(1 day, 20 hours ago)
Commons ChamberRead Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
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 16 November will include:
Monday 16 November—Second Reading of the Visitor Levy (England) Bill.
Tuesday 17 November—Remaining stages of the Immigration and Asylum Bill.
Wednesday 18 November—Opposition day (sixth allotted day). Debate on a motion in the name of the official Opposition, subject to be announced.
Thursday 19 November—General debate on International Men’s Day, followed by a general debate on the emerging risks of advanced AI. The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee.
Friday 20 November—The House will not be sitting.
The provisional business for the week commencing 23 November includes:
Monday 23 November—Second Reading of the Finance Bill.
Tuesday 24 November—Consideration of Lords amendments to the Armed Forces Bill, followed by consideration of Lords amendments to the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill.
Wednesday 25 November—Opposition day (seventh allotted day). Debate on a motion in the name of the official Opposition, subject to be announced.
Thursday 26 November—General debate on inequalities in cancer care, followed by a general debate on lifelong sex education. The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee.
Friday 27 November—Private Members’ Bills.
Jesse Norman
In this week of remembrance, we as Members of Parliament, both individually and as a House, solemnly pledge to honour those who have served and sacrificed life and limb for their country, but that pledge carries obligations beyond remembrance itself. Soldiers sent into danger under lawful orders, in life-threatening circumstances, are owed a continuing duty of care by us as their representatives and by the British state. No one is above the law, but justice also requires fairness and protection against repeated oppressive investigations decades after the events concerned.
Some 503 British Army soldiers were killed during the troubles in Northern Ireland, alongside 509 other defence and security personnel. Now the Government’s Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will expose elderly Northern Ireland veterans to the threat of precisely these repeated oppressive investigations, even where their conduct has already been examined. The safeguards proposed in the Bill do not go remotely far enough to address these concerns, so I ask MPs across the House, as they reaffirm once again their Remembrance Day pledge this week, to consider whether the Bill genuinely honours the obligations that that pledge lays upon them.
To go briefly from the sublime to the ridiculous, on Tuesday the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority migrated my office in Hereford to a new broadband provider—Onecom. My brilliant constituency team of three have worked with me for a combined 47 years all told. They could run a small European country—in some cases at least as effectively as the present Governments. They were not consulted at all about this decision or its implementation. We were given no choice and no agency in the matter. Two days later, my team are still unable to connect to the internet. They have no idea when the internet connection will be in place, and some of them are having to take days off in lieu because they cannot work from the office. The chair and chief executive of IPSA can take these remarks as a formal complaint by me and put in place action this day to address the problem, but could the Leader of the House also ask why IPSA feels the need to control my office connectivity in Hereford from London, and will he ask it to do its job so that we can do ours?
Finally, the Government promised that rail nationalisation would transform our railways for the better. South Western Railway, c2c, Greater Anglia and West Midlands Railway trains are all now under public ownership, but what has actually happened since then? The share of passenger trains arriving at their final destination within five minutes of the scheduled time has fallen rapidly since nationalisation—Greater Anglia from 93% to 90%; c2c from 92% to 84%; West Midlands Railway from 83% to 81%; and South Western Railway from 86% to 80%. All that in less than two years. Rather than better railways, passengers have had more delays, cancellations and uncertainty, while the bill to taxpayers goes up with every delay repayment made.
In Hereford, my brilliant campaigning constituent Cameroon Wood, who uses a wheelchair, has been highlighting the unequal treatment of passengers with disabilities on the railways for years. He is full of praise for the efforts made by West Midlands Railways, but there has been nothing like the improvements to access, signage or enforcement needed—above all for him to get to his beloved Aston Villa matches, but more generally as well. Can the Leader of the House explain why these services are deteriorating, what nationalisation is actually achieving that is worthwhile, and when passengers—able-bodied and with disabilities—can expect the improvements that they have been promised? If not, will he arrange an urgent statement from the Transport Secretary so that she can do so?
Sir Alan Campbell
Let me first of all mention the recent shooting in Krakow. This was an horrific act, and I am sure that the thoughts of the whole House are with the families of those who lost their lives, the injured and everyone affected by this senseless violence.
Remembrance Sunday is our opportunity to remember and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of all those who defended our freedoms and protect our way of life. Can I thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, Mr Speaker and all the House staff for the events to mark remembrance across Parliament this year?
In that vein, I pay tribute to Matthew “Matt” MacKinnon-Pattison, who died on Thursday 5 November, aged 102. He was the last known surviving world war two veteran of the British Special Air Service and one of hundreds of thousands of allied soldiers who fought the Germans in Italy in the spring of 1944. I am sure that the whole House will join me in sending condolences to his friends and family.
Turning to the issue of veterans support, I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that we have a continuing obligation to servicemen and women. That is part of the reason the Prime Minister wrote to councils across England yesterday to urge them to draw up plans to offer accommodation for veterans sleeping rough ahead of this festive period. The Government are committed to tackling homelessness for good, and people who stepped forward and were prepared to put their lives on the line should never lack a roof over their head.
On other issues of public service, I pay tribute to the leader of Great Yarmouth’s Labour group, Trevor Wainwright, who has died aged 76. Trevor first became a borough councillor in 2002 and later led the council from 2012 to 2015. He gave a long and distinguished service, and I am sure that the whole House will join me in sending our deepest condolences.
Yesterday, the Modernisation Committee launched an inquiry into private Members’ Bills. They are an excellent opportunity for MPs to raise awareness of issues of importance to them and their constituents, and sometimes they change the law. I encourage all interested Members to engage with the inquiry. On wider matters, figures this morning show that the UK economy is growing at the fastest rate in almost 10 years outside the pandemic. Despite a year when events around the world have pushed up costs here at home, our economy is growing, bringing hope for the future. We keep a focus on the things that matter to people most: bringing down bills, creating good jobs and helping businesses to grow.
Let me turn to the comments of the shadow Leader of the House. Before I do so, may I congratulate him on the opening of his play “The Winding Stair”, which is playing to sold-out theatres? We look forward to it coming to the west end—
Sir Alan Campbell
Or, indeed, to the House of Commons. We wish the right hon. Gentleman every success. Of course, he is not the only author in the shadow Cabinet. The shadow Chancellor co-authored the Liz Truss Budget, which did so much damage to the economy. I know that the shadow Chancellor does not like me mentioning that, so I will not say any more.
I turn to the specific points raised by the right hon. Gentleman. He has every right to return to the Northern Ireland legacy, having made those points before with great sincerity. The reality is that the previous Government’s approach was rejected by British courts and left our veterans with no real protection. I agree that we owe a great debt to veterans who served and sacrificed to secure peace in Northern Ireland. We strengthened the Bill with a whole package of amendments to provide lasting protection for the armed forces, including protection from repeated investigations. The Royal British Legion has welcomed the amendments that we brought forward to address the concerns that he raises.
I am sure that IPSA will have heard the right hon. Gentleman’s remarks. We all owe a great debt to our constituency teams, who do a fantastic job, so I am sure IPSA will want to provide an answer to his questions.
On his final point about the reliability of railways, one of the most reliable in recent times has been London North Eastern Railway, which has been under Government control for quite some time. The hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (John Lamont) refers to other railways. Why do we need to bring them under public control? The answer is a botched privatisation. I am sure that many on the Conservative Benches will accept that it was a botched privatisation. As we bring more companies under Government control, it will take time. On reliability, I look forward to GWR coming under Government control in the near future, as I am sure the right hon. Gentleman does. The issues that he raises on behalf of his constituent, which he is perfectly entitled to do, are real concerns. By getting the railways on to a better footing, I am sure that we can begin to repair some of the damage that privatisation has caused.
Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney) (Lab)
This Labour Government have strongly supported miners’ pensions. Indeed, at the Budget, the Chancellor guaranteed that future miners’ pension scheme funds would go to them. I also welcome his commitment to finish the job by releasing their remaining funds in weeks not months. Can we please have an update from the Chancellor on his discussions with the pension trustees this week and on how that commitment can be delivered?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is a doughty champion for mineworkers both in his constituency and across the country, and I thank him for that. I am sure the Chancellor will want to ensure that the House remains updated on this issue, but I will ensure that my hon. Friend gets a response from the relevant Treasury Minister so that he can get an update for his constituents.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson—congratulations on your promotion.
Mr Lee Dillon (Newbury) (LD)
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I associate the Liberal Democrats with the Leader of the House’s remarks about the attack in Poland and about our remembrance events? I look forward to settling into this new role and working with colleagues across the House, especially as we look to modernise.
On Tuesday, my hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne (Josh Babarinde) introduced a ten-minute rule Bill to update the census questions so that they better reflect how constituents see themselves. No one objected—no one—and the Bill has support from across the House, including from the right hon. Members for Tottenham (Mr Lammy) and for Braintree (Sir James Cleverly). Since then, however, the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Rupert Lowe), who was in the Chamber on Tuesday and who did not object, has tabled an early-day motion that would seek to undo this cross-party work if it was followed through.
The Liberal Democrats were pleased to hear at Prime Minister’s questions that the Prime Minister is open to a discussion and supportive of the principle, and I am grateful that his office is arranging a meeting with my hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne. People should be able to describe their own Englishness in their own words, not have it defined to them by those who want to divide us. Will the Leader of the House join me in backing that principle, and will he tell us what Government time can be found so that the Bill can make progress?
While talking about Englishness, given that Harry Kane will become the record cap holder later today, does the Leader of the House agree that it is surely time for him to become Sir Harry Kane?
Sir Alan Campbell
I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his place. I look forward to working with him on a range of matters, not least modernisation of this place. I want to put on the record my thanks to his predecessor, the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Bobby Dean), and wish him well in his new role.
Let me deal with the last point first. If Harry Kane has reached that point and it is felt that he should be recognised in that way, I am sure the usual channels—not in this place but elsewhere—will consider that for the future.
I turn to the main point about the ten-minute rule Bill, which has been introduced. As the Prime Minister said yesterday,
“We must move on from a decade of division”
and
“bring people back together”.—[Official Report, 11 November 2026; Vol. 793, c. 165.]
We will work in a cross-party way with the hon. Member for Eastbourne. With regard to the early-day motion, of course, not everyone shares that ambition for our country. The hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Rupert Lowe) is perfectly entitled to put down an early-day motion and put his side of this issue, if that is what he seeks to do. I do not think there is anything disorderly about that in any way, shape or form, but I have to say that people outside will judge him for that.
As for what will happen with the Bill, it would not be fair for the Government to give priority to this Bill because that would be unfair to other Bills in the process. We will have to see how it goes in the future, but what I would point out to the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr Dillon) is that this is an important beginning to a process. Sometimes these issues take quite a while to get there, but the Government are prepared, as he has said, to work as far as we can with the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Josh Babarinde) on these matters.
Adam Thompson (Erewash) (Lab)
Eddie Bisknell is our Derbyshire local democracy reporter, and while he always gives me my fair share of robust scrutiny, I deeply value his enormous contribution to our community. You can imagine our horror then, Madam Deputy Speaker, when the Reform Derbyshire county council recently announced a refusal to engage with Eddie. While I understand that its engagement ban has now lifted after a large national backlash, will the Leader of the House join me in condemning Reform’s press bans and make time for a debate on press freedom in the local democracy reporting service?
Sir Alan Campbell
I want to put on record our recognition of the important contribution that local democracy reporters make in holding councils to account. The reality is that Reform UK in Derbyshire was running scared of basic scrutiny, and that tells us everything we need to know about its fitness—or rather, lack of fitness—for public office. The Government take these matters seriously, and my hon. Friend may wish to raise his concerns in the debate on the Nolan principles later today.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
I call the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee.
Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)
I thank Mr Speaker for hosting a Diwali event in Speaker’s House last night.
In addition to the business that the Leader of the House has announced, on Thursday 19 November there will be a statement from the Education Committee on its report, and on Thursday 26 November there will be a statement from the Transport Committee on its report. Given that the second debate on 19 November is on the emerging risks of advanced AI and was squeezed out on a previous occasion, would the Leader of the House consider giving that debate some form of protected time, to ensure that the large number of Members who want to speak are able to do so?
In addition, the business in Westminster Hall is as follows. On 17 November, there will be a debate on the performance of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. On Thursday 19 November, there will be a debate on support in the NHS for patients with learning disabilities, followed by a debate on inequalities in access to therapy for disabled children. On Tuesday 24 November, there will be a debate on the role of an MP, and on Thursday 26 November there will be a debate on access to stroke services in remote areas, followed by a debate on Islamophobia Awareness Month. On Tuesday 1 December, there will be a debate on nursing staff.
I gently remind the Leader of the House that we are still one down on the Backbench Business Committee. That is very important, because a number of colleagues are away from the estate on parliamentary business next week, and the quorum for our meetings is very tight.
Madam Deputy Speaker, you will know that executions of political prisoners in Iran are frequent. Indeed, Iran is the centre of executions of people who just want to stand up for their human rights. Later this evening, I shall be presenting the Magnitsky award for outstanding human rights activist to Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani. He has been in prison in Iran for six years for his part in the protests of 2019. He is on death row for the simple reason that he is a political protester. Can we have a statement to this House from a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister on what the Government will do to call out not only this potential execution but all the other potential executions of prisoners in Iran?
Sir Alan Campbell
On the matter of the business for 19 November, I will certainly look at how best to protect the time. That includes whether we need statements at the start of the day, but as the hon. Gentleman knows, it is a balance between keeping the House informed of important matters and ensuring there is sufficient time. I will also think about protected time, but as I have said to him before, having protected time is not the panacea we sometimes think it is, because it can lead to false assumptions about what can be allowed at the beginning of the day, and it does not always help.
As for the Labour Member on the Backbench Business Committee, I put my hands up and apologise sincerely to the hon. Gentleman. He knows that I take these matters seriously, and I apologise that we have not been able to fill that space, but discussions are ongoing, and we hope to be able to appoint a member soon.
On human rights in Iran, I know the hon. Gentleman takes these matters extremely seriously. There is abhorrence at the surge in executions of political prisoners in Iran. The Government oppose the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle. Iran’s consistently high rate of executions is a deliberate attempt to instil fear and stifle dissent. He is right to stand up against that, and the Government stand up against that. I will raise his specific concern with the FCDO and get him a response.
Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth) (Lab)
Does the Leader of the House agree that this House should find time to celebrate people who perform kind actions in the name of animal welfare? That includes people like Donna Dickie from Clackmannan, who found a neglected dog, Roxy, who was suffering with a tumour on her side, as well as being seriously underweight. Because of Donna’s intervention, Roxy is now in good health and living her best life. She is even the star of a 2027 calendar, with the proceeds going towards saving the lives of shelter dogs in Romania.
Sir Alan Campbell
Absolutely, and we should do that not only because Donna has done an important thing, and but because, as we all know from our postbags, there is a great deal of care and sympathy for matters of animal welfare among our constituents. I thank Donna for what she has done, and I am delighted that Roxy is making a recovery and raising funds for an important cause at the same time.
Rishi Sunak (Richmond and Northallerton) (Con)
I recently convened a meeting of North Yorkshire council, the mayor’s office and TransPennine Express, to discuss the shortage of car parking at Northallerton train station. I have written to relevant Ministers, because there is some confusion about the combined authority using the local transport grant to fund the proposed solution. Does the Leader of the House agree with me about the importance of parking at a key train station serving a large rural area? Will he join me in encouraging all parties to work constructively together to find a solution for our local community?
Sir Alan Campbell
Indeed I will, and I thank the right hon. Gentleman for all his work on this important matter, because it is important to his constituents. I am aware that he has written to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Transport, and my office will be willing and happy to follow that up and ensure a resolution about the funding. I encourage everyone to work together to bring about the solution that he seeks.
Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)
Dudley will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Dudley winter ales fayre. I thank the Campaign for Real Ale in Dudley and South Staffordshire, which is celebrating 50 years, and its chairman, John Corser, for all the fantastic work they do to celebrate real ale. Will my right hon. Friend join me in raising a glass to all the volunteers and breweries, and will he agree to a debate on that?
Sir Alan Campbell
I join my hon. Friend in commending the work of John Corser, and all members of Dudley and South Staffordshire CAMRA. It sounds like a fantastic event, and I thank all volunteers up and down the country who are involved—as I have said before, volunteers are the golden thread that runs through our communities. I encourage my hon. Friend to look to secure a Westminster Hall debate on these matters, so that she can hear from a Minister directly about what help we are giving to support local breweries.
Sarah Bool (South Northamptonshire) (Con)
Saturday 14 November is World Diabetes Day, and it is estimated that around 6 million people in the UK live with diabetes. The theme this year is early diagnosis and risk reduction, and I encourage Ministers to consider my ten-minute rule Bill, the Type 1 Diabetes Screening (Children) Bill, about an early screening programme for children. Will the Leader of the House join me in helping to raise awareness among our constituents about the signs of diabetes, particularly type-1 diabetes, which are the four Ts—thirst, tiredness, thin and toilet—so we can ensure that people get the lifesaving treatment they need when they are first diagnosed?
Sir Alan Campbell
I absolutely join the hon. Lady in giving attention to World Diabetes Day and the important work done by Diabetes UK. I have had a personal family interest in these matters for some years, and I know the importance of early diagnosis and the effect that diabetes can have if it is not diagnosed and treated properly. I will certainly look at the hon. Lady’s ten-minute rule Bill and draw it to the attention of the relevant Minister, and I thank her for raising that matter.
Neil Coyle (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) (Lab)
Our Government rightly abolished no-fault evictions, but the St James estate in Bermondsey is probably the last in the country to receive section 21 orders, and its rogue landlord, BMR St James, is trying to evict almost 30 families before Christmas. Those families have sadly been let down by Southwark council, which failed to deliver promised legal support, and a Green/Lib Dem coalition cabinet member has broken his commitment even to meet the people affected. Will the Government provide time to debate further penalties to tackle dodgy landlords such as BMR, and examine how councils are implementing, or failing to use, new powers to fine landlords who break rules and harass tenants?
Sir Alan Campbell
I hope that Southwark council will meet all the people affected by the concerning issues raised by my hon. Friend. As he points out, the Government have passed the Renters’ Rights Act 2025: it is now in force, banning no fault evictions and improving the system for millions of private renters in England, with tough penalties for landlords who breach their duties. I know my hon. Friend will not let go on these matters, as he is an assiduous campaigner in his constituency, but I encourage him to apply for a debate on these matters so that we can understand what further support tenants need to tackle rogue landlords.
Dr Danny Chambers (Winchester) (LD)
Last month, the Health Secretary assured the House that corridor care was being measured, but this week an ITV investigation revealed that the real levels of corridor care are likely to be much higher than official figures suggest. The report included the story of an elderly cancer patient who was treated in a cupboard for about 48 hours. The issue is not just about privacy and dignity, but about patient safety, because corridor care means it is possible to miss conditions, such as sepsis. We cannot end the scandal that is corridor care unless we accurately measure how many people are receiving it. Will the Leader of the House arrange for the Health Secretary to give a statement about how we will accurately measure corridor care, so we can take steps to tackle it?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Gentleman takes these matters seriously, but I assure him that the Health Secretary takes these matters seriously too. I will arrange for an update from her and her team to address the important issues that he has raised. There are often individual cases that are indefensible, but it is important that the Government are committed to improving the general direction of travel.
Several hon. Members rose—
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
Order. I urge Back Benchers to keep their questions short.
Warinder Juss (Wolverhampton West) (Lab)
A constituent of mine relies on Ramipril to tackle his high blood pressure, but because of national shortages he is having to run between his local GP surgery and pharmacies in order to get his medication, while working full time, which is having a detrimental effect on his mental health. Will the Leader of the House ask the Department of Health and Social Care what is being done to improve supply chain resilience against shortages of vital and common drugs such as Ramipril, and to ensure that our constituents are properly supported when there are drug shortages?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend raises an important matter. Our 10-year health plan sets out how to improve access to healthcare for everyone, putting patients first but ensuring there is sustainable access to medicines. I will ensure the Department of Health and Social Care looks into the specific issue he raises and gives him an update.
Robbie Moore (Keighley and Ilkley) (Con)
Some £12 million of taxpayers’ money was allocated to Keighley to help build a new health hub in the centre of our town. That money was given to Keighley through the Keighley town fund nearly six years ago, with a top up of additional funds from the levelling-up fund three years ago. However, because of the sheer incompetence of the last Labour-run administration, the project was not progressed, and under the new Reform administration, the same lethargic approach has continued. Last week, we heard that the project may not go ahead at all due to time running out. Will the Leader of the House assist me in getting an urgent meeting with the relevant Ministers from the Department of Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, as one has already been requested, so that we can get to the bottom of this and ensure the health hub is not cancelled as a result of Bradford council’s ineptitude?
Sir Alan Campbell
The short answer is yes, I will. However, I caution the hon. Gentleman when he talks about money that was committed five or six years ago by the previous Government, because there may have been a commitment but there was rarely any money. The difference is that this Government are making commitments and we are funding them, although he raises an important point.
David Williams (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab)
Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy in Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove, and we have so many that we can be proud of. That is why I am asking residents to nominate their favourite shops, cafés, pubs and, being a Stokie MP, our oatcake shops, for my small business awards. Will the Leader of the House join me in encouraging residents across Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove to nominate their favourite local businesses for the awards?
Sir Alan Campbell
I welcome my hon. Friend’s initiative to celebrate local enterprise. Independent shops, cafés and pubs are the backbone of our local economies, and I am pleased to join him in encouraging people across Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove to nominate the local businesses that make a real difference to their neighbourhood.
Seamus Logan (Aberdeenshire North and Moray East) (SNP)
Earlier this week, The Guardian reported on extensive communications over several months between the former Health Minister, the hon. Member for Glasgow South West (Dr Ahmed), and the UK head of Palantir—I must advise you, Madam Deputy Speaker, that I informed the Member’s office that I would mention him. Information obtained from freedom of information requests reveals the extent of covert political lobbying conducted by Palantir and its bedfellows, some of whom are senior figures in the Labour party. The lobbying is designed to extend the reach of the federated data platform into primary care and to ensure that the brake clause available next year is not employed. Will the Leader of the House advise me on how we—I say “we” because I mean Members on both sides of the House—can obtain a debate on this subject, so that the full nature of the contract and this disreputable provider can be exposed?
Sir Alan Campbell
The contract for the NHS federated data platform was awarded through a competitive procurement process; the supplier contract will be reviewed in line with standard contract management processes, and the outcome will be announced in the normal way in due course. The hon. Gentleman has every right to raise these matters. If he wishes to hear from a Health Minister directly, I encourage him to seek an Adjournment debate.
Samantha Niblett (South Derbyshire) (Lab)
Plans for Drakelow 1 and 2 AI data centres, which are part of the midlands supercluster, far exceed the original proposals on the current site of Drakelow power station. They would encroach into countryside and— alongside solar, farm and battery storage—encircle the village of Walton-on-Trent. However, just up the road is the old Willington power station site, which has been redundant for decades and is crying out for its 227 acres to be redeveloped. My understanding is that the application will go in as a nationally significant infrastructure project, and so inevitably directly to the Secretary of State, effectively disabling any input from local people. Will the Leader of the House therefore help me to secure a meeting with the relevant Minister so I can raise my concerns?
Sir Alan Campbell
As I understand it, applications have not been submitted for Drakelow 1 and 2, and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the merits or otherwise of the prospective applications. The NSIP process does provide opportunities for local communities to make their views known, but as my hon. Friend asks, I will ask the relevant Minister to meet her.
John Glen (Salisbury) (Con)
The Leader of the House will be aware of the controversy around sodium valproate and the lack of clarity over what is going to happen following the Hughes report of February 2024. In an Adjournment debate just two weeks ago, the Minister for Public Health and Patient Safety, the right hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham (Dame Diana Johnson), said that a decision on financial redress has not been made. Will the Leader of the House urgently make time for a statement from a Health Minister on this important matter? I know from my experience of working on the infected blood compensation scheme that the longer these matters are delayed, the worse the cost and the distress caused will be.
Sir Alan Campbell
The right hon. Gentleman is right to warn of how these situations can progress and become worse over time, but he also knows that it is important that we get things right. I will take up the matter with the relevant Minister and see whether we can get not just the decision, but the update that the right hon. Gentleman seeks.
Leigh Ingham (Stafford) (Lab)
I was proud to nominate the frailty service at County hospital in Stafford for a national parliamentary award after seeing the outstanding work it is doing in helping older patients to get the right care at the right time and avoid unnecessary stays in hospital. The service has now been shortlisted as one of four nationally. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the team and—I am sure—recommending that it should win the award? Can we also have a debate on how the NHS could better recognise and replicate successful local innovation in the NHS?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is rightly proud of the achievements of County hospital, and I pay tribute to all the staff who contribute to the exemplary service in Stafford and to staff across our NHS. I wish the service well for the parliamentary pathfinder NHS innovation adoption awards, as I do the other services that are shortlisted. This would be a good topic for an Adjournment debate, which could demonstrate the unique successes of local NHS services.
Rupert Lowe (Great Yarmouth) (Restore Britain)
Earlier this week, a Reform politician in the Senedd, Joe Martin, was barred from speaking after raising fair concerns about projections showing that the white British population will become a minority by 2063. As the saying goes, in a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. Mass immigration, both legal and illegal, is fundamentally changing the demographic make-up of our country. Does the Leader of the House agree that the demographic change forced upon our population must be subject to genuine democratic debate and scrutiny, and will he make time in this House for a full debate?
Sir Alan Campbell
I have never seen the hon. Gentleman as a revolutionary, I have to say, but the points he makes about representation by elected officials are a matter for the Senedd. As he will know, there is a debate later on the Nolan principles, and he may wish to raise some points during that debate, if he catches your eye, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Jas Athwal (Ilford South) (Lab)
If booking a medical appointment requires the help of a son or granddaughter —assuming there is one—the system has failed. A 92-year-old constituent who is hard of hearing and speaks perfect English struggles to book GP appointments by phone, and he is sent away when he attempts to book at the surgery in person. That is not innovation, but digital exclusion. Technology should serve people, not determine who is entitled to dignity. Reasonable adjustments must always be an option. Will the Leader of the House help to ensure that the older generation, or those with disabilities, are not being left behind as healthcare access becomes increasingly digitalised?
Sir Alan Campbell
Digital healthcare should improve access to care, not create new barriers, but unfortunately, that is what we have in the example that my hon. Friend gives. I am sure there will be examples in other constituencies, too. The digital exclusion risk atlas helps to identify digital exclusion risks, while the inclusive digital healthcare framework supports services to address barriers such as accessibility, skills and confidence. I will draw his concerns specifically to the attention of Ministers.
Several hon. Members rose—
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
Order. Questions are far too long. I ask Members to cross out most of what they have written, and will the Leader of the House please be as sharp as he can?
Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills) (Con)
Ahead of Road Safety Week and this Sunday’s service of remembrance for road traffic victims, will the Leader of the House set aside time for a debate on road safety, including how technologies such as intervening intelligent speed assistance could help reduce repeat speeding offences and prevent more families from suffering the devastating loss of a loved one?
Sir Alan Campbell
The right hon. Lady will know that the Government introduced the road safety strategy and that we take these matters seriously. An Adjournment debate, should she seek one, would perhaps be a way to explore the important matters that she raises.
Dave Robertson (Lichfield) (Lab)
Tatenhill is a tiny village in the north of my constituency, but it has a big problem with road safety. Staffordshire county council has promised to install traffic-calming measures and even secured a developer payment in April 2022 under the Conservatives. The council committed to undertaking works within 12 months of that, but failed to do so. Since 2025, when Reform took over the council, it has continued to fail to do the works. There have been serious crashes in the village over the past year, including a car crashing into a house and another hitting multiple vehicles parked by the primary school. Does the Leader of the House agree that Staffordshire county council must stop dragging its heels, get its thumb out and get it done? Will he make time for a debate on the consequences for councils that fail to undertake work that they are legally committed to doing?
Sir Alan Campbell
I hope that the council has not just heard what my hon. Friend has said today, but takes the action that he seeks. I can assure the council that he is a doughty campaigner for his constituents and will not give up until it takes action.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
Reading the question super-fast does not make the question any shorter. Victoria Collins is no longer here, so I call Ben Maguire.
Ben Maguire (North Cornwall) (LD)
Cornwall continues to face a housing crisis, and my Airbnb Bill, which I am presenting later today, would require planning permission before a family home can be turned into a holiday let, in much the same way as planning is required to turn a house into a shop or another commercial business. Will the Leader of the House commit to a debate in Government time on reforming the change of use rules, so that councils in areas that have acute housing shortages, such as Cornwall, can finally regulate the housing sector to ensure that everyone has a safe place to live?
Sir Alan Campbell
No, I cannot commit to that, but I am sure the hon. Gentleman can follow up his Bill with a request for a debate where he can continue to campaign on those matters, because they are important for his area and elsewhere. I am sure the Government will want to do everything we can to help.
Michelle Scrogham (Barrow and Furness) (Lab)
The Leader of the House will know how proud I am of the Lionesses, particularly Georgia Stanway, who was born and raised in Barrow and Furness. This Government’s £220 million transformation fund has given us the opportunity to unlock Football Foundation match funding that could bring forward additional all-weather pitches, with one named for Georgia. Unfortunately, delays in Westmorland and Furness council could lead to us losing that match funding, with the deadline expiring on Sunday. Does the Leader of the House agree that the Lib Dem-run council should pull its finger out and get this delivered?
Sir Alan Campbell
I absolutely agree that we should take pride in the success of the Lionesses. The Government are committed to supporting access to grassroots sport, so I encourage my hon. Friend’s local authority to provide the funding that she refers to, ensuring that the pitches are built in Barrow so that the Lionesses of the future will have every opportunity to succeed.
Sir Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)
There was a good commitment in the Budget for the guest beer agreement to be placed in the pub code. That would be a massive boost for pubs in Skipton and Ripon, and across Britain, and for independent brewers. Will the Leader of the House use his massive authority within Government to push that through in the code as quickly as possible? Publicans across the country would welcome him with open arms at any time.
Sir Alan Campbell
I follow the right hon. Gentleman on his social media, which looks as if he is on a pub crawl from time to time, but I am sure that is for all the right reasons. I will do everything that I can to get the outcome that he seeks, despite my limited influence in these matters.
Mary Glindon (Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend) (Lab)
The global debt crisis is trapping low-income countries in a cycle of poverty. According to the World Bank, since 2022, private lenders have received over $141 billion more in debt servicing costs from developing economies than they have lent. As we look ahead to the UK’s presidency of the G20, will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the global debt crisis?
Sir Alan Campbell
The Foreign Secretary has called for a new deal on debt to support countries to repay over longer time horizons, and for refinancing with better rates to give developing countries precious fiscal space. I will ensure that the Foreign Secretary hears my hon. Friend’s words, and I am sure that this issue would make for a popular Westminster Hall debate.
Tom Gordon (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (LD)
In the Budget, the Chancellor announced a £100 energy rebate to help people with their winter fuel. One of my concerns comes off the back of a response to a written parliamentary question, in which a Minister said that the rebate would apply only to people who pay council tax. That means that people such as students, people who live in houses in multiple occupation or people getting a waiver on their council tax because they are terminally ill might have to go without the £100 energy support. Will the Leader of the House use his good offices to make sure that is not the case?
Sir Alan Campbell
I am grateful that the hon. Gentleman draws attention to one of the very popular measures in a very popular Budget, and I will take away what he has said. It is important that, when this money lands, the maximum number of people get the maximum amount of benefit.
Anna Gelderd (South East Cornwall) (Lab)
A historic American shipwreck off Tregonhawke beach in my constituency, the SS James Eagan Layne, has become a popular diving site and an important part of our local heritage. However, it continues to leak oil during severe storms, affecting a local surf school—a favourite of mine—and other maritime users. Temporary repairs have been carried out, but they have not provided a lasting solution. With responsibility for the wreck unclear, we risk being left in a cycle of pollution. Will the Leader of the House support me in working with the Department for Transport to establish responsibility, secure a permanent solution and explore whether our allies could contribute towards the cost? That would help to protect the seas and to safeguard local businesses and the local Ministry of Defence training facility without the UK taxpayer shouldering the full cost.
Sir Alan Campbell
As a coastal MP, I know how important local maritime heritage and the state of our seas are to our residents and to residents further afield. The Government take maritime pollution and the protection of local marine systems very seriously. I will ensure that Ministers in the Department for Transport are aware of my hon. Friend’s concerns; if she wants to have a meeting with them, I will help to arrange one.
John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con)
Over the last few years, dozens of people have tragically been killed on the A1 between Dunbar and Morpeth. More than 15,000 people have signed a petition, which has been presented to Downing Street, calling on the Government to take urgent safety measures on the road. Will the Leader of the House help to set up a meeting between a Transport Minister, myself and the action group to ensure that we can have a discussion about how we can make the road as safe as possible and save lives?
Chris Murray (Edinburgh East and Musselburgh) (Lab)
Last week, over 100 of my constituents received a letter saying that the building they were living in was going to be sold and that they would have to move in the new year—this being in winter in Scotland and during Edinburgh’s housing crisis. I understand that, following meetings with me and a big backlash from local residents, that move has been postponed, but people do not know for how long, or what their situation is. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate about protecting people and giving them assurance in their homes, and will he work with the Scottish Government, because, of course, housing policy is devolved in Scotland?
Sir Alan Campbell
We have legislated through the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 to protect renters in England, but as my hon. Friend says, housing is a devolved matter. I hope the Scottish Government will take action on his concerns; if not, I am sure he will continue to find ways to keep raising this issue until a resolution is found.
Clive Jones (Wokingham) (LD)
Schools across Wokingham are struggling to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities because funding is not keeping pace with rising demand. As budgets come under pressure, teaching assistants are often the first to go. I know the Leader of the House has been asked this many times before, but will he make time for a debate on properly funding SEND reform and support in schools?
Sir Alan Campbell
As the hon. Gentleman knows, the current system is widely regarded as having been broken, and the Government are committed to bringing forward legislation on these matters. When we do so, there will be ample opportunity for the hon. Gentleman to raise his specific concerns. On the wider issue, more money is going into schools, but I appreciate that in some cases, the budgets are pretty tight.
Euan Stainbank (Falkirk) (Lab)
My constituent Heather has been harassed for years, often by men shouting from passing cars, and grabbed three times while out running in her community. Heather is determined to see this disgusting and criminal behaviour ended through the adoption in Scotland of the Jog On campaign, which has enabled police, councils and communities in parts of England to tackle this issue. Will the Leader of the House arrange a meeting between the relevant Minister and Heather and the Jog On campaign, to discuss how we can end the harassment of women and girls in all public spaces?
Sir Alan Campbell
These are issues that the Government take very seriously, and I will do everything I can to arrange the meeting that my hon. Friend seeks.
Charlie Dewhirst (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con)
I am sure the Leader of the House shared my delight as Bridlington Town defeated Curzon Ashton on penalties in the first round of the FA trophy. This Saturday at 3 o’clock, they will welcome the mighty Macclesfield in the second round—a truly David versus Goliath clash. The good news, Madam Deputy Speaker, is that I have two tickets in my pocket, and I wonder whether the Leader of the House would like to make time on Saturday afternoon to join me at Brid Town and give himself a brief respite from watching Sunderland.
Sir Alan Campbell
I am looking around the Chamber to see whether my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Tim Roca) is present before I answer. I was delighted to see the hon. Gentleman’s team progress; unfortunately, my diary for the weekend is already somewhat full, but I will give thought to whether we can join forces at a future game—hopefully one in which his team continue to progress.
Kim Johnson (Liverpool Riverside) (Lab)
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in my constituency is one of only two tropical medicine institutions in the UK and the longest established, dating back to 1898. It now faces £24 million of cuts over the next three years and significant redundancies, due in part to the reduction of research funding. At a time when infectious diseases continue to have a global impact, those cuts risk lifesaving research and the loss of highly skilled jobs. Will the Leader of the House grant time to debate the impact that cuts to research funding have on world-class institutions such as LSTM?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend is right to champion Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the valuable research it does. We will shortly be commissioning an independent review to provide advice on how specialist research providers should be recognised within the Research England funding framework in order to make sure those providers’ contributions are reflected in future funding decisions, but I will ask Ministers to write to my hon. Friend with further details about the issues she raises.
Martin Vickers (Brigg and Immingham) (Con)
Earlier this week, I attended a drop-in session organised by Cardiac Risk in the Young to show my support for the introduction of a screening programme that could save the lives of the 12 young people who die each week with undiagnosed heart issues. Whenever we go to these sessions, for whichever illness, we are told that early diagnosis and screening would not only save lives but save money for the NHS in the future. What assessments are carried out by the Department to determine whether those savings actually exist? It would be helpful if a Minister could come to the Chamber to explain.
Sir Alan Campbell
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising awareness of this serious issue. The Government are committed to shifting resources in the NHS from sickness to prevention, as is set out in our 10-year health plan and the new cardiovascular disease modern service framework. I am happy to raise those specific questions about funding assessments with the Department. As he will know—indeed, as any Minister or ex-Minister will know—it is difficult to shift resources from dealing with a particular problem that shows itself now towards prevention, but that is exactly what the Government want to do.
Ms Julie Minns (Carlisle) (Lab)
During Storm Boelo, the new natural flood defence scheme at Brampton Fell farm protected homes in the town of Brampton by holding back half a million litres of floodwater every single hour. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking Phil Furneaux from Brampton 2 Zero, farmer Alan Bowman and all the partners involved in delivering that brilliant community scheme?
Sir Alan Campbell
I absolutely join my hon. Friend in congratulating all those involved in the Brampton flood defence project, protecting their local community from flooding. I want to pay particular attention to the work of farmers in this regard. We have announced the largest programme tackling flooding in history, with £10.5 billion up to 2036 protecting 890,000 homes and businesses. I will ask the relevant Minister to give my hon. Friend an update and, if necessary, to update the House.
Monica Harding (Esher and Walton) (LD)
Despite wide agreement across the House in the debate on assisted dying that end-of-life care should be prioritised and resourced sufficiently, Princess Alice hospice in my constituency—one of the leading names in hospice care—has just announced that it must find £3.5 million of savings a year, which will see some of its services stopped completely or made smaller. Princess Alice provides care across Kingston, Richmond and much of Surrey, but NHS funding covers just 23% of its costs. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the long-term sustainability of hospices given their importance to the House and, seemingly, to the Prime Minister?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Lady is right to raise not only the importance of hospices—we are grateful for the important work they do—but the challenges they face. The Government have provided support for hospices, but I accept that many still find it difficult. The answer in the longer term is to reform social care, and the Prime Minister is committed to doing that.
Phil Brickell (Bolton West) (Lab)
The Westhoughton Assist Service, based at the John Holt community centre in my constituency, provides vital support to vulnerable people, with food packages, clothing and referrals. As we approach the festive season, it is collecting toys for its Christmas appeal so that every child across Westhoughton can have a truly magical Christmas day. Will the Leader of the House join me in recognising the hard work of Lesley Monks and the whole team at Westhoughton Assist who provide invaluable support to families all year round?
Sir Alan Campbell
I join my hon. Friend in recognising the hard work of Lesley Monks and everyone at Westhoughton Assist in supporting families throughout the year, but particularly as we approach Christmas.
Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
Will the Leader of the House please ask the Foreign Secretary to make a statement on the repeated attacks and destruction of property belonging to the Catholic diocese of Gboko, which led to the closure of a hospital, a care centre, and primary and secondary schools, in Benue state in Nigeria? What representations are the Government making to urge the Nigerian authorities to protect religious institutions, their staff and the communities they serve from further violence, and to hold those responsible to account for their actions?
Sir Alan Campbell
The UK Government condemn the attacks that took place on 6 November. We continually and regularly engage with the Nigerian Government, religious leaders and civil society to promote freedom of religion or belief. Through the UK-Nigeria security and defence partnership, we are working with Nigeria to tackle shared security challenges. We have the £38 million strengthening peace and resilience in Nigeria programme, which will allow local answers to the issues raised by the hon. Gentleman, but I will also draw his words to the attention of the Foreign Secretary.
Mr Bayo Alaba (Southend East and Rochford) (Ind)
Heritage buildings play a crucial role in shaping the character of the places where we live, which is why I am incredibly proud to have supported the revival of both Rochford’s Freight House and Southend’s Kursaal, recently securing a £540,000 grant to future-proof the latter’s iconic domed roof. Will the Leader of the House consider finding time for a debate on the role of heritage assets in regeneration so that hon. Members across the House can share examples from their communities?
Sir Alan Campbell
As my hon. Friend will know, through our £1.5 billion arts everywhere fund we are backing the protection of historic buildings and the revival of heritage assets for modern community use. I encourage him to apply for a Westminster Hall debate, because I am sure that examples from not just his constituency but others deserve to be heard.
Apsana Begum (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab)
Specialist organisations, including in the violence against women and girls sector, have warned that the Government’s earned settlement proposals will undermine even their own objectives on child poverty, modern slavery, domestic abuse and homelessness. Those organisations are asking for the proposals to be withdrawn. Since the Home Secretary’s statement last week, we are still yet to see an impact assessment. Will the Leader of the House ensure that Parliament is given sufficient time to debate these multifaceted harms and impacts well before the changes are due to take effect?
Sir Alan Campbell
These are important matters, and I understand that they do cause concern across constituencies, and indeed in particular communities, but, as I have just announced, we will have regular opportunities to discuss these matters. I hope that my hon. Friend will take part in those debates.
Andy MacNae (Rossendale and Darwen) (Lab)
Rossendale remains the only local authority area in a north without a commuter rail link, despite being only 15 miles from central Manchester. The line still exists and just needs reinstating as a commuter service. That would be a game changer for Rossendale and the economy of east Lancashire and is exactly the sort of scheme that would increase the economic impact of Northern Powerhouse Rail, yet its progress is agonisingly slow and faces multiple hurdles. Does the Leader of the House agree that if we are to deliver good growth in every postcode, we must prioritise connecting our towns as much as our cities?
Sir Alan Campbell
I congratulate my hon. Friend, because yesterday he got a commitment from the Prime Minister to meet the reindustrialisation research group on these matters. As we advance our reindustrialisation agenda, we need to ensure that there is reliable and joined-up transport infrastructure for everyone across England. I will ensure that the Transport Secretary has heard his representations.
Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow West) (Lab)
Before I ask my substantive question, I wonder if the Leader of the House will join me in wishing a speedy recovery to two adults and four pupils of Hyndland secondary school who are recovering from injuries received when a car mounted a pavement on Tuesday afternoon in my constituency, and in thanking the emergency services for their prompt action in responding to the incident.
Will the Leader of the House provide an update on the likely publication date for the findings of the review of access to banking services? Constituents in areas like Anniesland in Glasgow West, where there are no banks, eagerly await its findings.
Sir Alan Campbell
I am sure the whole House sends its best wishes for a full recovery to everyone injured in the incident in my hon. Friend’s constituency. I join her in thanking the emergency services for their swift response.
Turning to banking hubs, we have rolled out 230 banking hubs and are working with the industry to open 350 by the end of this Parliament. The Government commissioned the independent review on access to banking services in May and will publish the findings of that in due course.
Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)
Blackpool is ranked second nationally for abandoned buildings. I know that the Leader of the House, as a fellow coastal MP, sees and feels at first hand the impact of derelict and empty properties on towns like ours. The £1.35 million that the Government have given Blackpool from the derelict buildings fund will build on the work of the council’s empty properties taskforce, launched earlier this year by the council’s leader, Lynn Williams. I want residents and business to help us shape what we prioritise. Will my right hon. Friend join me in encouraging residents to complete my survey so that we can take their priorities directly to Blackpool council’s empty properties taskforce in two weeks?
Sir Alan Campbell
As a coastal MP, I absolutely understand what my hon. Friend is saying about empty properties, which are a concern everywhere but take on a particular significance in coastal towns. I am delighted about the funding that he has secured for Blackpool; he is a doughty campaigner for that fantastic town. I certainly encourage his constituents to complete the survey, which will help put power back in the hands of local people, who, after all, know best.
Tom Rutland (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Lab)
After many months of hard work, we finally have year-round citizen science water testing up and running in Worthing, to test water quality, identify sites of pollution and give sea swimmers confidence as they enjoy our fantastic coast. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking and congratulating Mark and Karl from East Worthing’s Muscle Beach Swimmers Club, Councillors Vicki Wells and Martin McCabe, South Downs Leisure and all those who have been instrumental in bringing forward this fantastic project?
Sir Alan Campbell
Absolutely. My hon. Friend has been an ardent campaigner on cleaning up our waterways, and I pay tribute to him for that. I join him in congratulating Mark, Karl and everyone involved in the community initiative to which he refers on giving their time in service to cleaning up their local community.
Alison Hume (Scarborough and Whitby) (Lab)
The TV drama “Heartbeat”, featuring a policeman based in 1960s “Aidensfield” delighted millions of viewers, so it is slightly ironic that, in 2026, residents in the real village, Goathland, cannot make emergency calls during power cuts, as their mobile phone mast has no battery. As EE has told me that it has no plans to install one, will the Leader of the House arrange a meeting between me, the relevant Minister and EE to help ensure that my citizens can make 999 calls that actually connect?
Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend raises a really important matter, because access to emergency services is a vital lifeline for our communities. There are statutory obligations on communications providers to ensure that their networks and services remain available. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport works with industry and Ofcom to ensure that learning from significant outages are captured and assessed. Ministers from DCMS will have heard her concerns today, but I will also point out that on Wednesday 18 November there is a Westminster Hall debate on connectivity in rural areas.
Paul Davies (Colne Valley) (Lab)
Research by Best for Britain shows strong support for a closer relationship with the EU, with many voters citing improving trade and the economy as motivating factors. The Prime Minister is due to meet EU leaders next week, when I am sure he will speak about opening new deals to support industry and growth. In the light of that, will the Leader of the House allow time for a debate on the merits of a closer relationship with the EU?
Sir Alan Campbell
I see that the Prime Minister at the time of the referendum was offering advice to our Prime Minister about the way forward on Europe, which I find somewhat ironic. Next week’s UK-EU summit is an opportunity to strike important deals, to boost the economy, to cut red tape, to help businesses grow and to provide opportunities for young people. We have announced that we will introduce a European partnership Bill, and I can assure my hon. Friend that there will be ample opportunity to discuss this important matter.
Dr Sam Rushworth (Bishop Auckland) (Lab)
It is my privilege and duty to speak on behalf of the people of Bishop Auckland. One way I can do that is by questioning Ministers in this place, but with more and more issues being devolved, there is no mechanism for Members of Parliament to hold regional mayors to account. Will the Leader of the House give some thought to creating regional committees, so that we can scrutinise the work of devolved authorities?
Sir Alan Campbell
The Government are absolutely committed to outlining our vision for devolution in England and delivering good growth in every part of the United Kingdom, but my hon. Friend raises a really important matter: how mayors are held to account and scrutinised. Parliament has a really important role in scrutinising both the operation of the devolution system and the stewardship of public money, and I can assure him that these matters are being discussed at the heart of Government.
Perran Moon (Camborne and Redruth) (Ind)
Meur ras, Madam Deputy Speaker. Trail hunting is a shameless cover for the barbaric practice of foxhunting, and the Government were elected on a manifesto commitment to ban it. Will the Leader of the House encourage the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to confirm when it will publish the response to the consultation that ended in June, so that the Government can make good on their pledge and bring forward an effective and enforceable ban?
Sir Alan Campbell
The Government are committed to introducing an effective ban on trail hunting and, as my hon. Friend says, we have consulted on how best to take the ban forward. The consultation received 184,000 responses, and DEFRA plans to publish a summary of responses as soon as possible.
John Slinger (Rugby) (Lab)
Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the staff and students at Avon Valley school and performing arts college on essentially winning an Oscar—the 2026 national school theatre award for best musical—for their amazing rendition of “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”? Does he agree that we need more time to debate the amazing work of our students and schools in ensuring that the creative arts are at the heart of what they do and what we do in our communities across the country?
Sir Alan Campbell
The Government are a proud champion of the arts, and I will certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating Elisa Wheatley and everyone involved at the Avon Valley school and performing arts college on their rendition of “Everyone’s Talking About Jamie”. It is a considerable achievement, and I congratulate each and every one of them.