Live Debate: Commons Chamber

Urgent question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology if he will make a statement on the cancellation of life sciences investment

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11:22

Julia Lopez MP (Hornchurch and Upminster, Conservative)

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To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology if she will make a statement on the cancellation of life sciences investment.

11:23

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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Mr Speaker, can I firstly start by welcoming the honourable lady to her new role. I did want to do that yesterday but questions ran ahead of us. I'm answering this question on behalf of the Secretary of State. As a significant life sciences company which employs more than 1,600 people and plays a leading role in delivering new treatments for diseases like cancer, it is a value partner to this government. MSD's decision to not progress investment at King's Cross is deeply disappointing in a commercial decision for them.

King's Cross is a shining example of the strength of UK life sciences clusters. It is one of the biggest in Europe employing 60,000 people in the area. It is investment for major life sciences companies like GSK and AstraZeneca houses institutions and welcomes the UK leading biomedical treatment centres including UCL age, Moorfields eye Hospital. We are proud of this, and it will continue to do so in the future. Life sciences is one of the eight priority sector in the Industrial Strategy and backed by significant public investment to enable it to grow.

Ageing discoveries like personalised cancer vaccines and a new test for Alzhiemer's. It has enhanced its status further and the fundamentals of the UK market are more advantageous today when they made the decision to invest before. What has changed the US and international fundamentals. The UK has become the most attractive place to invest in the world but of course there is still a lot more for the government to do. The academic environment in the UK continues to produce innovative ideas. The talent to run the ideas that attracts foreign investment.

We have great academics in the NHS provides a research platform that is second to none. This decision has in part been taken as part of a broader effort by MSD to ensure the company is optimising its investment, and resources in key drivers of growth. It is not continuing its job discovery projects in the UK. They have announced they have had to cut $3 million a year resulting in significant impact on the share price. This is also to do with the challenging global situation.

The challenge with NHS medicines goes back 15 years. I wonder who was in charge that period? Spending has fallen from 15% to 9% in that time, the last joint agreement on medicine prices being agreed between the sector and with the previous government in 2033. We are living the consequences of those decisions made under the previous government. They took their eye off the ball regarding NHS medical investment and an offer was made to the sector. This government recognises we need to do more to support and grow our life sciences sector.

We have started delivering on the work of investing £600 million in the service alongside the relevant trust. To committing up to £520 million to life sciences Manufacturing and billions of pounds being opened up. We continue to support life-saving treatments. MSD will continue to be a key investor in the UK. I welcome the continued investment in clinical trials and significant partnerships with institutions such as future health. MSD will continue to employ 1,600 people. We remain closely engaged with MSD's will take forward the

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Sector Plan and the tenure NHS. Can I gently say, you are only

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Can I gently say, you are only allowed three minutes. I'm sure you are coming to the end.

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are coming to the end. Thank you for your advice. Life sciences sector as part of the 10 10 Year Health Plan. We continue to explore opportunities to partner with MSD further and build a long- standing relationship.

11:27

Julia Lopez MP (Hornchurch and Upminster, Conservative)

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standing relationship. Thank you Mr Speaker. I hope you give me the same flexible as you go a little over. Last night US pharmaceutical giant Merck cancelled the construction of £1 billion drug research centre in the prime ministers constituency. 800 jobs were going to be provided, now evaporated. 125 scientists were to be employed, no longer. The message from Merck executives was unsparing, simply put, the UK is not internationally competitive. The government must wake up and do so now.

If AstraZeneca's announcement on investment was the canary in the mine for UK life sciences, last night's announcement should be a klaxon sounding across Whitehall. Can the Minister assure us he is arranging urgent meetings with health business and Treasury ministers today? This facility was going to specialise in diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and MS. It was going to feed into the work of a cluster of life sciences bodies like the Francis Crick Institute. The government engage with Merck before its decision? What damage will this cause to research and medicine access for our constituents who were affected by these conditions? The government told UK taxpayers that the devastating National Insurance hike would boost the NHS.

But NHS leaders admit the money has gone National Insurance, wage deals, and drug rice inflation. What better services, no money left in negotiations with life sciences companies. In fact life sciences have faced a £1.6 billion tax bill in real terms cut to R&D. What are ministers doing to push the Health Secretary for progress on health data, and advanced therapies, pricing negotiations and regulatory reform of the kind that will improve our life sciences? The last year, Labour has dined out on deals secured by the last Conservative government.

We were promised that the US UK trade deal would open doors for business. Instead, American firms are cancelling projects, and our ambassador, who should have been batting for Britain, was instead battling for survival. Now that Lord Mandelson has slipped away again, who is speaking to the Americans about this collapsed deal? What will the primers to be doing head of the state visit of President Trump to

11:30

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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the questions. The message, she asked what message the Americans are given to the government but the message from Merck in the quarterly report and they had to cut $3 billion a year from the operations, that is a significant amount of that is a significant amount of money, and the share price reflected the significance of that announcement. There is no doubt that MSD makes the world's most profitable and popular cancer drug which goes to patent in 2028.

They also said in the report it is also said in the report it is causing pressure with their shareholders. The US trade deal that has been mentioned by the shadow has been mentioned by the shadow Secretary of State said it would use best endeavours to improve the conditions for US pharmaceutical conditions for US pharmaceutical companies in the UK, and it remains 0% tariff. In terms of NHS 0% tariff. In terms of NHS medicines, it is a common theme in medicines, it is a common theme in this chamber that the shadow Secretary of State come to the chamber and promote the state of the chamber and promote the state of the economy, they bemoan what has happened in the NHS.

Waiting lists have fallen, whereas they were at record levels. Satisfaction when we left the NHS in 2010 was at its highest level ever, it is now at its lowest.

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You can't appoint order the

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You can't appoint order the Spending has fallen which is part of the problems in the of the problems in the pharmaceutical industry. The Health pharmaceutical industry. The Health Secretary made a £1 billion offer to the pharmaceutical industry but they chose not to vote on that so the Health Secretary withdrew from Health Secretary withdrew from negotiations. We are trying to clear up the mess that has been left, and the shadow Secretary of State should the shadow Secretary of State should the shadow Secretary of State should I would like to welcome the Minister

11:32

Dame Chi Onwurah MP (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, Labour)

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I would like to welcome the Minister to his place. I wish under better circumstances because the loss of investment following on the loss of AstraZeneca in January will certainly be perceived as a blow to the life sciences sector there we must not forget the amazing work that is Mrs, start-ups and businesses do including on my own. We almost must not forget the importance of value for money in NHS spending. So the Select Committee will hold an urgent session on Tuesday to examine the issues driving the life sciences sector, including tariffs, investment incentives from the US.

Access to capital and the relationship with NHS pricing. But in the meantime, it is clear that the life sciences sector plan published in July does not reflect market conditions. Could the Minister update us on how and how quickly he plans to revise the life sciences sector plan?

11:33

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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I thank the chair of the Select Committee for that constructive approach, and I look forward to the Select Committee to examine this important issue. The plan comes with significant research and development. It comes with improving clinical trial performance and moving money and support from other key sectors in the industrial strategy. Life sciences benefit from that. This will contribute to the £9 billion of the private sector investment every year, there is no doubt in the Select Committee that the Chancellor, when she passed a budget last year, gave the most generous settlement ever in the spending review.

£86 billion at the spending review period. That is to support the industrial strategy, and from companies in my constituency, the sector needs more support and we

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are determined to look at that. I welcome the Minister to his

11:34

Ian Sollom MP (St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire, Liberal Democrat)

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I welcome the Minister to his place. It is disappointing that we have pulled out of this billion pound investment in the UK, pound investment in the UK, including the loss of over 100 jobs in the infrastructure. But this has been on the cards for some time and the warnings to government have forewarned their fears. It has been mentioned that AstraZeneca also cancelled planned upgrades to production and Novartis has described the UK as an investable. One company is a problem but there is a worrying trend that threatens a crisis in the sector.

The UK is becoming less and less attractive to the life sciences industry and with good region. The budget saw huge rises in costs to all businesses, including through Labour's job tax, and secondly, when it comes to the industry, there is a notable lack of creating a commercial environment which can compete internationally. The Lib Dems continue to call for the government to make research and development investment. In life sciences, that will be a key focus and that would be coupled with extra support for academic institutions to commercialise research, so I would like to ask the Minister how the government plans to restore confidence among pharmaceutical companies, that the UK is a competitive place for research and development and manufacturing.

Thank you.

11:35

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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I am thankful to the honourable gentleman for raising those particular pointers. It is important to layout the public in the house that MST will still continue to employ 1600 people in this country and be a key part of the life sciences sector. There are many companies that are investing in this country. In my own constituency, they are continuing at such pace that they can't keep up with the kind of wet lab facilities that they require. These are the challenges that we have to try and deal with.

I say to the honourable gentleman around the National Insurance increases for employers and about spending more money on R&D and life sciences for so they can't be true, and if you want to spend money, you have to raise that money, and you can't have it both ways. The message to the industry is that this is the best place in the world to invest. Bring your investment here and this will be backed through the life

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sciences and sectoral plan. I welcome the Minister to his

11:36

Steve Race MP (Exeter, Labour)

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I welcome the Minister to his place. Just recently, axed University was awarded £10.5 million from the setup, real cutting-edge from the setup, real cutting-edge science. But also leveraged with another £10 million. Does the Minister agree that this sort of investment and commitment to research and development will enable cities like Exeter to thrive Anglo in future?

11:37

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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I pay tribute to the work he does in his constituency of Exeter with a whole number of areas, and all of us who represent university towns, there is significant investment going into research development because that is the future for this country. This country is committed to growth, and Diane assuring that we are investing in that. I remind the house again but in the spending review, this was the largest ever settlement that this country has ever seen in £86 billion.

The sister the industry we are open for

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business and we can come and meet life sciences at the top of that. Discovery Park in my constituency

11:38

Rt Hon Sir Roger Gale MP (Herne Bay and Sandwich, Conservative)

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Discovery Park in my constituency at Sandwich is the Phoenix that rose at Sandwich is the Phoenix that rose from the ashes of five. It is now a cluster of over 100 very enterprising, very successful small companies in the life sciences field. The loss of cornerstones like AstraZeneca and MSD could have a devastating effect upon the architecture of the pharmaceutical industry in this country. So what is the government going to do practically to reverse the decline in confidence in that industry?

11:38

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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I say to the honourable gentleman that I have the utmost respect that in the first part of this question, he quite rightly promotes the work that is going on in his own constituency at discovery Park, and then says that everything is doom and gloom. That is not the case. This government is investing £6 billion in life sciences for is one billion in life sciences for is one of the key sectors in the industrial strategy and I would hope that the business park in his constituency benefits from that, and I repeat that MST and not leaving the UK.

They will employ 1600 people here and be the cornerstone in this and be the cornerstone in this .$$NEWLINE

11:39

Dr Lauren Sullivan MP (Gravesham, Labour)

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This is devastating news for the research scientist for the work they do on neuroscience information. Some of this is being carried out where I am a scientist, but will the Minister agree with me that the UK has so much experience and way to look at this from things, and will the Minister join us at the science innovation Select Committee where we can go in depth about these musicians?

11:39

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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I thank the honourable lady for the work she does. It will be really good to hear from her. She raises the most important point that we have world-class institutions and companies and they are made by the scientists and academics within them. We should cherish that and have more. have more.

11:40

Rt Hon John Glen MP (Salisbury, Conservative)

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There is a hub of life science businesses. We have listened very carefully to what has been said, and we recognise what we have had in terms of recognising this. He must recognise that the additional cost of employing people, the additional rights and burdens that that puts on employers, particularly small employers and 11 weeks of speculation around tax increases aren't going to make any sector feel more comfortable around where to invest in this country.

11:40

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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The gentleman was a Treasury minister and understands the issues here. We had to divest from 3 billion each year is of cost. That is a huge part of their operating agenda and that is a geopolitical issue as well. issue as well.

11:41

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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The Minister will know that this part of London where they were going to invest has been significantly invested into medical research. To Kelly in researcher brain related diseases. This cast doubt on the future of that particular area, so what implications does he draw from this decision to disinvest on that particular proposal which is supported across party?

11:41

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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At this stage, I'm not aware that there will be any downside to the entirety of the ecosystem that revolves around the King's Cross area of London. This decision has come very late to the government and we will work with this in terms of the future, but I think there is a very bright future on this particular cluster that we have heard from members across the chamber.

11:42

Danny Beales MP (Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Labour)

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I should declare that I was a director of the knowledge partnership at King's Cross and was responsible for negotiating the headquarter deal. It is disappointing news today. But turning to my current constituency, I hear from a number of life sciences and pharmaceutical companies they have concerns about the levy and how it is working in practice, particularly that it is focused on profit and doesn't take into account the level of revenue. The bio similar medications require a lot more investment than other forms of pharmaceutical.

Will the Minister or his counterpart meet with me to discuss the bio similar sector and how we can support it to grow?

11:43

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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I'm happy to take up that meeting from the experience of the honourable gentleman has, but he raises the big issue around the legacy left by the previous government of 15 years of underinvestment in medical pricing. There was one billion pounds offer made by the Health Secretary to the industry over the summer which we decided not to vote on. This means it was withdrawn. That is disappointing. The last deal was done in 2023 and is a long-term

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issue that has to be resolved. Life sciences pace a significant

11:43

Kim Johnson MP (Liverpool Riverside, Labour)

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Life sciences pace a significant impact in terms of the economy and public health initiatives across public health initiatives across Liverpool city region. So, it was a blow earlier this year when AstraZeneca pulled out of the £450 million deal to expand plans, so can the Minister explain how his department is supporting the mayor and the life science investments own to build confidence and to secure greater investment for the sector.

11:44

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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The life science plan has been set out to give a long-term plan. We are serious about the investment made for top to 1/2 billion pounds from this government, the largest settlement for R&D ever, and I hope that gives reassurance to her constituents and the life sciences companies in her constituency and

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around the region that this government is serious about backing them. I welcome the member to his new

11:44

Graham Leadbitter MP (Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey, Scottish National Party)

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I welcome the member to his new role. I was surprised that Labour admitted the strategy. Scotland has admitted the strategy. Scotland has one of the highest concentrations of life sciences hubs in the last five years, has created six innovation centres aligned to life sciences. What investment has made on the impact on Scotland sector and what support does he plan to put in place?

11:45

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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I visited my own constituency and the life sciences sector in Scotland is indeed buoyant and flourishing. There is a lot of opportunity for them to expand as they are a dividend of the union.

11:45

Adam Jogee MP (Newcastle-under-Lyme, Labour)

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I am very pleased the Minister has confirmed and reiterated that life sciences remain a priority strategy. It is at the heart of our life science sector and is important for jobs in the industrial heartlands in communities like mine, so will the Minister find time to meet me to look at how we can support the work at Keele or can he

11:45

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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Very happy to do so, I think that is my third invite this morning, very happy to do so. What that question demonstrates, to go to Newcastle-under-Lyme to visit his constituency, is the thriving life science sector across the country, and I give assurance that we intend to back life sciences, while it is disappointing position for MOD to make, it is a thriving sector, many companies are investing in going very quickly.

11:46

Tom Gordon MP (Harrogate and Knaresborough, Liberal Democrat)

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It is the latest in a series of blows to UK life sciences, companies have been pulled towards the US with incentives and tariffs, while we have no detailed industrial strategy, an uncompetitive tax regime from the Treasury, and when the government announces life sciences plan, it fell short of what the industry at the sector expected, will the government commit to an updated refresher cross party, give the ability to invest in Britain? Here, we have no idea how the revenue would be increased, the government had to make some government had to make some incredibly difficult decisions in order to balance the books to make that stability in the economy so we that stability in the economy so we can invest in R&D, such as the life sciences.

Moving treatment to preventative, that would require medicines, moving a hospital community would require medicines, and medicines is better for the and medicines is better for the patient, that is what we are doing in the NHS to improve the life sciences sector, it is a key sector for life sciences, we intend to back it through that strategy.

11:47

Peter Swallow MP (Bracknell, Labour)

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Can I welcome my right honourable friend and also welcome my honourable friend, the number four Glasgow South West in his place, as life sciences minister in the Department of Health. I'm incredibly ambitious for life sciences in my constituency, it is a key industry for us. Will my right honourable friend share my ambition and meet with me, or set up a meeting with the life sciences minister to discuss what more we can do to support this sector.

11:47

Rt Hon Liz Saville Roberts MP (Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Plaid Cymru)

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In the interest of time, yes. the treatment of cancer, diagnoses, and other medical applications, yet there has long been concerns about security of supply. Welsh government's project author are working with a nuclear science site in my constituency to develop the means of producing medical isotopes for security of supply here in the UK. What is his department is doing to work with the Department of Health, to find a way of bringing this forward?

11:48

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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I have just been working with the Department of Health try and bring this forward, I don't know the exact answer to this question, if I knew the answer would give it, I do not, so I will write to her.

11:48

Laurence Turner MP (Birmingham Northfield, Labour)

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May I welcome the Minister to his place. The life sciences sector is helping to regenerate parts of South Birmingham's economy, from the new Waters pharmaceutical factory, on the sites in my constituency, to the University of Birmingham's life science incubator. The Minister is being a truly generous in agreeing to meet members today, so continuing in that spirit, would he be willing to meet with South Birmingham to discuss what more could be done to support us very important part of our economy.

11:49

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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I'm tempted to say no, to see what reaction it would get, but of course, I will meet with any member across the House to discuss the life science sector for topic shows, North, South, East and West, including Mike as it was life science pays a key role and continues to do so. continues to do so.

11:49

Gregory Stafford MP (Farnham and Bordon, Conservative)

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I must declare my wife works in the pharmaceutical life sciences industry, the Minister and the Chancellor claim to want to boost growth, yet investment is fleeing the very sectors he claims is a priority. Is it not the case the vague aspirations of the government do not meet the real-world test at the only people who are going to be suffering from this are his constituents and unfortunately mine.

11:49

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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Can I congratulate the honourable gentleman's wife in what she does in the sector, she is the only one in the family with a real job! But this will show you the depth and breadth of the sector across the country, everyone will know someone who works in the life sciences sector. £86 billion from the Spending Review going into research and development, £2.5 billion back in the life sciences sectorial plan, there is of course economic and geopolitical issues affecting the pharmaceutical industry, and as I said in my opening remarks, MSD is said they had to take $3 billion out of had to take $3 billion out of operating costs of the next three years, and unfortunately and years, and unfortunately and regrettably this is part of that plan.

11:50

Richard Foord MP (Honiton and Sidmouth, Liberal Democrat)

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I represent people who work at the excellent living Systems Institute and the University of Exeter. The purpose-built Institute was launched in 2017, to bring together physicists, mathematicians, biologists, scientists, with the affectation that life sciences was going to enjoy substantial foreign direct investment for the years to come. What effect does the government anticipate the withdrawal of this private investment will have on the life sciences for research students, including those in Exeter?

11:51

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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I would say to life sciences students in particular, who are a fledgling part of their career, that this is the career that should be in for the long term, it is the future and why it is part of an Industrial Strategy, one of our key sectors in that industrial strategy and I know it is incredibly disappointing news the government has had today, but there is wonderful stuff going on in this sector, so we should not talk it down.

Some places are investing more, we have heard right across the chamber today, the company is investing more in life sciences, it is a growing industry, so I would say to fledgling academics and people want to get involved in this people want to get involved in this industry, to get in there.

11:51

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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Final question. seeking today is reassurance in relation to the sector. News that MSD has redrawn of their project plan for a research centre in the United Kingdom and the loss of 125 potential jobs and staff is devastating for our science plans. It does show a lack of faith in long-term planning by the investors, that we are so reliant on. How will the Minister seek to reassure global partners that science investment is a priority for this government? And what investment will see a swift return to downtown to -- To the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland? United Kingdom and Northern Ireland?

11:52

Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) (Edinburgh South, Labour)

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Is the best in the world, and the workforce is the best place in the world to invest at the moment, we are obviously in discussions with the US around the pharmaceutical industry in terms of tariffs in the EU, the US's economically, there was lots of positive stuff going on in the industry, and if they will send one message to the industry today from the south, it is that this industry is thriving, one of the key sectors of our Industrial Strategy, this government backs it, with money, strategy, and backing it as a whole government.

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We now come to business

11:53

Business Statement: Business Questions to the Leader of the House

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questions. Shadow Leader of the House. Thank you very much indeed, Mr

11:53

Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP (Hereford and South Herefordshire, Conservative)

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Thank you very much indeed, Mr Speaker. Will the new Leader of the House is the forthcoming business?

11:53

Mr Speaker

House is the forthcoming business?

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Can I just welcomed the new Leader of the House and thank the previous leader as well, but I am looking forward to this session.

11:53

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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looking forward to this session. Leader of the House. Thank you, Mr Speaker, probably

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Thank you, Mr Speaker, probably more than I am. Can I first of all give the business on Monday, 15 September consideration of Lords September consideration of Lords amendments to the employment rights Bill, Tuesday, 16 September, second reading of the Sentencing Bill, the house will then rise for the conference recess at the conclusion of business on Tuesday, 16 September. And return on Monday, 13 October. The business for the week commencing 13th of October includes Monday, 13 October, general debate on baby loss, the subject of this debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee.

Tuesday, 14 October, remaining stages of the Mental Health Bill, Lords, Wednesday, 15 October, remaining stages of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill, Thursday 16th October, second reading of the Biodiversity beyond National Jurisdiction Bill, on Friday, 17 October, the house will not be sitting. And the provisional business for the week commencing 20th of October includes Monday, 20 October, Committee Of The Whole House and remaining stages of the Diego Garcia military base and British Indian Ocean Territory bill.

11:54

Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP (Hereford and South Herefordshire, Conservative)

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I thank the leader for the business. Mr Speaker, on this 24th anniversary of 9/11, I know the whole house will want to join me, and I am sure, the leader, in sending our best wishes to the families and friends of the victims of those terrible attacks. So too are those grieving the murder of Charlie Kirk in the USA, and to our own great colleague, the member for Washington Gateshead South, for the terrible news that she has had this morning.

Let me start, if I may, by thanking the recently departed Leader of the House. She and I had our disagreements. There is no doubt about that. She supported the wrong football team and I struggled to get her to answer my questions. But she was diligent, and effective. In responding to members across this House, as well as the community. Without getting too teary about it, I will even miss her appalling puns! But, Mr Speaker. It is an ill wind that blows nobody any good.

Hurricane tax dodger blue either deputy priming a and the story of the Prime Minister's phase 2, but it has brought us the former Labour Chief Whip. He was a history teacher. And there can't be many better forms of public service than that. After his distinguished career channelling industriously away in the usual channels, I warmly welcome him, blinking, to the bright lights of the Dispatch Box. Mr Speaker, I have somehow thought that having plummeted the depths this summer, the government had now settled down a bit, how naive, how desperately foolish, I was.

The Number Ten team were obviously taking the Mickey, they were laughing at us, Mr Speaker, you think this is incompetent, they said, we can do vastly better than this. Resets are for wimps, let's have a full blown crash reshuffle, let's have a new Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary, as well as a new Deputy Prime Minister, and let's undermine the Chancellor of the Exchequer by ostentatiously lining up the former chief secretary, to replace her. The markets will really welcome that. Even better, let's have an election for deputy.

People are already scared to death about all the taxes coming in the Budget, but they will be reassured if we run a Labour leadership election at the same time, ideally, we can make the deputy former cabinet minister, whom the Prime Minister has just abruptly fired, that will be good for stability. We can go further. We can actively undermine relations with our closest ally, if we throw in a major scandal over the Prime Minister was personal choice as ambassador to the USA.

Mr Speaker, if only this was a joke. Instead, it is a tragedy. It is like we are trapped in an unending episode of The Office, with the Prime Minister as a David Brent. The unions are upping their payment demands, the UART he is holding seven days of rolling walkouts, the owner think that probably won't be affected junior doctors in London who have voted have strikes until the New Year. They will be staying home anyway. As the former director of the IRS remarked, it is staggeringly unprepared Labour was for government, and across this House, and all of our constituents, we are paying the price for their arrogance and negligence.

Mr Speaker, the leader will only just becoming up to speed now, of course, one perfectly understands that. I would make one early request of him if I may, with the utmost seriousness will stop he will know that many thousands of veterans, including hundreds in my constituency and in his constituency, have had their lives thrown into uncertainty and bad, desperate indeed in some cases, anxiety, by the government's decision to repeal the Northern Ireland veterans act. That was more than a year ago now, the government promised to legally sound and legislative solution to the problem it created, so could the leader let us know now, or in a written update before the recess, when the Northern Ireland Secretary will come to the House and publish that solution.

11:59

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. First of all, can I add my tribute to my predecessor, the right honourable member for Manchester Central, for her excellent work as Leader of the House over the last year. She spearheaded the revival of the modernisation committee, which was a manifesto commitment. And oversaw the legislative program that forms the basis of this government's first King's Speech. I know I am among many MPs across the House and wanting to thank her for her diligence and hard work.

I would also, Mr Speaker, like to express my thanks to Colin Lee, the clerk of legislation, who is retiring this week having joined the House service in 1988. MPs from across the House have valued his wise counsel of the many years, and I know the whole House will wish him well. I know the House will also share my sadness in learning of the death of Sir Roger Sanz, who was clerk of the House from 2003-2006. He was a distinguished server of the House for 41 years, and the House will want to convey our condolences, to Lady Symons and a Roger's family.

I would like to turn to the shadow leader's remarks, but before I do so, and thank you for welcoming me to my place, before I do so, I should caution him and indeed the House, but the last time I answer the question from this Dispatch Box was the same year as the iPad was was the same year as the iPad was Both you and I had a little more hair and ever darker hue. And at the time, the average price of a pint of beer was £2.91.

And at the minute, there are people behind me who won't even old enough to buy alcohol when that actually happened. But I am looking forward to having these sessions the shadow leader of the. We have been in the house for a decade but I can't claim to know him particularly well so I too went to Wikipedia to find out a bit more. He is a philosopher, historian, and an author. It is clear that the right honourable gentleman is a thinking conservative, which is an increasingly rare commodity.

I want to associate myself with the comments that he made on the anniversary of 9/11, also on the death of Charlie Kirk, and let us remember, that in these circumstances, his family have been robbed of a father and husband. There is no justification at all for political violence, whatever the views of the person involved. Now I know that there will inevitably be a degree of knockabout about the state of the government at these sessions, or indeed, at the state of the opposition.

And to say that I am happy any day to have a debate on the comparison between this government's 14 months and his disastrous government of 14 years. The only fun we were unprepared for was the scale of the states that this country was in. On the substantive point on Northern Ireland, he knows that these are difficult matters and that the government has given a commitment to bring forward legislation. It is really important that reassurances are in place, and I can tell him that the government would be seeing something very shortly.

And let me finish on this. The shadow leader of the and I both have a deep respect for Parliament. I can give him and the house reassurance that I take my responsibility both as the government representative in Parliament but also this house is represented in government very seriously indeed. seriously indeed.

12:03

Mr Speaker

I expect to run this for around an hour, to help each other by being short and punchy.

12:03

Mrs Elsie Blundell MP (Heywood and Middleton North, Labour)

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I would like to welcome leader to his place. I applaud the government for its bold action to reform the criminal justice system but more must be done to safeguard communities from violent reoffending is. In Middleton, I have been in touch with a courageous family. Michael was tragically killed in 2016 by a prolific offender who despite being under the supposed supervision of the local Probation Service was not prevented from committing this appalling act which has devastated the lives of family and friends.

Please would the leader consider allowing a debate in government time so that members can reoffending.

12:04

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I would like to thank my honourable friend for her question. This is an appalling tragedy and my family, my thoughts are with the family of Michael. It is important that we address the issue of reoffending. It is critical to public safety .we have the sub reading which reduces offending because it has a devastating effect on victims, and I would encourage on victims, and I would encourage Can I start by first welcoming the new leader of the to his place, and also join him and the shadow leader in thanking the previous leader of the four her sterling efforts, especially when there are so many people asking questions every Thursday morning.

I look forward to working with him on various committees, and I hope you will follow the government's mantra to go further and faster, especially in modernisation. Today is the big day and I would like to echo words condemning the appalling attack on the office of the honourable member from Washington and safeguards south who I have a huge amount of respect. I also want to join other colleagues by recognising that today is the 24th anniversary of 9/11. In short the whole house agrees the importance of remembering the victims including British citizens and those who continue to be affected both physically and mentally by the attack and its aftermath.

This week, I met with victims and family members who have been subject to injustice in our health system, in particular, women and their children who are affected by failures of medical devices and the prescription of drugs that have devastating life changing consequences. While pregnant, my constituent Mary was prescribed the anti-epilepsy medication sodium parade. Very sadly, Mary join so many other parents whose children were consequently born with significant birth defects. Like any parent, Mary is an incredibly wary about their future and what support will be in place to look after them will be in place to look after them when she is no longer able to.

Victims and their families are exhausted. They have campaigned for many years to draw political attention to these matters but successive governments are not listening. The government has yet to listening. The government has yet to respond to the huge report into the sodium valproate scandals that were published over 18 months ago, so I published over 18 months ago, so I ask the leader will he ask the Health Secretary to make a statement to this house to urgently provide an update?

12:07

Marie Goldman MP (Chelmsford, Liberal Democrat)

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I would like to thank the honourable member for her questions and the tone of her question, and I look forward to working together look forward to working together with her on the commission and the Modernisation Committee. I want to commend her for campaigning on these commend her for campaigning on these really our sympathies are with those affected and we are fully focused on affected and we are fully focused on how best to support patients and prevent future harm. The government will continue to listen to those will continue to listen to those affected in this complex area and I will ensure that ministers and the will ensure that ministers and the Department of Health and in the Cabinet Office have heard her concerns, and if she wishes to meet concerns, and if she wishes to meet them, we will look at a meeting.

12:08

Mary Kelly Foy MP (City of Durham, Labour)

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I had the pleasure of meeting Fergus, Freddie and Michael, members of the band jam at a recent visitor from the school in Durham. These musicians are passionate about contributing to the cultural vibrancy of Durham, performing at events like the fringe Festival, but they contacted me after they noticed a distinct lack of venues for young bands to perform and practice in, limiting their opportunities as musicians to go, so will the leader of the agreed to a debate in government time on the importance of addressing regional, cultural inequalities which are impacting opportunities available to talented youngsters, not just in Durham, but across the country.

12:08

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I thank my honourable friend for that question, and I concur with her as a Durham lad. It is a question of venues across the country. Government, in particular the Department, is very cognizant of that and will be doing everything we can to support them. These are issues which affect a lot of constituencies, and should she choose to seek a backbench debate or a general debate, I'm sure she would receive support from across the house. house.

12:09

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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I welcome leader to his position and hope we can have an early meeting to ensure that backbenchers can give their voice in this chamber can give their voice in this chamber as before. I thank him for the business when we return from conference. Given past experiences of when we return from recesses, and the likelihood of statements and urgent questions, there are 78 people that want to speak, so I would ask him to consider giving it tactic time so that people are able to relate their stories.

In addition, there will be a debate on the International Day of democracy. On 16 October, there will be a debate on World Menopause Day, followed by a debate on the government support for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. And on 23 October, there will be a debate on histological testing, followed by the impact of workforce levels in cancer patients. I was very tempted to ask a question about the legalisation which happened this week, but it is now possible to discriminate against people because of the football team they support.

However, there is a much more serious issue, and that is serious issue in Nepal. After death of 20 protesters, the prime resigned, the parliament building was set on fire, and there was a threat to the military coup. I certainly have many relatives of constituents who live in Nepal and are worried about the situation with their families so I wonder if the leader could arrange for a minister to give a statement next week on what we are doing to protect those families and protect the families and the United Kingdom.

the families and the United Kingdom.

12:11

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I think the Minister for his question. I will commit to a meeting with him, and in terms of Mondays, he will know that I have long taken the view that we need to take care on Monday, whether it is Backbench Business or government business, when we return from recess. So I will give some thought as to protected time, but the reality is that we can often manage the business of that day. We can manage the number of statements which is not the government's decision but can be managed.

But I will return to that issue if need be. On a really important matter which he raises about the situation in Nepal, the recent loss of life is appalling. We do support fundamental freedoms and respect for human rights, including the right to protest and peaceful assembly, but violence is not the way forward. I expect that they will be across this matter, but I will ensure that I will draw his remarks to their attention.

12:12

Liz Twist MP (Blaydon and Consett, Labour)

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School holidays in Great Britain can be a really tough time for some families. Programs like the holiday activities and food program help to bridge the gap team providing meals and opportunities to build social skills and confidence with age- appropriate activities and others. I attended an event has by Northumbria University where young people could do just that, by taking part in activities from gaming to martial arts designed by young people themselves. I am delighted that the government has invested continue the scheme for another five years, so can we have a debate on how we can build on the success?

12:13

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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Am delighted to hear about the success of the program, and I'm not surprised that Northumbria University is helping to deliver such successful programs. It is a fantastic job for our region. We recently announced that £600 million is being invested to extend the activities programme for another three years. It has already reached over half a million children in the past year, and I will ensure that the Secretary of State has had the question this morning.

12:13

Rt Hon Dame Karen Bradley MP (Staffordshire Moorlands, Conservative)

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Can I welcome leader to his place and paid tribute to his predecessor who supports exactly the right football team. People at Staffordshire Moorlands are very concerned that they should have their say about what happens in devolution plans so I'm sure the leader will share my astonishment that the reform led Staffordshire County Council has put forward a proposal for a unitary authority which would see not just Moorlands but Uttoxeter drawn into a great Stoke-on-Trent, so could lead a fine time on the importance of local people having their own say on what happens in the local area.

12:14

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I have to say to my right honourable friend that I don't share her astonishment about that at all because this is not unique of where you reform have councillors and where they are running councils. It nevertheless is an absolute chain that reform councillors appear to have gone back on their word in this case, and one of the themes that must run through the work that we do in local government is that we need to listen to local people.

I have no doubt that she will continue to make that case and I urge her to do so by organising a debate on that matter.

12:15

Sarah Coombes MP (West Bromwich, Labour)

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The seek helpline is a fantastic charity which supports Sikhs from all background with abuse addiction and mental health issues. Over the summer, the helpline did a 350 mile bike ride from Scotland to West Bromwich to raise money for charity so will the leader congratulate all the riders that took part and make time for a debate on organisations

12:15

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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Kai recognised the fantastic work my honourable friend did and I thank you for what I assumed is therefore her first business question four to 350 mile bike ride is a great achievement and I join her in recognising the importance of the helpline for the work they do in the local community? This is the sort of mantra I think could be raised in the House in an adjournment debate.

12:16

Rt Hon Sir Roger Gale MP (Herne Bay and Sandwich, Conservative)

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Kai also welcomed the new Leader of the House to his position, I expect he will have more success in the dispatch box and his predecessor Chief Whip's office. Can associate myself with the kind remarks he made about Colin Lee, whose service is one of the clerks of the House has been exemplary. As one of the been exemplary. As one of the longest serving members of the panel chairman, I worked with Colin for many years and he will be sorely missed and the House owes him a huge debt of gratitude.

Madam Deputy Speaker, charities and the United Kingdom, working in Africa, tell me that as a result of the withdrawal of US ED, women and children are dying in droves. The House will not be sitting when President Trump visits the United Kingdom, so we will not have an opportunity to send a clear message from this House at that time. But the Prime Minister will. So, will the Leader of the House ask the Prime Minister to place on the agenda for discussion in the margins, the withdrawal of USA from Africa, which is having such a devastating effect?

12:17

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I will commit to making the Prime Minister aware of what the right honourable gentleman is asking. And hope that that will be heard when the president visits. I also have to say that, given his experience and his voice, I am pretty sure that message will be heard loud and clear. clear.

12:18

Jess Asato MP (Lowestoft, Labour)

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One of the concerns raised by my constituents is the closure of our public toilets, due to the redevelopment of our old site by the council. I'm concerned that older and disabled residents are being dissuaded from spending their time and money in our town centre shops, due to fear of being caught short. Having met recently with the British toilet Association, I have learned that in the US, there is a national standard for of one toilet per 10,000 people, can I therefore ask the Leader of the House whether big and have a debate in government time and the need for more toilets and a high streets?

12:18

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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Thank you very much, indeed, Madam Deputy Speaker. I couldn't agree more with my honourable friend on the importance of the availability of toilets in our town centres. It is an issue which I am sure comes to the attention of MPs very often. I know that many people, particularly, for those with complex needs or health conditions, the lack of a toilet can be the deciding factor on whether or not they leave the House. Whether or not it is clearly a case for so many of my colleagues across the House, I think this would be a great topic for a Westminster Hall debate.

12:19

Wera Hobhouse MP (Bath, Liberal Democrat)

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May I also welcome him into his place. Just three days ago, the BBC revealed how effortlessly and illegal vaped lace with spice can be purchased through Snapchat. One in six confiscated vapes in schools now contain spice. They are described as a zombie grow, a prison drug, they are condemning potentially young people to a lifelong addiction and criminal life. Yet, this week, Ofcom wrote to say that such evidence does not meet the bar for enforcement action, even under the new Online Safety Act.

Can we have a statement from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology to explain why Ofcom is refusing to hold social media companies accountable, for drug dealing on their platforms, and putting thousands of young people at risk.

12:19

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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Thank you very much, as a former drugs minister, share her concern absolutely. I have always thought a strong line should be taken, but of strong line should be taken, but of course, the results are the issue of the role social media plays in this, so I thank her for raising this important issue, which is important for many people, not least parents. I will draw her concerns to the attention of the new science innovation and technology secretary.

12:20

Jo Platt MP (Leigh and Atherton, Labour )

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Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, our high streets in Leigh and Atherton are being undermined by illicit shops, with money-laundering and counterfeit goods. With rates of shops taking place just this week, seizing over £10,000 worth of illicit goods, but the shops reopening within hours. Criminals are exploiting loopholes in the Licensing Act 2003, with councils struggling to act, so can the Leader of the House confirm that restoring town centres is a government priority, and will heal our time in Parliament to debate strengthening licensing laws enclosing these damaging loopholes?

12:21

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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Can I begin by congratulating my honourable friend on her recent marriage. I would watch it in time congratulating her fall. She raises a very important matter, and she is a campaigner for her local community. High streets are a cornerstone of local communities and we are dealing with income of 30,000 more offices to tackle these matters, but I will draw her comments to the attention of the relevant department, but also encourage her to attend the next office next week, to raise it with ministers directly.

12:21

Rt Hon John Glen MP (Salisbury, Conservative)

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Can I welcome the right honourable gentleman to his new role. Can I add it to the voice of the honourable lady for Chelmsford and draw his attention to the reply that his predecessor gave me on the 27th of and draw his attention to the reply that his predecessor gave me on 27 February, concerning the response of government, it is really necessary we get a response. They came to see me this week as they're grateful for the opportunity to meet the DWP minister but I really do need a formal response to the Commissioner's report of 19 months ago.

12:22

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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He will appreciate that I am new to this role, but I give him the commitment that I will follow after this session, and hopefully be able to arrange a meeting with the Minister. And also, to get a response, which sounds overdue.

12:22

Sam Carling MP (North West Cambridgeshire, Labour)

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I have been supporting constituents living next military housing on a road in my constituency. The MoD sold their homes years ago but they have been left in limbo because their properties remain wrongly classified under energy contracts for top despite repeated attempts, many having unable to set up domestic accounts and are now facing gas and electric bills of up to £6000. Does the Leader of the House agree this deserves a debate in Parliament on billing errors and will he ensure that Ministry of defence officials contact me to get these homes reclassified, allowing the

**** Possible New Speaker ****

constituents to avoid further financial distress. I thank my honourable friend for

12:23

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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**** Possible New Speaker ****

I thank my honourable friend for raising this issue, and recognise his affected constituents will have his affected constituents will have gone through a great deal of stress, trying to deal with this. So, I will ask colleagues in the Ministry of Defence reach out to him in the hope these matters can be resolved as soon as possible.

12:23

Rt Hon Liz Saville Roberts MP (Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Plaid Cymru)

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Could I also welcome the new Leader of the House to his place. Trussell Trust's hunger in Wales report published this week shows that families with three or more children are far more likely to be forced to turn to food banks. The two-child limit is a root of this injustice, delivery punishes children because of the number of brothers and sisters they have and it is driving thousands of families to needless hardship. Will Labour and Westminster and Labour in Cardiff work together to grant debate in government time on the urgent need for this impoverishing policy to be scrapped? policy to be scrapped?

12:24

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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The honourable lady knows that we are already taking action, to help working parents. For example, free breakfast clubs will put £450 in the pockets of working parents, we have doubled the amount of free childcare for eligible working parents. In extending care. We are expanding free school meals and we are also extending the support fund. I mentioned earlier in my remarks the holiday activities and food programs. So, we are doing a great deal. And of course, I know, that there are discussions and debates around whatever action can be taken, the government is committed to, it has a child poverty taskforce, which reports from time to time it will be reporting soon.

Whether they have something to say about this or not. She will also know that in the run- up to the budget, I have no doubt these will be hot topics and there will be ample time to debate them.

12:25

Michael Payne MP (Gedling, Labour)

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Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker admire well, right honourable friend, the leader to his place, I recently had the privilege of visiting, will he join me into beating Branwell and the whole committee who have worked tirelessly, to protect and enhance one of the most beautiful hidden gems in my constituency of Gedling.

12:25

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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Yes, I do Madam Deputy Speaker, environment matters are so important, in constituencies, the work of committee groups in constituencies, also important, they are the heart of what makes a true community. I pay tribute not just to them, but to him for his tireless work on their behalf.

12:26

Alison Griffiths MP (Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, Conservative)

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Two nights ago, a man in his 30s was stabbed in the centre of Bognor Regis, and this follows a fatal stabbing earlier this year. But the government bring forward a debate to consider how to make High Street safer and to tackle the increasing prevalence of knife in small seaside towns like Bognor Regis? towns like Bognor Regis?

12:26

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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We are taking action to tackle knife, in fact we have given a commitment to harsh it over the next decade and hopefully go even further -- To halve it. But she has said two things that are relevant to me, one as a Home Office minister, I am acutely aware of the importance of levels of knife crime. But also as an MP for a seaside town, and how important it is that there are safe places, not just for people to visit, but also for people to live as well.

The government is absolutely determined to countdown on a knife and I'm sure there will be opportunities and legislation in the future, but also, should she choose to seek a debate on this matter.

12:27

Dave Robertson MP (Lichfield, Labour)

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Many honourable and right honourable members will know the name Armitage Shanks, the company that has been making basins and toilets for over 200 years, few people will know though that it takes its name from the village of Armitage in my constituency. Sadly, Armitage Shanks is planning to scale down its operations, shooting one of its kilns, and threatening 100 jobs. I am working closely with the GMB union to make sure that those affected can find other opportunities and safeguard as many livelihoods as we can, but the impact of those job losses in the community will be serious.

Can the Leader of the House arrange for a debate in government time on how the government can help protect historic brands like Armitage Shanks? brands like Armitage Shanks?

12:28

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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The news that my honourable friend brings to the House of job losses is disappointing. It is always disappointing, when jobs are lost. And I know the whole house will share his concern, particularly, when it is a well- known name employing a large number known name employing a large number of people. We are committed to supporting British industry and Armitage Shanks is a name well known throughout the land. The Chancellor has announced the date of the next budget, which will turn to the long-term reforms that Britain needs to unlock growth and make sure it works for working people.

I will of course bring forward time for a debate, following the budget in the usual way.

12:28

Andrew Rosindell MP (Romford, Conservative)

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This is truly sad and tragic day for our friends in the United States of America, as they remember the events of 9/11, in 2001. But also, the tragic assassination last night of Charlie Kirk, who I was privileged to welcome to the Houses of Parliament, in 2018, and taking to speakers house for a Christmas reception. He was a friend of the United Kingdom, he stood up for freedom, and his Christian faith. And we mourn his loss and send our condolences to his family and friends.

But talking about someone principled who stands up for freedom, on 13 October, the day we get back after the conference recess, will be the hundredth anniversary of the birth of our finest post-war Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. Will Leader of the House allow a debate on the legacy of Margaret Thatcher, which was to restore the British economy, to stand up for Britain around the world, defend freedom and not give away British islands but protect them, defend them and restore them, she did for the Falkland islands in 1982.

1982.

12:30

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I echo my remarks that I made earlier about Charlie Kirk, whether we share views or not, political violence is never acceptable. In terms of the anniversary of Mrs Thatcher, should he wish to seek a debate, around the anniversary, I can assure him that it will be well attended. I can also issue him that there will not be the unanimous approval of her legacy and record that he perhaps think there will be. Because I come from a community, Madam Deputy Speaker, which was devastated by the loss of heavy industry.

And to be honest, many of those communities are still suffering at the difference between those days and this day, today, is that when there is industrial change, this government stands with working people to lessen the impact and to ensure new growth brings new

12:31

Kim Johnson MP (Liverpool Riverside, Labour)

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Thank you. I am the only MP that says I have two amazing stadiums and cathedrals in my Liverpool Riverside constituency and we are the top 10 areas nationally for jobs, economic income and economic value. However, the hospitality's is still struggling to recover from COVID and the rising NI contribution so will the leader of allow a debate in government time to discuss how we bring the UK closer to EU competitors by reducing VAT and to provide maximum discount hospitality provide maximum discount hospitality sites and a 500,000 value to boost competitiveness and keep venues open.

12:32

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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Thank you, and my honourable friend is a campaigner not just for her constituency but indeed, for her city. The government is always concerned about the state hospitality and making sure that we act in a way in which we encourage investment in hospitality. It is at the centre of many of our constituencies, not least mine. Not just in terms of making sure there is decent paper that there are decent conditions and respect for the people that actually work as well.

But may I say to my honourable friend that I know that the importance of getting the tax situation right, but when we need to raise National Insurance in order to fill a financial hole, a not easy decisions to make, and people can't have them both ways. They can't have more spending and less we act to raise the money in the first place.

12:33

Richard Foord MP (Honiton and Sidmouth, Liberal Democrat)

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I would request that we have a debate to consider both rural broadband and Royal 4G. Broadband coverage and much of Devon is poor, and 4G hotspot are widespread but there is no relation to the broadband scheme. What this government please get a map those areas without broadband, platonic the 4G hotspot and get everyone who I represent one of the other.

12:33

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I will draw his attention to the relevant department that we are putting £500 million this year to deliver project gigabytes and shared rural networks. To drive the rollout of digital infrastructure in parts of the UK that are currently underserved. And that will improve nationwide connectivity by 2030. Over £2.3 billion of contracts signed to connect over a million homes on some of the most remote locations.

12:34

Ms Julie Minns MP (Carlisle, Labour)

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Can I welcome the new leader of the to his place, and also thank him for all of the help and support he has given us to those who are neglected? Cumbria's new and first community County flag was unveiled at a special service at Carlisle Cathedral. Cumbria County flag is a result of the competition and public vote won by Cumbrian artist Ben Walker and presented to the lordly tenant by the first weather or brownies. All the leader of the join me in congratulating Mr Walker on his excellent design and thank Cumbria's lordly tenant for organising such a fantastic initiative that celebrates community cohesion and pride?

12:35

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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Thank you. I'm happy to send my congratulations to Mr Walker and the Lord Lt. We are proud of our flags, both national and regional, and I know that Mr Speaker likes to mark historic County days by flying flags from Parliament's flagpoles, so we may see the new community flag flying in Parliament Square in future. future.

12:35

Dr Luke Evans MP (Hinckley and Bosworth, Conservative)

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Could I ask help for the new leader of. I have been working with the Hinckley school to try and get their stem building project sorted. This is been going on for a couple of years, and we are at a crucial point about contractors, but with the reshuffle, the minister in charge of that portfolio has been moved on, so in a pending position. I have sent the situation across and I would be grateful if he contacts this to put pressure on to make sure we get a decision made on this so the development could be done and started before the winter sets in.

12:36

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I know the honourable gentleman has raised this with ministers before, and also understanding that officials from the Department reached out to discuss these matters. Let me pay tribute to him for campaigning on these matters as an assiduous constituency MP campaigning for children predominantly, but also, for children and staff at the school. He will appreciate that new ministers are imposed after the reshuffle, and there is a new minister in this role, so I will make sure that this is raised at the earliest opportunity in the hope that he gets the earliest response possible.

the earliest response possible.

12:37

Charlotte Nichols MP (Warrington North, Labour)

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I associate myself with the support across the house for the member for Washington and Gateshead South. MPs have raised the unacceptable level of threats that we face. Threats are being driven one platform in particular, acts, previously as Twitter which has become a sewer of anti-Semitism, misogyny and dangerous conspiracy theories and its owners has targeted members of this House. The director of communications at number 10 and a refreshed Frontbench. Can we have a debate in government time and whether it is appropriate for this platform to continue to be used for official government communications?

12:37

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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What my honourable friend says about X is truly shocking. We are very much in favour of free speech but we also have incitement to violence. We deliver the safety act to seek to strike the balance between protection and freedom of speech. On the matter of the government's use of acts, it is right that the public are kept up- to-date with information. That is true. But of course, many are moving to other platforms, and as I'm sure, the government will be taking that into account in its deliberations going forward, and we also keep our wider social media practices under review.

12:38

Rupert Lowe MP (Great Yarmouth, Independent)

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My new political movement restore Britain is running a membership hole on support for deporting all illegal migrants. The response from thousands of people is almost unanimously in favour. The leader of the make time for debate on mass deportation given its extraordinary level of public support to ensure that this house has the opportunity to debate not just the moral imperative that the legal and operation reforms required for bilateral suspensions, remittance taxes, Visa cancellations, and true hostile environment and plenty more.

All in order to deliver the mass deportation of every last illegal migrant at scale and pace.

12:39

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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One of my predecessors said no, however, I'm not going to do that because these are important matters. I made very clear in my opening remarks that I regard my role in this house is respecting the views of members even if those views are abhorrent. He has been here long enough that he knows there are many ways these matters can be raised. He is just done it now. I resisted the temptation to go down the track of reciting a very important work that this government is doing, that if he does seek a debate on these matters in the usual way, then perhaps he will be successful.

will be successful.

12:40

Lola McEvoy MP (Darlington, Labour)

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I welcome the leader to his new role and I hope to see him being as generous with government time as he was with his own in his previous role. As he knows well, this month, our country will celebrate 200 years since the world's first passenger railway journey took place on the railway. This momentous indication led to a huge industrial boon for our region. Hundreds of thousands of skilled workers have been employed in manufacturing and engineering roles over the last 200 years, but these jobs have declined recently.

That is due to the last government's neglect of British industry and manufacturing. Given how vital the ambitions of our region are for the industrial strategy, would he grant government time to debate how this government will back British workers, industry, and get our region booming again?

12:41

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I commend her in the way she speaks for her constituency. It is important that we remember the 200th anniversary of the railway. It allows those of us to claim that we are the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, but as she alludes to, these things change over time. The government is committed to bringing this to every country, including the north-east, and that means working for our elected mayors, but also, making sure that the skills that we have in the engineering industries are kept and reskilling takes place, but also, that we have the support for companies that seek to invest in our region.

12:42

Judith Cummins MP (Bradford South, Labour)

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Members will know we will have 20 members still on their feet and I am aiming to finish for 1 o'clock, so if they can keep questions very brief.

12:42

Ben Maguire MP (North Cornwall, Liberal Democrat)

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I welcome the leader to his place. Grave breaches of international humanitarian law continue in Gaza, including the blockade of aid, illegal settlements, and according to an aid worker I met recently, sanitary products being withheld from women and girls. Meanwhile, our prime minister rolls out the red carpet for the Israeli president, a man who has said on record that the entire Palestinian nation out there is responsible for the October 7 attacks. All the leader of the please commit to a debate in government time on the U.K.'s duty to ensure international law is always upheld and on how we must work with our law-abiding international partners to guarantee that it carries wheel weight on the world stage.

12:43

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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Government has been clear on its condemnation of the time in Gaza, making it very clear that it is important that aid gets in to the important that aid gets in to the area. Also, that we move towards a ceasefire. When he talks about this, most conflicts and with some kind of diplomacy, and diplomacy requires people to talk to each other, even though they may not agree. It allows a prime minister to put the views across and I think that is really important.

In terms of international law, it is at the heart of everything that this government seeks to do and in terms of an opportunity to raise that, there have been serious statements made in this place about this important matter, and it is my intention that that will continue.

12:44

Tom Hayes MP (Bournemouth East, Labour)

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I have enjoyed many forms of festivals, so it's cancellation has left a huge gap. I have met recently with more organisers. There is a campaign to showcase how great Bournemouth is. The leader Tigrayan the strongest possible terms that Bournemouth is the very best seaside town? Would he congratulate this campaign and would he grant a debate on tourism for coastal and seaside towns?

12:44

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I congratulate Bournemouth in the way they have in promoting the town, but also, the way that he is promoting it as well. He is stretching it a bit, I have to say by asking me to say it is the best seaside town since I have Whitley Bay in my constituency. But it should not be a competition. What we need to do is to promote seaside and coastal towns. They are fantastic places to live but they are places to live but they are

12:45

Tom Gordon MP (Harrogate and Knaresborough, Liberal Democrat)

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I met with residents, frustrated about Tesco being built, with developers flouting planning rules, working outside permitted hours, will Leader of the House allow for a debate in government time on enforcement powers that local authorities have and perhaps how we can get Tory run North Yorkshire council to use them? council to use them?

12:45

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I am not sure of the detail of this case. However, I would say it is not unfamiliar to many of us, when UCB -- When UCB developments and the stress it causes to residents, again, I think this is the sort of thing the honourable gentleman said seek a debate on.

12:46

Chris Webb MP (Blackpool South, Labour)

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I recently had the pleasure of attending this year's switch on of the iconic Blackpool illuminations, lighting up our promenade and attracting millions and millions of visitors each year since 1879. Will Leader of the House join me in congratulating all the people that visit Blackpool, Blackpool Council, and light works, for delivering such an impressive event this year and join me in encouraging all people far and wide to join us in Blackpool for the illuminations this year.

12:46

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I will absolutely join him in congratulating everyone at Visit Blackpool for their hard work and I also congratulate him, because he is a champion not just for Blackpool's cause but also seaside and coastal towns in general. I have very fond memories of holidays in Blackpool, I have to say some time ago. On trips to see the illuminations. From the illuminations, the tower, the pleasure Beach, it really does have something for everyone. And I would encourage people to visit the illuminations.

Not least because they make sure that the town has attractions all year round and is not just seasonal. It is very important.

12:47

Susan Murray MP (Mid Dunbartonshire, Liberal Democrat)

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One of my constituents in Mid Dunbartonshire, has raised concerns with me about the software used in Scottish rule system and the ability of staff to alter cases with no record of changes being made. Transparency in the public bodies is vital to the public trusting both our institutions and trusting us. In these times where public trust in bodies is so low, the Leader of the House time for a debate on upholding the Nolan principles across all public bodies, so that taxpayers can have confidence that decisions are made with integrity and transparency?

12:48

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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Again, I have to admit, I am not across this issue, but in terms of the general principle of transparency, then we would be very supportive of that. I would suggest to her, because I am not sure about this, she might write to me about it, where the responsibility actually lies for decisions here. But again, to raise the issue, it is something she may seek to debate about.

12:48

Andrew Pakes MP (Peterborough, Labour )

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I am aware you are a strong champion of animal welfare, so you may be pleased to know that tomorrow, the end of our lino season, it is a bring your dogs to come and swim day. You may also be pleased to know, alongside the Leader of the House, that they show, over 37,000 people have visited Peterborough lie down, since it opened in May, that is an incredible turnaround since we face the risk of it closing earlier this year, and I would like to pay tribute to Clare Marshall, and the friends and staff, for their amazing work.

It means we now look forward to the year of the LIDO, as it celebrates its 90th anniversary. I'm not ambitious enough to invite the Leader of the House to, for a swim with me, but I would like to ask him if he would join me in congratulating everyone who supported in Peterborough, and if we can make government time to have a debate about the vital role they play in so many of our communities.

12:49

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I am not sure that it would be a particularly attractive site, I have to say, because my memory suggests my costume actually has a hole in the knee. But I do want to join my honourable friend in paying tribute to Clare Marshall and friends, and of course its staff. I know a number of MPs have similar concerns. Particularly seaside and coastal MPs but also around the country and I think this is exactly the sort of topic Westminster Hall debate Backbench debate would be good for and I urge you to apply.

12:50

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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I welcome the right honourable member to his euro, less pressure is Leader of the House, in contrast to Chief Whip. Can I say to the right honourable gentleman, you have still got your hair. Mine has long disappeared over many, many years. Very concerned at the reports emerging that the Indian government. The returning refugees to Burma, the deportation of 40 individuals, the referees face the risk of severe human rights violations, persecution upon their return and given the UK's long-standing obligations for the principle of nonfulfilment, and the special relationship with India, were the Leader of the House urge the Foreign Secretary to provide a statement outlining what actions the government will take to address this deeply concerning development, and to ensure the rights and safety of the refugees to remain a priority, thank you very much.

12:51

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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Perhaps this job is less pressured than my last one, but I have to confess, this morning, it didn't feel that way. As ever, the honourable gentleman raises a very serious issue. And this government is committed to defending human rights abuses, and regularly works with the government of India, and I will ensure the office has heard his concerns today, and where he will also seek to raise them at.

12:51

Matt Rodda MP (Reading Central, Labour)

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I don't think I will be able to get everybody in. I will be able to get more people in if they can keep

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their questions until about two sentences. With a good example. No pressure, Madam Deputy Speaker, earlier this week I was Speaker, earlier this week I was notified that Southern gas networks want to shut or day cuppa nature Road in Redding for 18 weeks. This Road in Redding for 18 weeks. This is the latest in a series of sudden and abrupt interventions by utility companies. And we have a debate in

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companies. And we have a debate in government time on companies and how better to regulate their activities digging up roads? These are issues that affect

12:52

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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These are issues that affect constituents right across the country. And I'm sure that if my honourable friend sought a debate on honourable friend sought a debate on these matters, either in Westminster Hall or a Backbench business debate, he can.

12:52

Alex Mayer MP (Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, Labour)

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This flooding follows on from a dry period and the hottest summer on record, clearly, the weather is changing. Would the Leader of the House consider bringing forward a debate on bringing resilience a more extreme weather events, as he makes the political weather?

12:52

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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She raises a really important matter, and I am sure there will be people across the country, particularly those hardest hit by the very dry weather, concerned about what might happen going forward. Not just in the short-term, but also in the long-term. Our flood resilience task forces focused on the long-term delivery of our flood resilience strategy and investment, and should she seek a debate, then it would allow ministers to set out our plans.

12:53

Danny Beales MP (Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Labour)

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In recent days, I have been contacted by many residents concerned about increasing his hate crime, graffiti, and even Valentine's against police in recent weeks in protest. -- Even violence against police. Will the leader of the join me to say there is no place for hating Hillingdon or anywhere in the UK, resilience is our strength, and for those working in hospitals and businesses are very much welcome, and make time in this place for debate about the national cohesion strategy and local strategy to follow.

12:54

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I would absolutely join my honourable friend in his remarks. I am very proud to say this country as an overwhelmingly inclusive country, but it would be wrong to say that we do not face challenges in some communities. The government is committed to developing longer term more strategic social cohesion. Committees will take place, and I think this will make a timely matter for Westminster Hall debate.

12:54

Steve Race MP (Exeter, Labour)

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At the women's Rugby World Cup is providing a classic showcase including seven matches being hosted by Sunday parking Exeter, the sell- out crowds. But the Leader of the House join in quite late in the organisers, including the staff at Exeter City Council and the teams in an excellent tournament so far, and sent the best of luck to this place to all the home nation teams as they enter the knockout stages this weekend.

12:55

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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With record-breaking crowds at the Rugby World Cup, tens of thousands of fans packing out the mile for the Lionesses victory parade after their amazing Euro success, we show ourselves to be true world leaders in women's sports, so I join my honourable friend in paying tribute to the organisers but also in wishing success for the home nations. success for the home nations. However, of course, as he notes, there is a game this weekend between England and Scotland, both home nations, so it is a case of picking which side.

12:55

David Williams MP (Stoke-on-Trent North, Labour)

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This week, a community radio station broadcasting to the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme celebrates its 15th birthday. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating all the volunteers at Six Towns Radio as it celebrates this milestone and would he agree with me that community radio has, and always will continue, to play an important role in our communities?

12:56

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I certainly will join her in congratulating them on their 15th anniversary in community radio right across the country, the government recognises the importance of community radio and continue to support the sector as part of a diverse media landscape. He may wish to go further than just seeking congratulations for what is happening in his area, and actually happening in his area, and actually considering a debate on this matter, about a Backbench business debate because I'm sure many colleagues would wish to speak in a debate about their own community radio stations.

stations.

12:56

Kirsteen Sullivan MP (Bathgate and Linlithgow, Labour )

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Last Saturday, our society celebrated its anniversary, marking five decades of volunteer led preservation and promotion of Scotland's waterways. At the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the society and its volunteers on this milestone and wish them all the very best for the next 50 years?

12:57

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I don't have any canals in my constituency, for pretty obvious reasons, but I love them, I think they are fantastic and I think local waterways are so important. They do not just link communities together but they actually bring communities together as well. I am very pleased to offer my congratulations and again point to the fact that community organisations and our constituencies are the absolute backbone of those constituencies and

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I wish them well going forward. I want to congratulate Cornwall

12:58

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I want to congratulate Cornwall

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I want to congratulate Cornwall on being in wave one of the government's innovative rollout of the neighbourhood health service. We are one of 43 areas making that are one of 43 areas making that shift, and we have provided services locally like community health or well-being workers and have been very well received and make a difference. I would ask for a debate in government time and that shift to community care, with the recognition that urgent and an agency care is an area where Cornwall, as other areas, has struggled, so alternative services should always be in place as we make that switch.

as we make that switch.

12:58

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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She will know that the NHS is one of our priorities. She will know we are beginning to invest more in turn the NHS round, but it is a considerable challenge given the state we found it in 15 months ago. I would urge her to seek a debate on these matters, so that local communities can raise their own specific concerns. There are real and tangible concerns, the government has a very, very optimistic plans for what can happen in regard to services and it is really important that people are treated close to home, and indeed in some cases actually at home, but a considerable challenge.

But it is a challenge that we intend to meet.

12:59

Amanda Hack MP (North West Leicestershire, Labour)

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I welcome the leader to his place. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the 100 year anniversary of the Midland red Coalville bus garage that showcase some fantastic buses through history for people to enjoy. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking the of the House join me in thanking the work of the trust, the vehicle owners, Coalville Heritage trust, and the district and local councils, for their hard work, in showcasing their buses and putting on this amazing event? But also recognise the work that local volunteers do, and the contribution they made to our local communities.

12:59

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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Is yesterday's debate highlighted, the whole house deeply cares about bus services and the role that they play in our local communities. This sounds like a fantastic event to celebrate impressive anniversary and a great deal of hard work to organise and I am happy to pay tribute to everyone concerned. And I'm delighted to hear about the success of the event. It might have been for the anniversary of Milind's Red Coalville Bus Garage but it is about celebrating buses and celebrate in full in tears as well.

-- About celebrity volunteers as well. well.

13:00

Adam Jogee MP (Newcastle-under-Lyme, Labour)

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The forced adoption scandal has outraged people are Newcastle- under-Lyme and up and down the country. This week I heard from Karen who gave birth to age 15, she was. Of North Staffordshire into a mothers and babies home for her child full so while she didn't give up her child and fought really hard against full speed over those, other women weren't so fortunate. Will the leader join me in calling on local authorities to preserve and protect all adoption records that mothers are able to get the what they deserve and can I urge him as leader to get all he can to get a formal apology from the Dispatch Box to the women who deserve justice.

13:01

Rt Hon Sir Alan Campbell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Tynemouth, Labour)

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I thank the honourable member for raising this matter and also for raising Karen's case. As he pointed out in his question, others were less fortunate than Karen, however, these are remarkably distressing and life changing, in the fact they have, these unpowered practices should never have taken place and our deepest super these are with those affected. We take these matters extremely seriously, we continue to engage with those impacted to provide support, we are also improving access to adoption records, including asking adoption agencies to preserve records for at least 100 years.

And I will ensure the Education Secretary hears about my honourable friends concerns.

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Includes business questions and I thank the Leader of the House for

13:02

Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP (Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North, Labour)

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thank the Leader of the House for On 13 August, I wrote to the

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On 13 August, I wrote to the Commonwealth development officer to ask for important information about ask for important information about the legality of exports. We want that information on Monday. This is important because in the judgement handed down by the courts on 30 handed down by the courts on 30 June, the judgement made very clear that under our constitution, that that under our constitution, that acutely sensitive and political acutely sensitive and political issue on exports is a matter for the executive which is democratically accountable to Parliament and to the electorate, not the courts.

We haven't had this information yet. haven't had this information yet. What steps can you advise me to take to get the information that the

13:03

Judith Cummins MP (Bradford South, Labour)

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committee needs? I'm grateful to the right honourable member for giving me honourable member for giving me notice about his point of order. The chair is not responsible for ministers replies to correspondence. It is all honourable members who should be entitled to expect a timely reply, particularly when asking for information on behalf of the Select Committee on which the house has conferred far more power to seek information and to hold the government to account. I'm sure that the Treasury event will have noted the members comments and I hope the Business and Trade Committee will be provided with all the information it requires as soon as possible.

13:03

Andrew Rosindell MP (Romford, Conservative)

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Following the decision in February must fly from the Victoria every day of the year, but in summer, a much larger flag is flown. Only in winter, a small flag is flown. Could the Deputy Speakers please talk to Mr Speaker to raise it with the House authorities as to why the largest summer flag has been removed to be replaced by the smaller flag? When I last checked, British summertime doesn't end until 26 October, so surely the larger union jack should fly at least until that date, can I also say 26 October is Essex day so maybe we can fly the flag of Essex as well.

13:04

Judith Cummins MP (Bradford South, Labour)

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Thanked the honourable gentleman for raising the issue of the flag flying from the Victoria. I will ensure that his request is raised by Mr Speaker and with the House authorities and that he receives a response.

13:04

Nigel Farage MP (Clacton, Reform UK)

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My mind is filled with the horrendous images yesterday of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, an American, a Conservative, a question, family man gunned down. He attracted the following of many millions of young Americans and indeed, had a growing online presence in our country, especially after he spoke at the Oxford Union last month. I absolutely believe in free speech that we all understand there are limits to free speech, incitement, constant personal vilification, the use of horrendous historical images, and this is not a left or right issue.

It is incumbent upon all of us, whichever side of the divide we are on, however passionately we feel, to behave with personal responsibility and I'm more the loss of my friend.

13:05

Judith Cummins MP (Bradford South, Labour)

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I thank the honourable for giving notice of his point of order. It serves as a timely reminder of the need for respect in this place and in politics. Wallet is not a matter for the chair, he gives the house and important opportunity to offer

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