strengthening clinical support for families facing this catastrophic condition?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend raises a very serious matter, and I join her in thanking Rachel for her dedication to this issue following her tragic loss, and for the work of Sam’s Superheroes. I join my hon. Friend in awe, as I simply do not know how parents cope with the loss of a child, let alone then to go on and campaign—it is remarkable what some people are able to do. Through the UK rare diseases framework, the Government remain committed to improving the lives of people with rare diseases, including conditions such as FIRES, and I commit to helping my hon. Friend arrange that meeting with the Secretary of State so that they can discuss the matter in detail.
Lisa Smart (Hazel Grove) (LD)
Next week sees the funeral of my constituent Bob Humphrey-Taylor. Bob was a pillar of our community, and the driving force behind so many projects across Mellor and Marple, especially those with links to our industrial heritage. He was often dressed as the 18th-century industrialist Samuel Oldknow, and he was the owner of the most remarkable moustache I have ever seen out in the wild. He was a champion of our campaign to seek world heritage site status for our canals, our famous lock flight, and England’s highest aqueduct. May we have a debate in Government time, setting us up for the next round of world heritage site applications? That would be a fitting legacy for Bob and all those who have done so much in my community to celebrate our industrial heritage.
Sir Alan Campbell
I join the hon. Lady in paying tribute to Mr Humphrey-Taylor and everyone involved in the work that she talked about. These people are the backbone of our community and we rightly celebrate our industrial heritage, which is so important. I will write to the Secretary of State and find out what the plan is going forward, and I will ensure that the hon. Lady is updated.
Neil Coyle (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) (Lab)
Hundreds of constituents on Acanthus Drive, Abercorn Way and Achilles Close face eviction threats, rent hikes and pressure to sign weaker tenancy agreements from their landlord Freshview and the freeholder BMR St James. Thankfully, they have the support of Andy Bates, in my south Bermondsey team, our Labour council, Southwark Law Centre and myself, but will the Government provide time to debate penalising rogue landlords and practices such as this, especially given the new rights for renters coming from our Government in May?
Sir Alan Campbell
I thank my hon. Friend for his work in this regard. We celebrate the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which is the biggest reform to renting in a generation, but we realise that there is still more that can be done. The Government stand firmly on the side of renters and I will ensure that the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has heard my hon. Friend’s concerns. I will certainly give consideration to his request for a debate at some point in the future, but I also point out that excellent work has been done not only by him but by Southwark council, which I hope residents appreciate.
Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con)
Chapter 4, paragraph 23 of the North Tyneside local plan, which covers an area that includes the Leader of the House’s constituency, talks about protecting the green belt. As there is green-belt land in the north of his constituency, I am sure that he shares my concerns about over-development, which is referred to in that chapter, so will he join me in supporting my constituents in Albrighton in Shropshire, where a speculative development for 800 houses on green-belt land was recently thrown out by Shropshire council but is now going to appeal? Is it not the case that my constituents, like his and those of many Members of the House, are not against housing? They are just against housing on the green belt. Housing has to be built in the right place and at the right scale, but unfortunately this Government seem more concerned about sitting on a bulldozer and bulldozing through Shropshire’s green belt than getting that housing balance right?
Sir Alan Campbell
I do not always disagree with the right hon. Gentleman, but I disagree with his analysis of where we have got to with this matter. I agree that there should be a voice for residents, but there should also be rights and responsibilities for local authorities, who walk a difficult line. We need to protect our environment wherever we can but, as he recognises, we walk a difficult line because our residents need more houses. Housing is a good thing in driving the economy, provided that the protections in place are available to protect the areas he talks about. I understand that can be frustrating for residents, including, as he points out, my own constituents. At the same time, they realise that there is a housing shortage in our country and that housing is at a premium in many areas, so frankly we need to get on with it and build some new houses.
Leigh Ingham (Stafford) (Lab)
Mr Speaker, I know that you, like me, are incredibly passionate about youth services. My constituents are very concerned that under the previous Conservative-led local authority, Staffordshire faced the third worst youth service cuts in the country. While I welcome the new Government report, the national youth strategy and the £500 million being invested in youth services, the first wave of those hubs announced is concentrated on cities. Will the Leader of the House guarantee a debate in Government time on youth services in towns, which have been so decimated under Conservative-led authorities?
Sir Alan Campbell
As my hon. Friend will have heard, her remarks were well received by Members on the Labour Benches, because there is an acceptance that youth services are vital for the future of young people. The reality is that there was no youth strategy when we came into office, but we now have one that has been drawn up by young people. We are doing everything we can to tackle what has effectively been the closure of more than 1,000 youth centres under the previous Government. I will raise the matter with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and ensure that my hon. Friend gets a response.
May I also put on the record my thanks to my hon. Friend for her brilliant work as my Parliamentary Private Secretary? I understand her motivation and her reason for not wanting to continue—I hope it was nothing I said—but I put on the record my sincere thanks. She was absolutely fantastic.
Gideon Amos (Taunton and Wellington) (LD)
Anyone who attended the national emergency briefing on 27 November, as I did, could not help being captivated by the international expertise on show about the effects of the climate and nature crisis on everything from food security and national security to all other aspects of British life. Is it not time that the Prime Minister responded to the cross-party call for a nationally televised national emergency briefing? Will the Leader of the House arrange for a statement to be made by the Prime Minister in this House to accept the need for the public to really understand and hear about the genuine effects of the climate and nature crisis?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Gentleman mentions food security and the climate crisis, and he will know that the effects of the current instability in the international situation have brought these issues into starker focus. I will give consideration to what he says, but the Prime Minister is absolutely focused on matters such as food security, because we understand that this is a particularly turbulent time. He is entirely focused on ensuring that we are resilient and emerge from the current situation not by getting back to some kind of normality, but by being in a much stronger position than we have when coming out of previous crises.
Phil Brickell (Bolton West) (Lab)
There are almost 26,000 unpaid carers in Bolton, providing vital support to individuals across the borough who would otherwise struggle to manage. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking the hard-working staff and volunteers at the local charity Bolton Carers Support? They include Melanie and Georgette, who provide much-needed support to carers and who I met in Horwich earlier in the month. Will he also acknowledge the vital work done by unpaid carers to support my constituents across Bolton, Blackrod, Horwich and Westhoughton?
Sir Alan Campbell
This Government recognise the vital role of unpaid carers and are absolutely committed to ensuring that they have the support they need, not least through increasing the weekly carer’s allowance limit. I absolutely join my hon. Friend in thanking Georgette, Melanie and all the hard-working staff and volunteers at Bolton Carers Support and across the country.
Sarah Bool (South Northamptonshire) (Con)
It has just been announced that the last NHS dentist provision in Towcester in my constituency will be withdrawn on 1 August 2026. That represents a significant loss, especially in a rapidly expanding town, with no other NHS dentistry provision around for miles. I have written to the integrated care board, but I am also writing to Health Ministers to ask for a meeting and to ask what other NHS services are available. I would be grateful if the Leader of the House could see that the Department pays due attention to that letter.
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Lady raises issues that have affected a number of constituencies across the country, not least my own. This Government are doing everything we can to ensure that there is provision and access to services, not least through dental hubs. She has done the right thing in writing to a Minister, and I will follow that up by raising it with them.
Laura Kyrke-Smith (Aylesbury) (Lab)
I welcome the Government’s decision to introduce a cap on student loan interest rates for plan 2 borrowers. That is an important step towards easing the financial burden on graduates, but my constituents continue to raise with me how unfair the system is, with significant financial pressure from the repayment terms and thresholds that have continued to increase despite the rising costs. Will the Leader of the House ensure that time is made for further debate on student loan reform so that we can consider further action to ensure that the system is fair?
Sir Alan Campbell
We have taken action to improve the system that we inherited and to try to make it fairer for students, graduates and taxpayers. Interest on plan 2 and plan 3 student loans will be capped at 6% from this September until August 2027. In the long term, we are looking for ways to improve the system and make it fairer, particularly for students and graduates from low-income backgrounds. The Treasury Committee is looking into this matter, and I will certainly give consideration to my hon. Friend’s plea to ensure that it is debated when that report comes out.
Tessa Munt (Wells and Mendip Hills) (LD)
The residents of Cheddar suffer the weekend misery of thoughtless, antisocial drivers who come from across the country to meet in Cheddar Gorge. Not all the drivers are careless, but I have been contacted by well over 100 residents, many of whom fear for their lives as a result of often dangerous driving when drivers leave or come into the village. Can the Leader of the House ask Ministers—perhaps the Ministers for policing, transport and local government, and anyone else who might be able to do something—to consider how their agencies might work together to enable the various authorities to bring peace to the residents of this village? It is a beautiful place, but it is ruined by dangerous driving most weekends.
Sir Alan Campbell
I am sorry to hear about the experiences of residents in the hon. Lady’s constituency. The Government have brought forward a road safety strategy, but as she points out, this is more than just a question of road safety; it is about policing too, so I will draw it to the attention of the relevant Ministers and see if there is a way forward.
Sally Jameson (Doncaster Central) (Lab/Co-op)
My constituent Lisa Theobald suffered the unimaginable loss of her son Ryan, who was killed at just 20 years old when he was stabbed in Doncaster city centre one evening in January 2022. Lisa has shown extraordinary courage in the face of this grief and has channelled her energies into being a campaigner for stronger action on knife crime. Does the Leader of the House agree that more needs to be done to make sure our communities have the ability to deal with these kinds of emergencies, and will he meet me to talk about making time for a debate on the idea of introducing bleed kits to night-time venues, so that those places and their staff are better equipped to deal with those initial moments when somebody is stabbed, and potentially save lives?
Sir Alan Campbell
I am sorry to hear of what happened to Ryan—no family should have to go through that. My hon. Friend raises an important matter; the Government have just announced a knife crime strategy, and I will bring to the attention of the relevant Minister my hon. Friend’s comments about bleed kits, because they have an important role to play. First aid can save lives in these situations, so I will make sure that the relevant Minister hears her concerns.
Matt Vickers (Stockton West) (Con)
Yesterday, we learned that 600 jobs could be lost across the North Tees and South Tees NHS trusts, including nurses and clinical staff. This is devastating news for hard-working NHS staff and for residents worried about local services. Will the Leader of the House allow a debate on these job losses, and will he join me in urging the NHS to ensure that the staff affected are properly supported?
Sir Alan Campbell
Where there are job losses, if they are inevitable, it is important that staff are supported. This is a local matter, and I am sure that if the hon. Gentleman seeks an Adjournment debate, he will get a response directly from a Minister.
Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney) (Lab)
Last week, I visited our youth hub in Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, and heard at first hand some fantastic success stories of young people being supported into work through this Labour Government’s prioritisation. Can we have a ministerial statement on the work of these hubs and how they will integrate with the new youth jobs grant to help even more young people into jobs?
Sir Alan Campbell
Given the legacy that we inherited—the number of people not in employment, education or training—access to work is a big priority for this Government, and through the Milburn review we are looking at what further steps we can take. Should my hon. Friend seek a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss how this can be done in a joined-up way, I will certainly support him in trying to get that meeting.
Susan Murray (Mid Dunbartonshire) (LD)
I want to continue to highlight the importance of local railways—an issue that has already been raised by the hon. Member for Bathgate and Linlithgow (Kirsteen Sullivan). This year is the 200th anniversary of Scotland’s first modern railway, the Monkland and Kirkintilloch line. It opened in 1826, just months after Stockton and Darlington became the first passenger railway in the world to use steam trains, and it is the first railway in Scotland to be authorised by Act of Parliament to use steam trains for both passengers and goods. The community in my constituency is celebrating with exhibitions, talks and a guided walk in Whitegates Park, which is named after the level crossing where the line approached the Forth and Clyde canal, delivering Monkland coal to barges destined for Edinburgh. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating Don Martin, an eminent local historian who has researched and championed the heritage of the line for decades, and will he consider coming north—
Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)
Order. The hon. Lady has been here long enough to know that questions cannot be that long.
Sir Alan Campbell
I certainly congratulate everyone involved in the commemoration of the Monkland railway. It is, from the hon. Lady’s account, one of the oldest lines, and I know how important such lines are from knowledge of my region, where the first railways were developed—similarly to hers—for work on the coalfield. I congratulate everybody involved in that railway, and I hope that their celebrations are successful.
Navendu Mishra (Stockport) (Lab)
Following 14 years of severe austerity under the coalition Government and Conservative Governments, this Labour Government allocated a record £7.3 billion in December to English councils to fix potholes and improve roads. Sadly, Liberal Democrat-run Stockport council has a self-imposed policy of not filling potholes under 40 mm, meaning that some of the roads in my constituency are in truly shocking condition. I am running a survey on my website on this issue, and an overwhelming majority of residents have raised Edgeley as a concern. Many of my constituents feel that there is a challenging disparity between the road conditions in more affluent areas and those in my constituency. I thank Mike Naylor, the Labour candidate in Edgeley, for his work on that. May we have a debate in Government time on how councils such as Stockport can better use the increased funding?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is right to point to our record investment in local highways maintenance over the next four years and the £7.3 billion to tackle the scourge of potholes. I am astonished to hear that his Lib Dem council is not prepared to use that money. I encourage residents to take part in his survey to see the extent of the issue. When they get the opportunity, I am sure that his residents will make their voices heard at the ballot box.
Mr Andrew Snowden (Fylde) (Con)
Over the past 12 months or so, a lot of residents and businesses across Fylde and Wyre have reported significant delays to, and times of entire absence of, Royal Mail deliveries to their properties and businesses, with some lucky to get post once a week, or twice a week at best. I have experienced that myself. With local government elections on the horizon, will the Leader of the House provide a statement or some reassurance on the work being done among the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Royal Mail and local councils to ensure that people’s access to democracy through their postal votes is not diminished?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Gentleman will know, because he is an assiduous attender at these sessions, that the shortcomings of Royal Mail have been raised on a number of occasions. He refers specifically to the forthcoming local elections, and I can reassure him that the defending democracy taskforce has this issue clearly in its sights. As far as is possible, the taskforce gives reassurance that this is a priority in the run-up to the local elections.
Jen Craft (Thurrock) (Lab)
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of attending a mixed rugby tournament at Thurrock rugby club, hosted by the Acers mixed rugby team and in which my daughter took part. The absolute joy and chaos of the event cannot be overstated, but it was a pure pleasure to be part of it. Opportunities for disabled children to take part in sport are unfortunately few and far between and are generally down to the likes of fantastic individuals such as Leah Knight, who runs Acers, or the indomitable Ally Gavin, who runs SouthSEND rugby. Will the Leader of the House allow time for a debate on the importance of sporting opportunities for disabled children and young people, so that they can truly grasp how joyous it is to be part of occasions like that one in January?
Sir Alan Campbell
The Government are clear that access to sport is important for young people, irrespective of their circumstances and their disability. I thank Thurrock rugby club and the people mentioned by my hon. Friend for their efforts in this regard. I think this topic would be ideal for an Adjournment debate, where my hon. Friend could give further weight to the case that she is making.
Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD)
A constituent recently contacted me to say that she is concerned that her son, who is a member of the armed forces, is finding it impossible to get a driving test. The well-documented concerns about delays are compounded by the fact that he is posted abroad, his timing is difficult to anticipate, and military personnel have been redeployed to support civilian instructors and testers. Can we have a statement, perhaps from either the Secretary of State for Defence or the Secretary of State for Transport, to clarify how we are going to get through the impasse that has been created?
Sir Alan Campbell
It is important that military personnel have access to driving tests, and the hon. Lady is right: the action the Government have taken means that resources are spread slightly thinner than they might otherwise be. We need to make sure that there are no delays due to administrative issues. If my memory serves me correctly, there is a Backbench Business debate next week about the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. The hon. Lady might want to raise her concerns and bring in the defence side that she has talked about.
Catherine Atkinson (Derby North) (Lab)
Many thousands of children in Derby will be lifted out of poverty by this Labour Government through the changes that came in earlier this month, but there is no complacency in a city that has some of the highest salaries outside London yet a high number of children living in poverty too. That is why the Tale of 2 Cities charity has been set up. It is working with businesses to create an improved life chances fund for around 500 children in our community nurseries—children who will be eligible for free school meals once they start school. Will the Leader of the House allow time for a debate on the next steps in tackling child poverty, so that all children have the chance to thrive?
Sir Alan Campbell
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this matter and for championing the work of Tale of 2 Cities. Local charities are the golden thread that runs through our communities, and they do a fantastic job. The Government are keen to support them, not least because we are taking action on child poverty, scrapping the two-child limit and focusing on the cost of living. I encourage my hon. Friend to apply for a Westminster Hall debate, so that she can ask the Minister who responds what the next steps in the Government’s plan are.
Charlie Dewhirst (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con)
I am sure the Leader of the House will share my delight at the news of two new dental contracts, worth £6 million, in Bridlington, which will double NHS dental provision in the town. However, the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. I am extremely frustrated by the news that the local NHS trust has announced the proposed closure of the care unit at Bridlington hospital this summer. Will he join me in thanking the 1,200 residents who have already signed my petition against the closure, and can we have a debate in Government time on the provision of health services in coastal communities?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Gentleman will know that I am very keen— not least because I have a coastal constituency—to ensure that coastal communities get the support that they need. The reality is that the Government are putting a great deal more resource into the NHS. There are still difficult decisions to be made, and I encourage people to make their voices heard. I am sure that as the NHS deliberates on the best way forward for his hospital, those voices will be heard.
Adam Jogee (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Lab)
Queen Elizabeth II was and still is held in the highest esteem by the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire, and next Tuesday is the 100th anniversary of her birth. Will the Leader of the House join me in paying tribute to Her late Majesty’s long life of service to our United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and will he encourage all colleagues to sign early-day motion 3129, which I have tabled to mark that milestone?
[That this House notes, with affection and respect, the 100th anniversary, on 21 April 2026 of the birth of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; reflects on the sense of loss that people throughout the United Kingdom, the realms, territories and Commonwealth still feel following Her late Majesty’s death on 8 September 2022; expresses its grateful thanks for Her late Majesty’s long life of service and her reign of 70 years and 214 days, unparalleled in history; remembers a monarch driven by purpose, commitment, love of country and an unmatched dedication to the Commonwealth; recognises the many visits, meetings and receptions, over seven decades, through which the people of this country were able to meet Her late Majesty, and she them, in communities right across the UK and the world; acknowledges that this milestone in history will be a very personal day of reflection, love and remembrance for His Majesty the King and his family as they remember a mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and great-grandmother; and gives thanks for Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s long life of service and the example she set to all of us and sings with one voice, God Save the King.]
Sir Alan Campbell
I certainly join my hon. Friend in saying that Her late Majesty was a remarkable individual, not simply because of the time that she gave to public service but because of the way that she conducted herself, and I think she would be immensely proud of the way in which the current sovereign is working. It is the 100th anniversary of her birth, as my hon. Friend says, and I think it appropriate that we pay tribute to her and mark the occasion in some way. I encourage colleagues to sign his early-day motion.
Vikki Slade (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD)
A report by the charity MYTIME Young Carers, which is based in Broadstone but works across the country, found that young carers are twice as likely as their classmates to be persistently absent and, shockingly, more than twice as likely to face school suspensions. Young carers are now included in the school census, but 69% of schools do not have a young carers champion. Given the opportunity presented by the upcoming schools Bill, which is expected in the next Session, can we have a debate in Government time on how we support young carers in the classroom through the creation of young carers champions in every secondary school?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Lady will know that the Government are keen to ensure that schools have the resources they need to tackle the issues their children face. I do understand the difficulty of young people who are carers in ensuring they can fully commit to school life. She is right, and there is a Bill going through Parliament currently, but I will raise the issue she mentions with the relevant Minister, because I think she has an important point.
Mr Jonathan Brash (Hartlepool) (Lab)
Public service is about dedication, resilience and delivering for those who need it most, and as she prepares to retire next week, Denise McGuckin, the chief executive of Hartlepool borough council, has exemplified those qualities throughout an outstanding career. It has been my privilege to work with Denise for two decades, during which time she has shown unwavering commitment to the people of Hartlepool. From starting as a recycling officer 30 years ago to leading the council through the pandemic, securing over £160 million of investment, delivering outstanding children’s services and bringing the tall ships back to our town, her calm, compassionate and decisive leadership has left a lasting legacy. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking Denise for her remarkable service to the people of Hartlepool, and in wishing her a long and happy retirement?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is right to pay tribute to Denise McGuckin. Civil servants work tirelessly to serve our local communities, and they are the very foundations of local government. Chief executives have a tremendously important role to play in leadership, so I join him in wishing Denise a well-deserved retirement after years of dedicated service.
Martin Vickers (Brigg and Immingham) (Con)
Last Friday, along with the leader of North Lincolnshire council, I visited the carers support centre in Brigg, and met the staff and volunteers who do such an excellent job. I also heard from individual carers about the challenges they face, one of which, incidentally, is the complexity of the Government forms they have to complete for various benefits. Could the Leader of the House find time for a debate to explore how we can better support carers up and down the country?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Gentleman is right to draw attention to the importance of the role played not only by carers, but by carers support centres in what are often very challenging situations. I would be interested to receive his feedback from the meeting, and I will ensure we get it to Ministers, so that we can build on the commitment we have given to support carers in every way possible.
Liz Twist (Blaydon and Consett) (Lab)
Consett is full of great community-focused organisations. Recently, I met those at Shadows of Light CIC, which offers dog-assisted therapy for care homes, young people, those at risk of suicide and veterans. I met them at the Foundation For Good, another charity in Consett, which focuses on wellbeing and support across the community. Can we have a debate in Government time on the vital role that social enterprises and charities play in strengthening and building our communities?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to champion community-based organisations, not least those in the fine town of Consett, of which I am a son and very grateful for that. Social enterprises and charities provide essential support to the most vulnerable, and they are the golden thread that tie our communities together. I am delighted to hear of the work of the Foundation For Good and others. I encourage my hon. Friend to apply for a Westminster Hall debate or, indeed, an Adjournment debate, so she can highlight the good work being done not just in Consett, but in other areas.
Clive Jones (Wokingham) (LD)
In February, it was announced in the national cancer plan that a rare cancers clinical lead and a rare cancers research lead would be appointed, but no time frame was given for these appointments. These new positions are key to progressing outcomes for people with rare cancers, who have been left out of previous cancer plans. Can the Leader of the House make time for a Health Minister to update the House on progress with these appointments?
Sir Alan Campbell
I do not know where we are with the appointments, but I will certainly take that up with a Minister and find out, and I will let the hon. Gentleman know.
Helena Dollimore (Hastings and Rye) (Lab/Co-op)
We have a pothole epidemic in Hastings, Rye and the villages, and that is why the Government gave East Sussex county council a record £21 million to tackle it—more money than ever before. So, I was absolutely furious when I uncovered figures that showed that it actually planned to spend £18 million in the same year, £3 million less, on filling potholes—absolutely shocking. The drivers and residents I represent are fed up with this Conservative council dodging its responsibilities and wasting our taxpayers’ money, such as £5 million overspent on the shambolic Queensway Gateway project. Does the Leader of the House agree with me that there are now no more excuses, and that East Sussex county council must crack on and fill the potholes?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is right to highlight the action taken by the Government to ensure that councils have the necessary resources to tackle potholes, so it is inexplicable that the performance of Conservative-run councils such as East Sussex on potholes, which has been raised with me on a number of occasions, is falling below the standards we would expect. If they get the resources, they should spend the resources. I hope that residents are making their voices very clear on these matters.
Sir Ashley Fox (Bridgwater) (Con)
My constituency has two railway stations, one in Highbridge and one in Bridgwater. Sadly, neither station is accessible. There is no step-free access to enable wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments to move easily from one platform to another. To do so at both stations involves travelling a circuitous route, leaving the station and crossing a busy road. Will the Leader of the House grant a debate in Government time on improving accessibility across our rail network?
Sir Alan Campbell
I understand the hon. Gentleman’s frustration if there are railways stations and a railway service that some people are unable to access. The Government have announced an investment of £303 million over four years, via Access for All. I will get him an update from the relevant Minister on what that means for his constituency.
Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op)
Does my right hon. Friend share my profound disappointment that the Conservative party selected a candidate for the local elections in Harrow who thinks that British-born Asian MPs such as the former Prime Minister and the current Home Secretary are not British, should go back to Pakistan, supports discrimination against Romanians, and thinks there should be mass deportations? May we have a statement on what more can be done to tackle online hatred and curb racism more generally in our politics?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend raises a very concerning matter. We stand for unity, not division. Racism or any other form of discrimination has absolutely no place in our society. There is a real political choice at these local elections. Pride in Britain and our communities up and down the country stand united against those who would exploit division for their own ends. Where political parties are aware of this situation, they should have the courage to stand up to individuals and they should, even at this late stage in the process of local elections, distance themselves from them.
Mr Will Forster (Woking) (LD)
A wife of a civil servant in my constituency gave up work to look after her husband when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. She found herself in severe financial difficulties after significant delays in the processing of her husband’s civil service pension. He sadly died last year and she only started receiving support a couple of weeks ago. As this is not an isolated case, will the Leader of the House please guarantee a debate in Government time, so that MPs can scrutinise the mess that is civil service pensions?
Sir Alan Campbell
I am genuinely very sorry to hear of the constituency case the hon. Gentleman raises. If he will let me have details—I know it has been resolved to some extent—I will make the Minister aware of them. We are busy trying to get on and resolve the situation, but I am sure that when the time is appropriate we will want to return to this issue, debate what has happened and learn lessons from it.
Baggy Shanker (Derby South) (Lab/Co-op)
Last month it was brilliant to see Derby, the home of rail, host the Community Rail Network awards, recognising the fantastic work people do on behalf of their communities and the railways, and welcoming over 600 people to our city. I saw that dedication at first hand when I went litter picking with volunteers at Peartree station. Will the Leader of the House join me in commending not only the work of those hard-working volunteers in Derby, but the invaluable contribution that volunteers make across the country?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is right to champion the work of Community Rail Network and the dedication of its volunteers. As I said earlier, community groups and volunteers are the golden thread that tie our communities together. I absolutely thank the people he is talking about in Derby, and indeed those in other parts of our country.
Jim Shannon
I wish to raise concerns regarding the detention of Roy Silva, a British citizen who has reportedly been held in Sri Lanka after attending a discussion at a local Roman Catholic church where he spoke about his Christian faith. Since the end of January, he has been held in atrocious conditions, mostly in a room with 200 other prisoners and more recently in a room of 25 prisoners. Mr Silva, who lives in Chingford with his family, had travelled to Sri Lanka to attend his sister’s funeral. Will the Leader of the House ask the Foreign Secretary to set out what steps have been taken to secure his immediate release and safe return to the UK, and what representations have been made to the Sri Lankan authorities regarding his detention?
Sir Alan Campbell
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising such a serious and concerning case. As he knows, the UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all, and I can assure him that we are treating this case with the seriousness that it deserves. I will ensure that he gets a response from the Foreign Secretary that sets out the actions we are taking.
Dr Lauren Sullivan (Gravesham) (Lab)
This Saturday, the streets of Gravesend will be filled with vibrancy and colour with the Vaisakhi celebration and religious procession through the town. British Sikhs, the cornerstone of whose faith is selfless service, have made such a positive contribution to Gravesham and across the UK. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating all involved in this celebration and grant a debate in Government time about the contribution of British Sikhs, as well as the needed and promised inquiry into the 1984 storming of the Golden Temple in Amritsar?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to recognise the vital contribution of British Sikhs in our communities, which has been raised regularly in these sessions. They are such an important part of the diversity and strength of our communities. I think this would be a great topic for a Backbench Business or Adjournment debate; there are Sikh communities across our country, and I am sure that other Members would also like to praise the work being done in communities in their patch.
Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)
Academics in York, a human rights city, drew my attention to the Government consultation, “Family Returns: Reforming Asylum Support and Enforcing Family Returns”, which seeks to extend the use of constraints, including physical restraint, to children. This is extremely chilling. The consultation is ongoing but closes soon. Will the Leader of the House speak to the Home Secretary about withdrawing these extreme measures, as academics have highlighted how physical restraint traumatises children?
Sir Alan Campbell
As my hon. Friend says, the Home Office is consulting on people’s views of changes more widely. I can reassure her that no decision has been made and that children’s welfare and safeguarding duties remain central to this process, as does our compliance with our domestic and international obligations. Any concerns raised by hon. Members will be considered in the consultation, but I will also ensure that the Home Secretary hears my hon. Friend’s concerns.
Euan Stainbank (Falkirk) (Lab)
Following a decision last year to outsource care provision at Tygetshaugh Court in Dunipace, the community, residents and families have campaigned to highlight the significant stress and uncertainty it has caused. Following their persistent efforts, the ombudsman found serious operational failures in the consultation process, options appraisal and information given to decision makers, and compelled health and social care partnership officers to apologise to Tygetshaugh Court residents last week. Will the Leader of the House join me in commending the Denny and Dunipace community for their tireless campaigning alongside the residents?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is a tireless advocate for his constituents on a range of issues, and I join him in commending the work of those who have campaigned on this important issue. I understand that his local Labour councillors have been at the forefront of that. As I have said on many occasions, we have delivered Scotland’s biggest devolution settlement since devolution. I hope that the SNP has heard my hon. Friend’s contribution today and will take note, because his constituents deserve better than the serious failures that he has raised.
David Williams (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab)
On the doorsteps of Mow Cop, Harriseahead and Newchapel, residents tell me time and again that they are fed up with Reform-led Staffordshire county council ignoring their very real concerns about vehicles speeding through their beautiful villages and putting lives at risk. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on road safety and how we can assure that communities like ours are properly heard when decisions are being taken—or, indeed, not?
Sir Alan Campbell
This is not the first time that hon. Members have raised concerns about Reform-led Staffordshire county council, which has clearly overpromised and underdelivered. These business question sessions have made it clear to me that Reform is failing in local government and is seeking—perhaps as an excuse—to divide our local communities. We have published our road safety strategy, but I encourage my hon. Friend to seek a Westminster Hall debate on that particular topic, because his concerns are shared by a number of colleagues, not least on the Labour Benches.
Ms Polly Billington (East Thanet) (Lab)
My right hon. Friend will be aware that, in a couple of weeks’ time, Sir David Attenborough will celebrate his 100th birthday. [Hon. Members: “Hear, hear!”] I am sure that my right hon. Friend shares my admiration for this national treasure and living legend, who has for decades brought the wonder of the natural world into our homes. Will the Government and Parliament consider how we might celebrate that moment as a nation, perhaps by instituting a David Attenborough day for us all to celebrate the natural world and the man who has enabled us to understand it better than we ever could have done without him?
Sir Alan Campbell
Sir David has done wonders in introducing us to, and captivating us with, the natural world. As my hon. Friend will know, we celebrate Earth Day next week, which will also be a great opportunity to better understand our environment and perhaps to appreciate Sir David’s work. I am sure that many Members and communities would welcome the opportunity to celebrate his impressive 100 years and to highlight his many achievements, so I will give my hon. Friend’s suggestion some thought.
Paul Waugh (Rochdale) (Lab/Co-op)
Council tax arrears can be devastating for people’s finances and mental health, so I warmly welcome the Government’s changes to the debt collection rules today, which mean that people will not be tipped further into poverty by a single missed payment. In Rochdale and wider Greater Manchester, Jo Barker-Marsh and other anti-poverty campaigners have been exposing how the use of bailiffs in cases of genuine hardship is not just cruel and counterproductive, but a waste of public money. Might we have a debate in Government time to highlight the scandal of aggressive council tax debt collection, and will my right hon. Friend join me in praising the work of Jo, Debt Justice and, of course, Martin Lewis?
Sir Alan Campbell
I join my hon. Friend is welcoming the change. As he rightly points out, it will help to protect vulnerable people in our communities. I join him in thanking Jo, Debt Justice and, indeed, Martin Lewis for their work. I encourage my hon. Friend to apply for an Adjournment debate on the topic so that he can give further consideration to, and hear from Ministers on, those important points.
Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow West) (Lab)
My constituent recently applied to renew his passport. As requested, he returned his old passport to His Majesty’s Passport Office. He then received two consecutive messages advising him that he had sent the wrong passport—he had not. Subsequently, he received from HMPO a package purporting to contain his old passport, but it contained instead a passport belonging to another individual. He is concerned about where his old passport is, and about a potential data breach given that he now has access to another individual’s name, address, date of birth and travel information from the past 10 years. Does the Leader of the House share my constituent’s concerns and mine, and will he raise them with the appropriate Minister?
Sir Alan Campbell
That really is a catalogue of errors. I understand how concerned my hon. Friend’s constituent will be. If my hon. Friend provides me with the details, I will raise the matter with the appropriate Minister.
David Burton-Sampson (Southend West and Leigh) (Lab)
Under the former Conservative leader of Southend city council, who is now the leader of the Reform group, £4 million was budgeted for road and pothole resurfacing works, even though highways engineers had estimated that £6 million was needed just to keep them in the poor condition they were in. I am therefore delighted that the now Labour-led council has increased that funding to £13 million over the past two years, with the help of the Government’s pothole fund, and has put in a full programme of resurfacing works. Does the Leader of the House agree that the council team should be congratulated on getting Southend’s roads and pavements back on track?
Sir Alan Campbell
I certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating Labour-led Southend city council on its exceptional work in turning that situation around. We are providing £7.3 billion over the next four years for councils to fix potholes, and I am glad that Labour councils are using that money to improve their communities—unlike, as he points out, some Tory and Reform councils.
Douglas McAllister (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab)
The whole House will have cheered on Rory McIlroy’s historic back-to-back Masters victory at the weekend. However, when 60 courses have closed across the country over the last five years, and when courses such as Dalmuir in my West Dunbartonshire constituency remain open only because of a community-led takeover, can the Leader of the House find time for a debate on the future of golf in this country, so that we can ensure that the courses, clubs and community facilities that will inspire and create the next generation of British champions are still there to do so?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is a champion for the great sport of golf, and I commend him for that. We are investing £400 million in grassroots sports facilities in communities across the UK to support the champions of tomorrow. I encourage him to apply for a Westminster Hall or Backbench Business debate, so that hon. Members across the House can raise their voices in support of community sport as he has, but also hear about the excellent work that the Government are undertaking.