Live Debate: Commons Chamber

Q10. What assessment she made of the potential impact of the definition of single malt included in the English Whisky geographical indication on Scotch Whisky's protected status. (901650)

Liz McAllister. >> Question number ten. >> Scotch whisky is a national treasure, and I'm pleased to inform my hon. Friend that its protected status and production requirements status and production requirements remain unchanged following the registration of English whisky. Geographical indication.

10:01

Stephen Morgan MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Portsmouth South, Labour)

- -

Douglas McAllister. comply with the English whisky G. I can still call their products single malt, leading to the possibility of three single malts, with three differing production processes being on the shelves as a processes being on the shelves as a result of this decision. How does this align with the Minister's previous statement, asserting that the definition of single malt the definition of single malt whisky will not be watered down.

10:01

Douglas McAllister MP (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)

- -

Thank my hon. Friend for his question. The English whisky G has no effect on single malt Scotch whisky, which retains its own definition. Set out in Scotch whisky product Specification and Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009. Other whisky definitions, including Welsh, Irish EU definitions, already co-exist with the Scotch whisky definition affecting its without affecting its protected status.

10:01

Stephen Morgan MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Portsmouth South, Labour)

- -

Seamus Logan Mr. speaker, I hear the Minister saying that the decision had no impact. But in a written response to a question from a colleague recently, the Minister failed to clarify whether an impact failed to clarify whether an impact assessment had been carried out. So can he confirmed today whether such an impact assessment was carried out and what its impact on the Scotch whisky industry was. Yeah.

10:02

Seamus Logan MP (Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, Scottish National Party)

- -

We recognise that stakeholders may have different views and legislation provides a process for objections and appeals. I understand that the Scottish Whisky Association have appealed to the first tier tribunal, which will be determined in due course, but I will say politely to the hon. Member that due process has been followed and a rigorous scrutiny followed and a rigorous scrutiny processes have been adhered to.

10:02

Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Wallasey, Labour)

- -

We now come to topicals Callum Anderson Upper Bann. So state.

10:02

Topical questions: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've had a difficult summer with a

10:02

Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Wallasey, Labour)

- -

prolonged period of no rain. This has put enormous stress on our landscapes, our farms and our landscapes, our farms and our natural resources are under increased pressure due to climate change. The Prime Minister has asked me to ensure that communities have more of a say in how water is managed, and this is all the more important given the summer we've had. The warnings are clear if we're going to be resilient in water and food security, we have to help farmers farm differently. Resilience is also, Mr. Speaker, about ensuring that the poorest in our communities can have access to good, nutritious food.

10:03

Callum Anderson MP (Buckingham and Bletchley, Labour)

- -

Callum Anderson Mr Speaker Hampshire. >> Input costs and pressures on global on global pressures, on grain prices are eroding their profit margins and their ability to produce food, which is why they welcome the government's food roadmap. So my right hon. Friend, explain how she's working with farmers to boost profitability, and might she consider a trip to North Buckinghamshire here for my farmers directly?

10:03

Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Wallasey, Labour)

- -

I think my hon. Friend the water Minister went last week, so he's Minister went last week, so he's obviously trying to get a brace. The government's backing farm profitability through £11.8 billion for sustainable farming and food production, investment in productivity and innovation and action to make supply chains fairer. We're also working to open up new trading opportunities. The farming roadmap sets out how government will support farmers to cut costs, businesses.

10:04

Rt Hon Victoria Atkins MP (Louth and Horncastle, Conservative)

- -

The Secretary of State, Victoria. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The conservative DEFRA team met more than 100 farmers in Berkshire this than 100 farmers in Berkshire this week ahead of Budget to continue our two year campaign against the family farm and the family business family farm and the family business taxes, one farmer told us. I'm sat with a ticking time bomb and it's unsurvivable for me. I will have to sell the farm to pay the bill. This is despite the government's humiliating partial U-turn. With six days to go before Budget, can the Secretary of State explain why this Labour government is putting families through this?

10:04

Well, Mr. Speaker, the issues around I were dealt with by my predecessor, and there were. It wasn't a humiliating U-turn. It was actually the result of listening to what people were telling us. And if she's wanting change. And then she she's wanting change. And then she gets up here and describes a government change as a humiliating government change as a humiliating U-turn, then I'm not quite sure whose side she's on.

10:05

Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Wallasey, Labour)

- -

Victoria Atkins government. I

10:05

Rt Hon Victoria Atkins MP (Louth and Horncastle, Conservative)

- -

can tell her that now. Now, while Labour were complaining about black Labour were complaining about black labradors and pubs at party conference, the Conservatives were listening to rural business owners. listening to rural business owners. They are being squeezed at every turn energy, water, heating oil,

10:05

Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Wallasey, Labour)

- -

turn energy, water, heating oil, petrol, diesel, food prices, red tape and taxes are all up under this government. Now. The Secretary this government. Now. The Secretary of State may have heard of two of them, Jeremy Clarkson and Cheerful Charlie. In fact, she stood cheerful Charlie up three times. They asked the question at our conference that I hear in market towns and villages across the country under this government. Why would anyone start a business in

**** Possible New Speaker ****

this country right now? Yeah. Well, I think the right hon. Lady has a bit of brass neck to stand up when she was in the Treasury and food inflation was at 19.1%. We know that some of the pressures on energy and power, pressures on energy and power, which is putting such pressure on everybody across all aspects of our economy, are due to global

10:06

Patrick Hurley MP (Southport, Labour)

- -

economy, are due to global instabilities and what's happening in the Middle East. And instead, and on Chapel Charlie, I met Chapel Charlie. And by the way, I didn't stand him up three times. There were some holds in the diary which they put in. So I've met him. He's a reasonable man. I spend my time listening to farming communities, and I'm not going to take any lessons from her.

10:06

Emma Hardy MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

- -

Patrick Hurley thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. >> Flooding has caused damage to farmland in my constituency this year, affecting crop yields and threatening food security. The NFU understands that the Statutory Instrument needed to establish a Instrument needed to establish a new internal drainage board will come before the House by the end of this year. So can the Minister confirm that timetable and commit to getting this resolved?

10:07

Rebecca Smith MP (South West Devon, Conservative)

- -

My hon. Friend raises an important point, and we intend to lay the Statutory Instrument by the end of this year. Of course, subject to parliamentary time.

10:07

Stephen Morgan MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Portsmouth South, Labour)

- -

Rebecca Smith thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since the Iraq War began, fishermen have seen their fuel costs roughly double, but the costs roughly double, but the Minister has offered no tailored support, instead pointing to schemes that existed long before the conflict began, including rebated Red diesel, Marine Voyagers Relief and the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund. Meanwhile, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy and Germany have provided millions in fuel support to help fishermen catching food for their tables. When will the government stop making excuses and back Britain's farming industry? and back Britain's farming industry?

10:07

Baggy Shanker MP (Derby South, Labour )

- -

As a member of Parliament that represents a coastal community, engaging with our fishing community is a priority of mine, and that's why I visited Cornwall and the southwest on a number of occasions. Now we are working with our fishing and seafood sectors to secure a vibrant, profitable and sustainable future and to make sure that I future and to make sure that I continue to listen to industry on their demands and concerns.

10:08

Emma Hardy MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

- -

Baggy Shanker thank. failures of the privatised water model to put interests of people and communities first, what steps is the department taking to explore alternative ownership models, such as Mutualisation, that would give communities a meaningful stake in the governance and accountability of water companies to ensure that people are put first and not profit.

10:08

Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale MP (Maldon, Conservative)

- -

Our Prime Minister has committed to introducing public control to the water sector, and just last month we announced that we will remove Thatcher's outdated cap on government ownership of water companies, and later this year, our ten year plan for Britain will set out plans for stronger public control over the water sector, making it work for people and places again. John Whittingdale. excellent oysters, and I'd be delighted to welcome any of the delighted to welcome any of the ministerial team to visit. But will the department do more to promote the shellfish industry, and in the shellfish industry, and in particular, will they look to introduce a specific aquaculture qualification to try to attract more apprentices into the industry?

10:09

Melanie Onn MP (Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, Labour)

- -

Yeah. what I said earlier around the value of the SPS agreement. But more broadly, obviously, Seafish has a role to promote seafish has a role to promote seafish around the world, and it was a real pleasure to be in Paris earlier this week at one of the largest food and drink expos promoting food and drink expos promoting British products, including oysters.

10:09

Emma Hardy MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

- -

Melanie Onn thank you, Mr. Speaker. Staff at the sewing shop in Grimsby are keen to see the rapid introduction of the deposit return scheme. So when can we anticipate seeing it and will the Minister be making sure that Minister be making sure that retailers do not derail this initiative? Yeah.

10:09

Olly Glover MP (Didcot and Wantage, Liberal Democrat)

- -

And I thank my hon. Friend and many of our older constituents, including my mum, remembers returning bottles to the recycling bank and receiving money for them. It made sense then and it makes sense now. Significant progress has been made on the deposit return scheme, but of course there's still lots of work to do. lots of work to do.

10:10

Dr Sam Rushworth MP (Bishop Auckland, Labour)

- -

Sorry, Olly Glover. sometimes year long delays in obtaining permits from the Environment Agency to undertake de-silting and other critical watercourse flood prevention work. So will the Minister meet with me to understand these issues and ensure resources are getting to where they are needed to keep our homes and businesses safe?

10:10

Stephen Morgan MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Portsmouth South, Labour)

- -

I thank the gentleman for his question, and I'll make sure that the relevant Environment Agency Area director meets with him to

**** Possible New Speaker ****

look at the concerns he's raised. There's lots of Sam Rushworth. Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Farmers in my Bishop Auckland. Constituency are concerned about

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Constituency are concerned about the rising cost of fertiliser, which risks making them uncompetitive. So could I ask the uncompetitive. So could I ask the Minister on their behalf if she'll engage with the Treasury to consider delaying the carbon border

**** Possible New Speaker ****

adjustment mechanism, and also doing more to ensure that we can develop domestic fertiliser? That's low carbon. Yeah.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Yeah. I thank my hon. Friend for his question. The government recognises the pressures facing farmers and the food and farming sector. Fertiliser Cbam liabilities are expected to be below 1% of current prices, with impacts on farmers very limited over time. Cbam, alongside domestic farming policy, alongside domestic farming policy, will support the transition towards more resilient low carbon supply chains while maintaining food production. production.

10:11

Michelle Scrogham MP (Barrow and Furness, Labour)

- -

Charlie Maynard thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister meet with. I co-commissioned, outlining the legal grounds that could put Thames Water into special administration.

10:11

Emma Hardy MP, The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, Labour)

- -

Mr. speaker, there are many legal opinions about this issue. I'm more than happy to ensure that he gets a meeting, but lawyers have very many different opinions.

10:12

Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael MP (Orkney and Shetland, Liberal Democrat)

- -

So struggle. >> Speaker, yesterday I attended an event on fixing the sewage in Lake Windermere. Would the Minister agree with me that United Utilities agree with me that United Utilities need to address the long overdue flooding issues at Ulverston, before they add additional pressure

**** Possible New Speaker ****

to that area of the system? I thank the honourable, my hon. Friend for her question, and she's quite right that we need to start thinking about flooding and water management in a more holistic way. We're looking at early rollout of regional planning systems, which means we'll start to address the issues around water quality, flooding and water scarcity in the same area. And she's quite right to hold water companies to account, excuse me, to deliver on the commitments that they have already made.

10:12

Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Wallasey, Labour)

- -

The Select Committee. Alistair Carmichael Mr. Speaker, as the government starts the process of redesigning the SFI, can I draw their attention to an initiative launched today by Aldi and AVP processors grounded in goodness, which is paying a premium to their beef producers? It is only £4.5 million and it's one supermarket, so it's not a panacea, but it's a good start. It's rooted in the principles of simplicity, accessibility and food production as she redesigns the SFI, would that not be a good model to follow?

10:13

Dr Marie Tidball MP (Penistone and Stocksbridge, Labour)

- -

Mr. speaker, we did simplify the >> Mr. speaker, we did simplify the SFI this year, after having inherited a scheme that had not only no Budget control, but over 140 different actions. I am certainly looking and more than certainly looking and more than happy to talk to the right hon. Gentleman about the principles that he has outlined as we work towards introducing a simpler, easier to use scheme in 2027.

10:13

Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Suffolk Coastal, Labour)

- -

Marie Tidball thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> Of my. >> Farm, is currently included in the Sheffield Local Plan. >> And wants to see it taken out,

**** Possible New Speaker ****

And wants to see it taken out, especially because inspectors recent report says that that land is of higher quality than the plan currently rates it. Given the further main modifications. Consultation closes next week. Does the Minister agree with me that the quality of agricultural land should always be taken into account when considering local plan site allocations?

10:14

Rt Hon Sir Jeremy Hunt MP (Godalming and Ash, Conservative)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my hon. Friend for her question. The land use framework will help deliver faster, clearer and more coordinated decisions on housing and infrastructure, ensuring that our most productive farmland is safeguarded as part of the implementation of the Land Use Framework will complete a technical review of the Agricultural Land Classification System by 2028.

10:14

Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Wallasey, Labour)

- -

Final questions to Jeremy Hunt. squeezing me in. >> On the 7th of September, Natural England submitted the legal orders for a 30.5% expansion of the Surrey Hills national landscape, which would transform biodiversity and nature protection in my area. That decision is now on the Secretary of State's desk. When will she make that decision, and would she like to come to the Surrey Hills to announce it and try out some of our fantastic local pubs?

10:15

Oral questions: Church Commissioners and House of Commons Commission and Public Accounts Commission and Restoration and Renewal Client Board and Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission

Well, I presume if it's it's a correct answer, then the local pubs will be more welcoming than if it will be more welcoming than if it isn't. But I'm happy to be in touch with the right hon. Gentleman about how we proceed from here.

10:15

Q1. To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to ensure the effectiveness of the Places of Worship Renewal Fund in deprived parishes. (901614)

how we proceed from here.

10:15

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

- -

Right. Let the changeover. We come to questions. Church Commissioner House of Commons Commission Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission Elsie Blundell.

10:15

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

- -

Mr. speaker. very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. speaker, the Second Church Estates Commissioner is unable to be in her place today, and I'm answering her on her behalf and with permission, Mr. speaker, I would like to group Mr. speaker, I would like to group questions one and eight together at the National Church. Institutions are in regular contact with DCMS about the places of worship renewal funds operation, and is collecting feedback from parishes before the third round opens. My hon. Friends will, I hope, be reassured that DCMS has committed to evaluating the scheme in response to the culture, media and Sport Select Committee inquiry on protecting the built environment.

10:16

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

- -

Cheltenham thank. >> You, Mr. Speaker. I am so proud to represent some wonderful churches across my constituency, from All Saints and Martyrs on from All Saints and Martyrs on Langley to Saint Luke's in central Haywood, but many are in need of repair and renewal. Concerns have been raised with me about Historic England's decision making process in terms of allocating the renewal fund and how some applicants in more deprived communities are, for now, going without the vital repairs that they need. What steps are being taken by the church to ensure that the socio economic analysis is being done of each

**** Possible New Speaker ****

application before future funding decisions are made? Mr. speaker, if I may say my hon.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Mr. speaker, if I may say my hon. Friend is making a great job in representing her constituency and the churches and church communities the churches and church communities in it. The fund, administered by Historic England, prioritises areas Historic England, prioritises areas of deprivation, combining high socioeconomic deprivation with low levels of local community infrastructure or resources in rural and urban places. My hon. Friend and other colleagues may

10:17

Q2. To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent discussions the Commissioners have had with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the second round of applications for the Places of Worship Renewal Fund. (901615) Kevin Bonavia MP (Stevenage, Labour)

- -

wish to write to DCMS and Historic England if they have operational England if they have operational questions and feedback. The church is also gathering experiences of clergy and parishes who have used

10:17

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

- -

clergy and parishes who have used the scheme, and this user experience is essential, Mr. speaker, to understand how the scheme may be improved by Historic England.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Bob Blackman. Kevin Bonavia thank you, Mr. Speaker. Saint Andrew Saint George's Church in Stevenage is the largest parish church in England built since the Second World War. And oh. Question two sorry.

10:17

Kevin Bonavia MP (Stevenage, Labour)

- -

Mr. Speaker, with your permission, I'd like to move questions two and nine together. I thank my hon. Friends for their continued support of our historic churches on both sides of the border. And as I noted in my previous answer, the church remains in regular contact with DCMS regarding the operation of the Places of Worship Renewal Fund and continues to relay the concerns and experiences of clergy and parishes.

10:18

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

- -

Kevin Bonavia thank you, Mr. >> Kevin Bonavia thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll start again. I'm delighted that Saint Andrew and Saint George's Church of Stevenage. Saint George's Church of Stevenage. It's the largest parish church built in England in Second World War, has recently been awarded £882,000, £255 as part of the Places of Worship Renewal Fund, and that's helping the church undertake vital roof works. Would my right hon. Friend inform me of any other financial support that would benefit this church and others in my constituency?

10:18

Douglas McAllister MP (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)

- -

Mr. speaker, and I'm delighted to hear that Saint Andrew and Saint George's were successful in their George's were successful in their application, and I know that my hon. Friend has raised this matter Friend has raised this matter before. I understand that this grant will enable the church to remain open for worship and the community to use the facilities and museum for many years to come. I'll also ask that my hon. Friend is sent a copy of the Historic England Advisory Note, which contains details of other funding sources for any other parishes in his constituency that may have not been successful in receiving grant money.

10:19

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

- -

Douglas McAllister Mr. Speaker, can the Commissioner confirm with the Secretary of State how much money has flowed to the Scottish Government in Barnett consequentials as a result of the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund? Now that we are on the second round and how much is anticipated will be passed to Scotland over the four years to reflect the £92 million total allocation to the renewal

**** Possible New Speaker ****

fund in England. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Members will remember that the current scheme applies only in England, as heritage policy is a devolved matter. The Church of devolved matter. The Church of England welcomes the decision of the Scottish Government to continue providing a VAT rebate scheme, providing a VAT rebate scheme, which means that places of worship in Scotland now benefit from support that is not available in

10:20

Sir Christopher Chope MP (Christchurch, Conservative)

- -

England, Wales or Northern Ireland. The government has confirmed twice in written answers to the hon. Member for Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch on the 9th of March 2026 and again on 12th March 2026. To the hon. Member for Edinburgh West that Barnett consequentials were not separately identified as a dedicated Budget line, but form part of a wider funding given to the Scottish Government.

10:20

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

- -

So Christopher Chope. know that the places of worship scheme are is massively oversubscribed and if they can have VAT allowances against repairs to historic places of worship in Scotland, why can't we have them in England? And wouldn't that be a much more direct way of helping repairs to. And the costs of repairs for historic churches? And will he ensure that that provision is included in the Budget?

10:21

Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP (Newark, Reform UK)

- -

Mr. speaker, as I've said previously, it's important that the previously, it's important that the scheme operated. The current scheme is not only fit for purpose, but is not only fit for purpose, but the best that we can make it, which is why DCMS are continuing to look at that. But I hear what he says because it is has been raised before about VAT. That is a matter for the Chancellor, and the hon. Gentleman will have to wait to see what is in the Budget. But I am about to announce a number of days for debate on the Budget.

And so the right hon. Gentleman, I am sure, will get an opportunity to raise Chancellor.

10:21

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

- -

Robert Jeff Smith. Diocese of Nottingham, is facing, in the words of the dean, the greatest financial crisis in its history due to an enormous backlog history due to an enormous backlog of repairs, the. The Dean and chapter are in touch with the church commissioners seeking an emergency financial support package, or else there is a very real prospect that the doors of the cathedral will have to close next year, which would obviously be a terrible step for all of us who love the building and see it as the centre of worship for our county. If the Leader of the House were able to put some gentle pressure on the church commissioners to help us, that would be very much appreciated.

that would be very much appreciated. Mr. speaker, none of us would want to see the possible outcome that the right hon. Gentleman is referring to, and I will certainly take it up with the second Commissioner to make sure that not only will the church, I'm sure, have heard what he has said today, but to do everything that we can to ensure that the outcome is the one that his constituents want. that his constituents want.

10:22

Nick Smith MP (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, Labour)

- -

Jayne Kirkham Mr. Speaker, question number four.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Leader.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Leader. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Happy to give my right hon. Friend a whiff. As we say in the valleys, As we say in the valleys, Parliament is taking action to reduce single use plastics across our estate. This includes removing plastic bottled water from sale, eliminating around 120,000 of them each year. We have also replaced plastic straws and cutlery with

10:23

Jayne Kirkham MP (Truro and Falmouth, Labour )

- -

more sustainable alternatives, and increase the use of reusable and increase the use of reusable and recyclable products. Parliament has also introduced a packaging sustainability policy for our sustainability policy for our procurement. This incentivises suppliers to reduce single use plastics. We continue to look further for greater opportunities to reduce plastic consumption

10:23

Nick Smith MP (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, Labour)

- -

to reduce plastic consumption across our estate.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the hon. Member for that very comprehensive answer. Falmouth Town comprehensive answer. Falmouth Town Council in my constituency adopted plastic free falmouth's plan to reduce single use plastics across reduce single use plastics across the town and at events in the town. I was therefore quite shocked when I came here and saw all the plastic cups, for example, in use across the estate. Will the commission have a long term, similar plastic

**** Possible New Speaker ****

use reduction plan? Can I thank the hon. Member for her question as I just set out. Parliament has made significant progress in reducing single use plastics across the estate and as

10:24

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

- -

an example, to minimise the environmental impact. The single use plastic cups are now made from biodegradable material, and we do bags of stuff on composting. We are, bags of stuff on composting. We are, though not complacent, and we will continue to identify further continue to identify further opportunities to reduce unnecessary plastic use. So can I thank her for raising the question, and I'll ask

**** Possible New Speaker ****

raising the question, and I'll ask officers to come back to us both on our plastic use reduction plan. Question five. Mr. Speaker.

10:24

Ms Julie Minns MP (Carlisle, Labour)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Church of England educates more Church of England educates more than a million children in 4700 schools. Church schools are committed to nurturing the knowledge, skills, character and confidence of young people needed to flourish, helping them discover their gifts, serve their communities, and lead purposeful lives. These schools are rooted in a vision of a rounded education, which seeks to ensure that every learner, including those with special education needs and disabilities, can aspire, achieve and access opportunities to reach their full potential.

10:25

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

- -

I thank him for that answer, and I put on record my thanks to all the Church of England schools in my constituency for the excellent work constituency for the excellent work they do. The Diocese of Carlisle's Northern Young Leaders Project gives young adults the opportunity to spend a year developing leadership and ministry and workplace skills through placements in churches and community projects. Could I ask what support might be available from the church to help dioceses expand programmes such as this, so that more young people can gain the skills and experience

**** Possible New Speaker ****

needed for future employment? First of all, echo my hon. Friend's. Thanks to everyone involved in the schools in her constituency, and I would make that point about my own, but also church schools across our country. As my hon. Friend has mentioned, there hon. Friend has mentioned, there are some good examples of work in the Carlisle Diocese to support young people such as Trinity School, young people such as Trinity School, which supports pupils into further education and employment, helping to grow young people's confidence and develop skills for the local labour market. It is important that our young people are supported as they look to enter the workforce, they look to enter the workforce, and I encourage parishes and local churches to explore local opportunities to better provide the opportunities to better provide the support for young people in their community and with permission, Mr.

Speaker, I will ask the second Speaker, I will ask the second Commissioner to write to her about the Northern Young Leaders Project.

10:26

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

- -

Jim Shannon.

10:26

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

- -

Mr. speaker, can I thank very much the Leader of the House for that answer. In February, the that answer. In February, the General Synod voted in favour of further mental health training materials for church, schools and children's groups, providing young children's groups, providing young people with spiritual and emotional support can make a huge difference as they prepare to leave education as they prepare to leave education and to work. In my own constituency of Strangford, Christian organisations such as Young Life provide weekly clubs for young people across the Ards Peninsula, offering mentorship and opportunities to develop their confidence and their leadership skills.

So what steps will the Commissioner take to ensure that mental health support is central to the church's work in equipping young people with the skills that they need to transition from

**** Possible New Speaker ****

education to work? Thanks so much. Mr. Speaker. The hon. Gentleman raises a very important point about raises a very important point about mental health. And of course, it's in very much in line with what the government is trying to do to government is trying to do to ensure that young people have the support that they need. I thank his schools for showing leadership in this regard. And there are, of course, are many across the country course, are many across the country that are doing that. I will ask the second commissioner if she will get

**** Possible New Speaker ****

the hon. Gentleman update on what is anticipated going forward. Sam Carling.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Question number six. Mr Speaker thank you, Mr. Speaker. The National church Speaker. The National church institutions have reviewed the duty to report in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 and considers its existing policies code of practice, reporting expectations regarding

10:28

Sam Carling MP (North West Cambridgeshire, Labour)

- -

safeguarding are compliant with the new duty. The church will continue to keep its guidance under review as its new. As the new statutory duty is implemented. Since 2016, all church officers have been mandatory reporting requirement to promptly report safeguarding concerns, allegations and disclosures of abuse to the appropriate safeguarding authorities.

10:28

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

- -

Sam Carling.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I thank my hon. Friend for his reply. General Synod papers from June claim that, to use their June claim that, to use their phrase, it is now clear that the Crime and Policing Act duty to report child sexual abuse does not apply to religious confessionals. apply to religious confessionals. That comes despite many reassurances from the Home Office to me and the hon. Member for Wells during the passage of the act, that during the passage of the act, that confessionals would not be exempted. So what discussions has the church had with the Home Office to inform

**** Possible New Speaker ****

its current position? Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I thank my hon. Friend for this question. He has spoken over a period of time very powerfully since joining this House about the importance of safeguarding, and I thank him for that. It is the role of this chamber to scrutinise the church, and I'm sure the second Commissioner welcomes his continued scrutiny of this aspect of the church. We all need to continue to

10:29

Tessa Munt MP (Wells and Mendip Hills, Liberal Democrat)

- -

do better to address safeguarding the protection of children and vulnerable adults remains the vulnerable adults remains the church's first priority. They are committed to preventing abuse and ensuring survivors are heard with ensuring survivors are heard with compassion and care. He asks a specific point about discussions specific point about discussions between the Home Office and the church. I am not across that for fairly obvious reasons, I think, fairly obvious reasons, I think, but I will ensure that he gets an update from the second Commissioner, which I hope will answer the points that he raises.

10:29

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

- -

Tessa Munt Mr. Speaker. bishop has said that mandatory reporting should take precedence over confidence is passed under the seal of confession, which is to be lauded. Confession is not a regulated activity as defined under the Police and Crime Act. So does the right hon. Gentleman agree with the Bishop of Tewkesbury when he says, and I quote, the responsibility is firmly in our court, fair court? And can he set out what steps the church will take to make sure that happens?

10:30

Q7. To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, what assessment the Local Government Boundary Commission for England has made of the potential impact of the pause of Local Government Reorganisation on boundary reviews in the areas involved. (901621)

Mr. speaker, I am in line with what I just said to my hon. Friend, if the hon. Lady who speaks very powerfully on these matters would powerfully on these matters would put what she is saying in writing to the second Commissioner, I am sure that she will take it up with sure that she will take it up with the church to make sure that that view is heard, and to get the seeks.

10:30

Blake Stephenson MP (Mid Bedfordshire, Conservative)

- -

Blake Stephenson question. Speaker.

10:30

Rt Hon Sir Jeremy Wright KC MP (Kenilworth and Southam, Conservative)

- -

Jeremy Wright thank. >> The Local Government Boundary Commission. Paused boundary reviews in areas affected by local government reorganisation proposals in February of last year, so the in February of last year, so the government's recent review of those proposals has not had any immediate practical impact. The Commission practical impact. The Commission will return to those boundary reviews when the reorganisation proposals are resolved.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Can I thank my right hon. Can I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer? The government's management of local government reorganisation must have cost the taxpayer in all millions of pounds. Can my right to a friend advise Can my right to a friend advise whether there is a financial cost also to the Local Government Boundary Commission, if not on the

**** Possible New Speaker ****

floor of the House today in writing. Sir Jeremy. Certainly write to my hon. Friend, if there's anything to add

10:31

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

- -

Friend, if there's anything to add to what I'm about to say, but as he will appreciate, the delay will have practical impact because all those waiting for such a review will have to wait rather longer. But the boundary review can only review proposals for change when a review proposals for change when a new. When a new authority is legally established. And that, of course, hasn't happened yet. course, hasn't happened yet.

10:31

Emma Lewell MP (South Shields, Labour)

- -

We now come to.

10:32

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

- -

Mr. speaker, in October 2026, the Archbishops Council approved a detailed operating model for independent safeguarding structures independent safeguarding structures in the Church of England. Following seven months of development by the Safeguarding Structures Programme

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Board. I thank my. Right hon. Friend for that answer, but it is now over three years since Professor Alexis G has recommendations for a fully independent safeguarding system in the church. I understand legislation to enact this is not due 2028. Can my right hon. Friend say done to accelerate this process, as any system that lacks full independence is not one that can claim it is adequately meeting its safeguarding requirements.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As usual, my hon. Friend makes a very my hon. Friend makes a very powerful point on behalf of the community that she serves. Further details about the new model of safeguarding structures will be published shortly. The new model provides for the establishment of provides for the establishment of an independent safeguarding authority governed by a majority independent board of trustees with independent board of trustees with responsibility for safeguarding policy, risk assessment, audit, inspection and national casework operations.

Implementation is underway, including the national roll out of a complaints process and recruitment to the adjudicator

10:33

Urgent question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of RAF Typhoon aircraft to defend Saudi Arabia and the extension of air-to-air refuelling support for Saudi air operations, including those against Houthi targets in Yemen.

Role. into the new structures is expected to be substantially complete by 2026, but I will. Mr. speaker, I ask my hon. Friend, the second Commissioner, to write to my other hon. Friend with more.

10:33

Mr Calvin Bailey MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People) (Leyton and Wanstead, Labour)

- -

Mr. Right. Let the front bench

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Tugendhat. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The question to ask the Secretary of State if he will make a statement State if he will make a statement on the deployment of RAF typhoon aircraft to defend Saudi Arabia and the extension of air to air refuelling support for the Saudi air operations, including those against Houthi targets in Yemen.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm grateful for the right hon. Member's question today and for the opportunity to update the House on the UK government's support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as they respond to increased Houthi aggression in Saudi Arabia and the government of Yemen. The whole House will have seen images of the attacks on civilian airports in Riyadh and the hundreds of casualties those Houthi attacks have caused. The government fully supports the right of Saudi Arabia, Arabia and the legitimate government of the Republic of Yemen to defend themselves. However, we know there is no long term military solution to this conflict.

The support we have announced is designed to help our partners at this critical moment, while supporting efforts to create the conditions for a political resolution to the conflict. Because while many of our constituents may feel that this is something that is far away, we must be clear about the direct consequences for the United Kingdom. The Red sea and the Bab Al-mandab Strait are among the world's most important maritime trade routes. Continued instability increases costs for British families and businesses while also undermining security across the Middle East. Helping that part of the world be more secure and stable is firmly in the United Kingdom's national security and economic interests.

As this House will know, we have already been providing Saudi Arabia with air defence support and air to air refuelling from Saudi Arabia air operations. The Prime Minister has now authorised additional military support. We are extending the provision of air to air refuelling to 90 days. RAF typhoon aircraft will conduct defensive counter-air operations from Saudi Arabia. These aircraft will operate in a defensive role and will not conduct offensive strikes. We will also make an RAF, a 400 aircraft available to support the movement of material within Saudi Arabia in support of defence.

Mr. speaker, we also remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation in Yemen and

10:36

Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MP (Tonbridge, Conservative)

- -

the suffering experienced by civilians, and also alongside military support. We continue our diplomatic efforts, humanitarian assistance and work to encourage political negotiations. Finally, Mr. Speaker, all partners receiving UK assistance must comply fully UK assistance must comply fully with their obligations under international law. We will continue

**** Possible New Speaker ****

international law. We will continue to monitor and assess this as part of our ongoing engagement. Tom Tugendhat thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for granting this. UQ I'm sorry that it was necessary, because there is a long standing convention in this place that the opposition and in fact, other Ministers, shadow Ministers, are briefed on the basis of the Privy Council in order to understand what is going on before there are military deployments overseas. Clearly, that seems to have fallen out of practice. Now, those of us, including my honourable and gallant friend who sits opposite me today, who have served in uniform and have briefed members of the opposition, should remember that sometimes we find ourselves on opposite benches in a few years time.

It's good to get these habits back in. May I, may I just say briefly, Mr. Speaker, why this is so important and why it is me and not my hon. Friend who is sitting beside me, who is asking this question? Well, this is a political decision. This is a political judgement. This is not purely a military deployment, but this is a judgement on how to use the defensive arm of His Majesty's Government and how it should be used and where it should go. Now, this is a question that the Foreign Office is best asked to co-ordinate.

And the reality is what we're instead getting is parcelled up process and not a strategy for success. So where is, for example, the action in the United Nations? Where are the sanctions on the Houthis who should be designated as a terrorist group? Where are the coordinating actions with others in the region? We've got the state visit of the Sultan of Oman today, and he's one of Britain's most important regional partners. But where are the voices coordinating our actions around not just Yemen, not just the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia, but the whole of the Arabian Peninsula?

To respond to Iran's hostility, because we've seen the regime in Tehran killing hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions of Sunni Muslims over the last half century, since that poisonous creed of Khomeinism infected Tehran. And this isn't an isolated incident. It's a pattern of violence. And we've seen it pushing up energy prices in the United Kingdom. And as winter approaches, with our energy so low, our storage so short, although the jackdaw decision is the right one, it's a bit late and it's not going to make a huge difference this winter, but it does make Rosebank all the more urgent.

So let me just ask a few direct questions first. What actions has he or his Cabinet colleagues taken to coordinate actions with allies in the region? Second, what support has been given to the defence of Cyprus given Iran's Hezbollah proxy attacking

10:39

Mr Calvin Bailey MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People) (Leyton and Wanstead, Labour)

- -

our bases recently? What plans are there to designate the Houthis as a terrorist organisation? Fourth, terrorist organisation? Fourth, what actions are planned at the UN to call out Iranian aggression alongside their Russian and Chinese alongside their Russian and Chinese enablers? Fifth, the last one Mr Speaker. Fifth, will the Secretary of State commit to briefings before of State commit to briefings before deployments, before. And finally, will the Secretary of State confirm

**** Possible New Speaker ****

that despite his. Sorry. It's two minutes. You know, on three. I think the Minister will

**** Possible New Speaker ****

have grasped what you needed to. Minister thank you, Mr. Speaker,

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Minister thank you, Mr. Speaker, and it is indeed a great privilege and it is indeed a great privilege to respond to my right hon. And gallant friend, and especially on gallant friend, and especially on this day, the first day of remembrance, I know there are differences in when we think it's right to put on the poppy. Just just to acknowledge I'm just because I was selling them this morning and to, you know, not not not to make a political point because we recognise that remembrance is important and it's something that we both care about. So just as important for us to set this, set this out.

And similarly, the right hon. Member has been a doughty champion for the people of the government of Yemen. He's spoken on it many times. I've sat in the chamber and listened to him and and I recognise that all the questions that he is asking are from a good place, and he is deeply impassioned and very well informed on this matter with regards to the situation that I'm here to respond to. It's very clear that the Prime Minister set out the strategic parameters and the and the judgements in which any military operation would work, and that should answer the preponderance of the questions that he asked at the beginning.

It is then appropriate that the Secretary of State, when adjusting that military contribution, did so in a written ministerial statement, and I am very grateful to be sat in front of him today, Mr. Speaker, wearing my Royal Air Force tie, speaking about the. Those people that have brave soldiers, soldiers, service personnel that have deployed on behalf of ourselves and to provide support to allies across the region because it is in our national interest to ensure that our allies in the region receive support when they ask. And we've set out that support, and it's something that we should be rightly proud of.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Michelle Scrogham thanks. Mr. Speaker. Houthi aggression

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Mr. Speaker. Houthi aggression fans, the flames in that region. So can the Minister tell us more about the diplomatic, diplomatic measures the diplomatic, diplomatic measures in hand to help with this crucial situation?

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Minister? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So the ongoing there is ongoing arrangements with our allies within the region, within the region. I'm very grateful to be joined alongside me by a member from the Foreign Office who has been engaged closely and actively with our closely and actively with our members, with our allies within the region, should he wish to have region, should he wish to have receive additional detail that we can provide in writing.

10:42

James MacCleary MP (Lewes, Liberal Democrat)

- -

James MacCleary. A Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

The spiralling. Conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia is deeply concerning. Further escalation risks Further escalation risks intensifying regional instability at a time when the wider Middle East is already facing the devastating consequences of the US, devastating consequences of the US, Israel and Iran wars. While defensive assistance from the RAF is the correct response to Houthi is the correct response to Houthi attacks, the government must be clear about the limits of British involvement. Can the Secretary of involvement. Can the Secretary of Minister inform the House? How long is it expected to continue and what safeguards are in place to prevent the UK becoming embroiled in a prolonged regional conflict?

Diplomatic efforts must remain the

10:43

Mr Calvin Bailey MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People) (Leyton and Wanstead, Labour)

- -

priority. Britain should be working alongside its allies and regional partners to reduce tensions and prevent this crisis from widening further. We must also protect vital shipping routes through the Bab el Mandeb Strait, currently threatened Mandeb Strait, currently threatened by Houthi attacks. The disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has shown us just how far reaching the consequences of threats to international shipping can be affecting British households as well as businesses. So can the Minister confirm what discussions are taking place with international are taking place with international partners to prepare for any future escalation and ensure freedom of navigation through the Bab el Mandeb Strait is maintained.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll try and keep it brief this time. Continued instability risks Continued instability risks disrupting global trade and energy supplies for British families and businesses. And therefore, I reiterate, it's very important that the UK continues to provide support the UK continues to provide support to our allies. You would you all know that within the statement that

10:44

Chris Webb MP (Blackpool South, Labour)

- -

we speak of an extension to the air to air refuelling capabilities out to 90 days, but we do not provide additional details which may play our soldiers and service personnel in harm's way. As well.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I first thank the Minister for confirming that these aircraft will confirming that these aircraft will operate in a defensive role and not conduct any of defensive and not conduct any offensive strikes on conduct any offensive strikes on Houthis? But can I ask the Minister if he shares my concerns, that regional instability and the regional instability and the conflict in the Gulf can have serious implications at home, driving up the cost of living, disrupting energy supplies and rising cost of businesses. Mr Speaker will be missing me at this point as well to raise.

With these conflicts increasing around the world and our RAF typhoon aircrafts being sent across the globe. Doesn't that also back claims of many Lancashire employees, including myself and the speaker, that we need to invest in that aircraft now and invest in that supply line in BCA systems in

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Lancashire and across the UK. Thanks. Thank you very much, Mr.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thanks. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And my hon. Friend is a Speaker. And my hon. Friend is a doughty champion for our. The brave soldiers and air aviators of the Royal Air Force who are operating the typhoons within the region. And he is right to highlight the significant investment. Half £1 significant investment. Half £1 billion in upgrades on the typhoon aircraft that this government agreed to earlier in the year, which is. Which is essential to ensure that when our people are ensure that when our people are deployed and symptoms such as these, they have world leading capabilities that have been invested in by this government.

invested in by this government.

10:45

Rt Hon Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP (Chingford and Woodford Green, Conservative)

- -

Thank you also meant a new border of for aircraft. But we'll put that to one side, sir. Iain

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Duncan Smith. Mr. speaker, can I just say to the honourable hon. Gentleman, and the honourable hon. Gentleman, and I don't mean this personally, but I do not know what has happened to government when they deploy British government when they deploy British servicemen and women abroad, they should be making a statement to the House no matter what time of the House no matter what time of the day or night it is. Back in 1999, I remember the then deputy leader of remember the then deputy leader of the Labour government coming to the Dispatch Box at around about 9 p.m.

when the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, deployed RAF aircraft to

10:46

Mr Calvin Bailey MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People) (Leyton and Wanstead, Labour)

- -

Montenegro. Now he knew his responsibilities and the government has failed on this quite explicitly. I also ask the right hon. Gentleman why are they misusing this word defence endlessly now, not wanting defence endlessly now, not wanting to talk about what they have to do? How do you defend against a ballistic missile once it is launched? Unless you attack the launched? Unless you attack the site that is launching it? This is a nonsense. At the end of the day, we need to be honest with the we need to be honest with the British public. I'm not against them being deployed to defend by offensive action, but surely that makes greater logic than pretending

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is a multiplicity of questions within the question, the first of which, the question, the first of which, the first of which is about the deployment, about the deployment and why a statement wasn't made. and why a statement wasn't made. Well, I made very clear that the strategic parameters were set out by the Prime Minister, that the by the Prime Minister, that the deployment was laid down by the Secretary of State, and I'm very pleased to be here today to talk about the extension of an existing employment. This isn't anything new with regards to the word defensive as a a person with a as a gallant and significant military background.

And my neighbouring MP, you will understand that a lay that he will understand that a layered air defence system is. Will is exactly that and defensive counterair is a capability. We are not conducting strikes. There is no capability to conduct strikes, and therefore it is not something that we're seeking to present in any other way than it to present in any other way than it is possible.

10:48

Mark Sewards MP (Leeds South West and Morley, Labour)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the government's decision to deploy this defensive operation against the Houthis. And I do know that the Minister will be aware that Britain's former ambassador to Yemen has called for proscription of the Houthis, and I do absolutely agree with him on that point. It would allow us to criminalise fundraising and support for the Houthis, disrupt any operations on UK soil, as well as freeze their assets. So what conversations has he had with his counterparts in the Home Office about prescribing the Iranian backed threat that is the Houthis?

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Minister? I thank my hon. Friend for his

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I thank my hon. Friend for his remarks and for his concern for Yemen, and it's important that we remember that the reason for this remember that the reason for this is to seek a ceasefire and to allow the United Nations to come in and the United Nations to come in and provide humanitarian support to those people in Yemen. We do not

10:49

Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale MP (Maldon, Conservative)

- -

those people in Yemen. We do not comment on future measures, but I will offer that we are considering all options and an offer, perhaps a meeting with the members sat next to me.

10:49

Mr Calvin Bailey MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People) (Leyton and Wanstead, Labour)

- -

I'll take. Mr. Speaker. I support the deployment. Of British forces in support of our Saudi Arabian allies. But as has become clear, the distinction between offensive and defensive support is pretty fuzzy at best. And can he say what assessment has been made of the possible increased threat to British nationals, both civilian and military, in the region, and what is being done to meet that Minister advice?

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And again, I first, it's important to recognise that advice to those British nationals in the region is issued by the FCDO and. And I urge issued by the FCDO and. And I urge all of those people deployed within the region to pay attention to the the region to pay attention to the announcements from their consulates, the consular announcements in terms of offensive and defensive, these of offensive and defensive, these are very well known and doctrine parts of military operation. And so when I use the language defensive counter air, that is entirely what that is meant to do.

Unless anyone wants to rewrite doctrine, which I would take great pleasure in would take great pleasure in contributing to that. That remains what we have deployed, and that's what we intend, how we intend to what we intend, how we intend to deliver our military capabilities.

10:50

Kevin Bonavia MP (Stevenage, Labour)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My hon. Friend is. Right to set out the government's position in supporting our. Ally because they are taking our. Ally because they are taking on terrorists, and these.

10:50

Mr Calvin Bailey MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People) (Leyton and Wanstead, Labour)

- -

Terrorists are not just a threat to our allies in the region. They are a threat to ourselves. We have the Bab Al-mandab Strait and we have taken action there before. And I would like the assurance of my hon. Friend that we will do all it takes to work with our allies in the region to make sure that our national interests, not just that

**** Possible New Speaker ****

of our friends and region, are protected going forward. Minister.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Minister. I thank my hon. Friend for his question and his share of concern. We unequivocally condemn Houthi attacks. We support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the legitimate government of Yemen to defend themselves, protect their territory

10:51

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

- -

and their civilian populations. We cannot allow international shipping to be threatened or held to ransom. And as he recognises that instability in that region, disrupting trade routes and energy supplies, increases the costs to British families and businesses here at home in the UK.

10:51

Mr Calvin Bailey MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People) (Leyton and Wanstead, Labour)

- -

Bob Blackman thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Houthis in Yemen have Speaker. The Houthis in Yemen have been largely quiet for four years, but of course, Yemen is one of those disastrous areas where those disastrous areas where humanitarian aid is desperately needed. Now that the Houthis have come out and attacked at the behest of Iran, what action is the government taking to build a coalition of forces to actually defeat the Houthis, not contain them, but actually defeat them so that the threat they have to the region is is minimised or eradicated, because the reality is that Iran is ordering the opposition to disrupt the shipping lanes of the world.

Yeah, National. Security Council.

10:52

Tessa Munt MP (Wells and Mendip Hills, Liberal Democrat)

- -

Thank you. I know the hon. Member has again been someone who Member has again been someone who has spoken on these matters with great passion and consistency. During my time in the House, we urge the Houthis to return to a UN led political pathway, and we will continue to work with regional allies. But it's also important that we provide them the support that allows the space and capacity that allows the space and capacity to engage in that activity, and to provide the much needed sanctuary for the Yemeni people.

10:53

Mr Calvin Bailey MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People) (Leyton and Wanstead, Labour)

- -

Tessa Munt thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are constantly reminded of the importance of plans and planning. So can I ask the Minister what specific political and diplomatic conditions would need to be met for the government to withdraw this defence support and how Parliament will be kept informed on progress?

10:53

James Wild MP (North West Norfolk, Conservative)

- -

Minister thank you. Well, we insist that all the support that is received from the UK is in received from the UK is in accordance with the international with international law, and I. It's with international law, and I. It's a great privilege of mine to have worked in the Department as part of the application of such process in the past, and so I feel with great. Well, I'm very comfortable in knowing that our processes ensure that I can speak here with great comfort, that we will ensure that those processes are met and that our rules and values are upheld by allies and partners.

10:54

Mr Calvin Bailey MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People) (Leyton and Wanstead, Labour)

- -

Mr. James Wild thank you, Mr. Speaker. In April last year, the Speaker. In April last year, the RAF joined the US Operation Rough Rider to degrade Houthi ballistic missile and drone attacks. And at missile and drone attacks. And at the time, I asked the Secretary of State to make sure that that was sustained action rather than ad hoc action. Does he regret that it wasn't sustained? And if defensive action does not include striking potential launch sites, how will it make any difference at all?

10:54

Charlie Dewhirst MP (Bridlington and The Wolds, Conservative)

- -

Minister well, I think providing defensive counter air to prevent attacks on airports and civilian attacks on airports and civilian structures is a fairly significant offering, and that is essential to providing safety and support and sanctuary to those people that are working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support the government of Yemen.

10:55

Mr Calvin Bailey MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People) (Leyton and Wanstead, Labour)

- -

Thank you. to to stand alongside our allies in Saudi Arabia. The additional deployment requires sufficient resourcing. So will the Minister confirm that the. Despite the former Secretary of State and now Chancellor, saying in his resignation letter that the Ministry of Defence need 3% by 2030, the MoD Spokesman's comments yesterday state that that commitment is not going to meet that date. Very good Minister.

10:55

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

- -

When we make deployments such as this, they are taken with. They are taken. Well, the. The question, Mr. taken. Well, the. The question, Mr. Speaker, if I remember the reason why I'm here, is to discuss our deployment in in in Yemen. And so in response to that question, the the thing that the hon. Member would need to be assured of is that our military commanders are content that they can meet this deployment, and they can meet the other tasks that we have set out for them.

10:56

That brings us to. >> Jim Shannon. >> Mr. Speaker. >> Can I thank the Minister very

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Can I thank the Minister very much for for his answers and also welcome government response and and support for Saudi Arabia. I understand that this operation is intended to provide defensive support only. I'm reminded of the Red sea crisis in 2023 2025, when defensive action to protect UK shipping from Houthi attacks escalated into offensive strikes against targets. So what assessment has the Minister and government made of? The risk of British forces may be directly targeted, causing further escalation and drawing the United Kingdom into a wider

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I always love the opportunity to talk about love the opportunity to talk about my past service and commitment and on opportunities. As I said before, the we do not discuss the

10:57

Points of Order

the we do not discuss the parameters or the assessments that are made that will that could impact the safety and security of impact the safety and security of our military personnel. We know that our military commanders are comfortable with the deployment and their responsibility towards the people, and I just want to thank those brave soldiers and service those brave soldiers and service personnel that are deployed on our behalf within the region, delivering these missions and operations. operations.

10:57

Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MP (Tonbridge, Conservative)

- -

A point of order, Tom Tugendhat. Before Mr. Before the hon. Member had spoken, may I seek your

10:57

Mr Speaker

guidance and advice on ensuring that the government does inform this House before military this House before military operations doesn't have to be dragged here with your indulgence for an urgent question. When there for an urgent question. When there is a clear need for this House to be able to debate the actions of His Majesty's Government in order to support our forces, who we all support, and I respect his service, and I'm sure he respects all those on this side as well. Thank you,

**** Possible New Speaker ****

on this side as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I didn't really want to. Be dragged. Into it, but obviously one gets dragged into. Previous governments have stated that a convention is developed that before troops are committed, the House of Commons should have an opportunity to debate the matter. I personally do think an oral statement on this would have been helpful, but this is ultimately the decision for the government to make. I will leave it at that, and I don't want to be dragged any

10:58

Right. Right. We Right. We now Right. We now come Right. We now come to business. Questions shall. Leader of the House.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Jesse Norman thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the leader give the House the forthcoming business House the forthcoming business leader? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The business for the week commencing the 26th of October will include the 26th of October will include Monday the 26th of October debate on a motion on the performance of Royal Mail, followed by a general debate on the emerging risks of advanced AI. The subject for these debates, determined by the backbench Business Committee. Tuesday the 27th of October Second Reading of the building Safety Remediation of Unsafe Cladding Bill, Wednesday the 28th of October.

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will deliver his Budget statement Thursday the 29th of October. Continuation of the

10:59

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

- -

Budget debate Friday the 30th of October. The House will not be sitting. The provisional business sitting. The provisional business for the week commencing the 2nd of November includes Monday, the 2nd of November. Continuation of the of November. Continuation of the Budget debate. Tuesday the 3rd of November. Conclusion of the Budget debate and on Wednesday, the 4th of debate and on Wednesday, the 4th of November. Remaining stages of the sporting events bill. Lords. The sporting events bill. Lords. The House will then rise for the November recess at the conclusion of business on Wednesday, the 4th of November and return on Tuesday the 10th of November.

Jesse Norman thank you and I thank the leader very much for that business. Mr. speaker, as the Prime Minister, the opposition and others mentioned yesterday in this week of the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster, let us never forget its victims, including 116 children and its terrible cost to their families and their community. On a far happier note, the House will shortly come together in celebration of the clerk on his retirement. But let me pay a personal tribute now to Tom for his unfailing genius, sense of service and courtesy to the House and the assistance he has given us all as members over 30 years as a jobbing trumpeter, coming very much from the opposite end of the quality spectrum, I can testify that Tom is a superb jazz pianist, and like any great jazzer, he's got a remarkable ability to improvise under pressure while never losing sight of the underlying material, as in the gig.

So at the table that's no small achievement. With 650 would be Miles Davis's all playing in different keys.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

It's a bit more in tune than some. Mr Speaker more in tune than

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Mr Speaker more in tune than others. Among Tom heroes, Tom's heroes, Art Tatum was famous for taking a familiar tune and turning taking a familiar tune and turning it into something almost unrecognisable. Tom has often unrecognisable. Tom has often performed the reverse feat, with members legislative amendments taking something almost unrecognisable and turning it into something more familiar. Mr. speaker, I hope you and the leader will forgive another toot from me on my constituency trumpet, but this week has seen the publication of a brilliantly positive new report by Policy Exchange on in might, our new engineering university in Hereford.

Among other things, it highlights that, thanks to its accelerated degrees, it offers at least 20% better value for money for students than elsewhere. And for local students. It's almost half the cost of an equivalent chartered engineering degree anywhere else. But the report goes further, and I think this is a matter of general interest to the House. It identifies 57 suitable towns and cities across the UK, places such as Hartlepool, Grimsby, Barnsley, Burnley, Scunthorpe in the north alone, in which this model could be rolled out across the country again, I'd be delighted to discuss with colleagues how we could do this with any areas and constituencies that may be interested.

I end, if I may, on a more serious note, in May 2024, Lord Walden's report, Protecting Our Democracy from Coercion, made over 40 recommendations to tackle political intimidation and disruptive extremism two years into its term of office more than two years, this government has yet to respond fully. Indeed, Ministers abolished Lord Walden's position last year. When they did so, they promised that his report would continue to shape the government's approach to political violence. Yet they rejected key recommendations in passing the Crime and Policing Act, including stronger powers to prevent particularly harmful marches. And they did that despite very strong appeals from Jewish community groups facing the present rising tide of anti-Semitism and who are still more concerned, be, it said, after the Green Party's appalling resolution, that Zionism is racism.

The threat is clear and I know this is an issue of particular concern to you, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all of us, 96% of Members of Parliament responding to the speaker's conference in 2025 reported harassment, intimidation or abuse. It's a matter of public record that last September, arson destroyed the constituency office of one of our colleagues and that another and their son received death threats. Peaceful protest is fundamental to democracy, of course, but so is the right of every person to live free from intimidation, and so is the right of every elected

11:04

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

- -

representative to be able to serve and their staffs, elected representatives and their staff to representatives and their staff to be able to serve without intimidation, abuse and coercion. So will the Leader of the House. So will the Leader of the House. Ask the Home Secretary to publish a full recommendation by recommendation response to Lord recommendation response to Lord Walden's report, and will he arrange a debate in government time on that response so that this House on that response so that this House can collectively scrutinise what the government is doing and

**** Possible New Speaker ****

proposes to do to meet these dreadful threats? Leader thank you. Mr. Speaker. And can.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

And can. I first of all, join with the Right. Hon. Gentleman, and as he Right. Hon. Gentleman, and as he says, the leaders of all parties in reflecting on the 60th anniversary reflecting on the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster, which was 60 years ago yesterday, we remember 116 children and 28 adults who tragically lost their lives when tip seven collapsed onto Pantglas Junior School and nearby homes, and paid tribute to the incredible courage of the rescuers and the enduring resilience of the Aberfan community. And I think it's fair to say, Mr. Speaker, because you and I are contemporaries, we are old enough.

I am old enough to remember the disaster. We have been fortunate enough to live 60 years of our lives that 116 of our contemporaries were unable to do so, is to say the least, sobering, but actually is a tragedy. And I want to put our thoughts with the Aberfan community and families on record. Before I turn to the other comments of the shadow leader, Mr. Speaker, I also want to mention Andy King, the former Member of Parliament for Rugby and Kenilworth from 1997 to 2005, who sadly passed away this week. And I'm sure the whole House joins me in sending our condolences to his friends and family.

I am also sure that the whole House will join me in condemning the horrific attack on the Australian Independent MP Helen Haines, which took place outside her electoral office. My thoughts are with Doctor Haines, her family and her team as she recovers from this appalling assault. On lighter matters. I want to extend my congratulations. I'm sure the House is. Congratulations to the Member for Boston and Skegness on his recent marriage and also further congratulations to the Shadow Secretary of State for business, innovation, Science and Trade who announced the birth of her son. This. Wish them well, Mr.

Speaker. Today marks the start of the 2026 Royal British Legion Poppy appeal. As thousands of volunteers gather across our country to distribute the red poppy, they raise funds for our brave service personnel, veterans and their families, and we thank them all for everything that they do. Turning to other matters, Mr. Speaker, this summer has was filled with record high temperatures. But as we are seeing, winter is now drawing in and the changing climate will bring more severe and uncertain weather in the years to come. And we need to make sure that we are fully prepared across the NHS, our transport system and our energy security.

I think it's fair to say, and it's not a party political point. I think it's just true that the UK has been a bit of an outlier, really, in not looking sufficiently and not sufficiently early at this right across government, and I just want to reassure the House that we are putting that right. Also, Mr. Speaker, we have taken a crucial step forward this week in protecting motorists from unfair enforcement and car sales scams, with a new private parking code of practice providing motorists right the right to challenge unfair private parking charges. And this has been an issue which has been raised with me several times at business questions.

And also, Mr. Speaker, potholes are an issue frequently raised by to me by members in this forum, and data published today shows that more than 7000 miles of road resurfacing has taken place this year, up 10% on last year. But clearly there is more to do. And on another theme with your indulgence, Mr. Speaker, we've also. I've also faced questions on matters of heritage and restoration, and I just want to mention my constituents, Kevin and Alison Wilson, who have been involved in the successful restoration of Cullercoats Watchtower, who are joining us in the House today.

Let me turn to the points that the hon. Gentleman raised, first of all, about the success of his further and higher education, higher education in his constituency, and I hope I have said this before and I'm happy to repeat it. I absolutely commend the hon. Gentleman for his work, which has been recognised as a really an excellent model, and he's, as he says, I hope that other areas will look at that. The higher education sector is an engine of economic growth in his area and elsewhere, and providers play an essential role in training students, not just for jobs now, but for the future.

I'm very happy if he wishes that, I'm sure he's spoken to them already. If he wishes to speak to Ministers to discuss this matter further. But I just want to put that on record, because he's right to raise it in the way that he does. This is not or it shouldn't be, a party political matter this side of the House can learn from best experience from the other side of the House as well, and that is very much in keeping with the practical approach that the Prime Minister wants to see across a number of policies.

He then raises another very important matter. Mr. Speaker, on the issue of the security and and tackling and preparing against terrorism. And, of course, Mr. Speaker, there is the speaker's conference, which is of crucial importance. There is also the Defending Democracy Task Force that continues to look at these issues. On the specific point about Lord Olney's reports. Let me take that away, Mr. Speaker, and raise it with Ministers and see if there is something that that the Home Secretary needs to come back to the House to update the House on, or indeed, to update the right hon.

Gentleman. But let me make it absolutely clear that we stand with all faiths, including and particularly the Jewish faith, as they come under sustained attack. And it's just a sad fact that both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia have increased in recent months. The government is absolutely committed to tackling that. That means putting money into the physical protection of places of worship, but it also means making social cohesion a top priority. And I would just finally point out that Sir David Bell's review of This week on anti-Semitism and how week on anti-Semitism and how schools need to do more going forward is an excellent piece of work, and the government intends to work, and the government intends to accept all 27 recommendations.

11:11

Cat Eccles MP (Stourbridge, Labour)

- -

Cat Eccles thank you, Mr. Speaker. Russells Hall Hospital, which serves my constituency many patients, visitors and staff have reported receiving parking charge notices despite correctly registering and paying for their

11:11

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

- -

parking. The hospital car park is managed by Group Nexus, a private company, and those receiving fines company, and those receiving fines include blue badge holders and even a priest who was administering last a priest who was administering last rites. Does he agree with me that Dudley NHS trust needs to investigate this urgently and ensure the government's new parking private parking code is followed so that my constituents are not unfairly penalised by private

**** Possible New Speaker ****

unfairly penalised by private parking enforcement systems? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And the issue parking, as I said, has been raised with me many times in these sessions, and NHS trusts are responsible for car parking charges and are also expected to follow the NHS car parking guidance. As she rightly identifies, some hospitals do use private companies and as I said earlier, there is a new code said earlier, there is a new code of practice. I hope that her trust has heard her concerns today, but also that other trusts look at this also that other trusts look at this as well to ensure that as the new code of practice comes in, that they are fulfilling their obligations.

obligations.

11:12

Bobby Dean MP (Carshalton and Wallington, Liberal Democrat)

- -

Bobby Dean Liberal Democrat. the leader House as a reflection on Aberfan disaster? Our thoughts are with all those affected and indeed the whole community. And before I begin on what I wanted to focus on today, can I just say how deeply concerning it was to hear a US envoy last night describe Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian? Just as Russia continued to bomb in Ukraine. I sincerely hope that the government will be moving quickly to condemn those comments, and they'll make time to progress to Russia. Frozen assets bill put forward by my colleague the Member for Bicester and Woodstock.

Closer to home, the NHS alliance has sparked a row amongst health professionals this week, as it said that up to 20 maternity units may have to close in England. The alliance make the case that the shortage of doctors and the increase in C-sections means that consolidation will be necessary to keep mothers and babies safe. But obstetricians and midwives are saying that having maternity services close to home is critical, and these workforce issues must be addressed in a different way.

Now, in my own constituency, Doncaster Central Warrington, the women's Health Unit, including maternity unit, is facing closure not due to clinical reasons but because of

11:13

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

- -

ageing pipework and issues with the water quality, and this is particularly stinging for us as a local community because we've known local community because we've known about issues with the building for years and the promise of a new building keeps being delayed. So can the Leader of the House organise for a debate on the future of maternity services in this country? I am aware there is an country? I am aware there is an adjournment debate later today, but that doesn't give full opportunity to MPs from across the House to explore this issue, and I hope explore this issue, and I hope he'll make government time to have this debate in full.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand why. I'm not going to specifically comment on the comments that he referred to earlier, but everyone will have heard what he thinks about it. I'm sure many will share about it. I'm sure many will share his concern. The government is doing everything that we can to doing everything that we can to assist the efforts to get peace in Ukraine, but again, to put on record, we are absolutely committed record, we are absolutely committed to supporting Ukraine, not just in terms of the equipment that we send, but every every avenue that we can to support Ukraine.

We will use, as was evident when the President Zelensky visited recently, he turns he mentions maternity services, and he's right that everyone deserves a safe maternity care. And the Secretary of State has made this issue a personal priority. Mr. speaker, we need to make sure that services are there for women and families across the country when they need them, and through the

11:15

Markus Campbell-Savours MP (Penrith and Solway, Labour)

- -

National Maternity and Neonatal Task Force, the government will deliver the reforms needed to maternity care. I know it is an issue that he has raised before. It has been raised at health questions has been raised at health questions and as he says, there is a debate later today, but I will make sure that the Secretary of State hears his concerns, and I will give some his concerns, and I will give some thought as to whether or not a debate is necessary. On the floor of the House.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

of the House. Markus Campbell-Savours thank you, Mr. Speaker. The grade two listed old courthouse in Cockermouth still lies half collapsed in the River Cocker, with the owner yet to demonstrate either the means or the desire to lift a finger, I ask the Leader of the House agree to a debate in government time so members can discuss the issue of neglected heritage buildings, an issue of importance across the country.

11:16

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

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And this is an issue that a number of members have raised from time to time, and I understand their concern and also the concern of constituents where where buildings can blight local communities, which is why in some areas we are making sure that communities not only have the resources, but are able to make decisions themselves about what decisions themselves about what they do with such buildings. I hope the owner of the building has heard what my hon. Friend has said today, what my hon. Friend has said today, and I hope he gets on and does something about it.

But if he wishes to expand on the point that he wishes to raise, then a Westminster Hall debate and adjournment debate would give him ample opportunity.

11:16

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

- -

Bob Blackman chair of the backbench committee.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Mr. speaker, I thank the leader for announcing business and clearly backbench business. Business in the backbench business. Business in the chamber here will be only coming up apart from Monday after we come back from the recess. If we are granted Thursday the 12th of November, we'll have a Select Committee statements from the Committee statements from the Health and Social Care Committee and on behalf of the Defence Committee, followed by a debate on the 110th anniversary of the battle the 110th anniversary of the battle of the Somme, followed by a debate on the Nolan principles, which I think are something that many people have asked for.

The business in Westminster Hall on Tuesday the 27th, there will be a debate on recognising the production and serving of cask ale as intangible cultural heritage. On the 29th 30th, the 29th debates on Mandatory safeguarding, 24 over seven helipads at major trauma centres, followed by a debate on role and effectiveness of Ofcom on the Tuesday the 3rd of November. There'll be a debate on the findings of the Milburn Review, and when we come back after the recess, there'll be a debate on anti-social behaviour. On Tuesday the 10th. Just to remind members that because we're on Monday hours, that debate will start at 1130, not 930 as usual.

Can I also just a gentle nudge to the leader that we're still awaiting the extra Labour member on the backbench Business Committee? We're carrying one of our one of one of the one of the government members is on long term deployment in armed forces. And another colleague is has been had had a terrible accident, and therefore he's on crutches and find it difficult to get to the meetings. So we are we are having challenges on making sure we're quorate to consider the business. Now, Mr. speaker, the situation in Nepal continues to be catastrophic, and often what happens when there's a disaster such as the flooding, everyone says we must do something and then afterwards nothing else happens.

So I want to pay tribute

11:18

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

- -

to Benji and Nick Gould, two young to Benji and Nick Gould, two young boys aged 11 and nine, who the Harrow Wall climbing centre climbed the equivalent of going to the the equivalent of going to the Everest base camp and they raised 3500 pounds towards the charity. I 3500 pounds towards the charity. I think we should congratulate them. I'm sure the leader would join me in congratulating them and also say in congratulating them and also say that we need to continue our work to assist the great people of Nepal.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the matter of the extra Labour member, it's good that he has nudged me. I it's good that he has nudged me. I will recommit to doing something about it. He will understand that about it. He will understand that we've just had a major reshuffle and therefore we're trying to fill a number of vacancies. We're making progress with that. That's not an progress with that. That's not an excuse for not having the extra person for his committee. It's just an explanation of where we were. And I give him my word that I will go away and have a look at that.

And I should have started off by saying thank you to him and the committee for the work that they are doing. I will confirm the future business as soon as possible, and I do try to give as much notice as possible. I'm particularly I particularly note the debate, possibly on the battle of the Somme, because I understand that that is timely for many members, and I should put on record Sergeant Matthew Brown of the Durham Light Infantry, my relative who fought and died in the battle of the Somme. Oddly enough, almost to the day that the.

The. The debate might well be scheduled to do. And I'm sure other members across the House will have an opportunity to reflect upon that. He's absolutely right to raise the situation in Nepal. We announced £5 million in humanitarian assistance to support the immediate relief efforts, including helping those affected by the devastating floods, and we're considering how our expertise in these matters can support Nepal's longer term recovery, reconstruction and resilience. And I join him, and I'm sure other members. Mr. Speaker, in congratulating the fantastic effort of Benji and Nick. We thank them for their fundraising. It's a very, very good cause.

11:20

Samantha Dixon MP (Chester North and Neston, Labour)

- -

Samantha Dixon thank you.

11:20

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

- -

Mr. Speaker. On Tuesday, I was really pleased to join more than 150 people to celebrate the Chester 150 people to celebrate the Chester One City Plan, an ongoing project which has underpinned Chester's which has underpinned Chester's redevelopment since 2012. Often in this chamber, we focus on the decline of our town centres and high streets, while exemplary work by local champions such as Councillor Richard Beecham and officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council remains unnoticed. Can the Leader of the House advise how we can showcase excellence, like the One City plan here in this place?

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I join my hon. Friend in commending the work done by the Chester One City Plan and the work of all the councillors involved, but characteristically, I think she hides her light under a particular bushel because she was a very distinguished leader of that local authority. And I'm sure a lot of the work, which is now she's seeing, the work, which is now she's seeing, may well have started under her fantastic leadership if she wants to highlight this issue, Mr. Speaker, and indeed, to reflect on the importance of local councillors working for their communities, I would encourage you to apply for a Westminster Hall debate, because I am sure that others that might want am sure that others that might want to reflect on similar issues and councillors in their own areas.

11:22

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

- -

Dame Karen Bradley. And can I start by joining the leader in his comments about Helen Hayes? She is a close personal friend of our mutual friend, Speaker Milton Dick, and I'm in touch with Milton for progress on her condition, and our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. Now, Mr. Speaker, I know how important it is to you that Ministers are scrutinised properly by this House, so I'm sure you will join me in the disappointment to learn that the Home Office, the Home Secretary's Diary Office, claims that there isn't a single moment between now and Christmas when the Home Secretary can come in front of the Home Affairs Select Committee.

If that is the case,

11:22

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

- -

then since her appointment in October 2025, she will only have appeared twice in the period up to appeared twice in the period up to the end of the year. So can I ask the leader, who I know has responded to these comments from the Liaison Committee? When we the Liaison Committee? When we wrote to him about it, if he might use his good office to sit down with her diary Secretary and with her diary Secretary and perhaps see if he can find a space for her to come and see us. We'd be very flexible. We we can find a very flexible.

We we can find a time and date that suits her, but we really like to see her before Christmas, and I hope that the leader can help us facilitate that.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The work of select committees is extremely important. As I've said on many important. As I've said on many occasions, and the scrutiny of Ministers is an essential part of Ministers is an essential part of that process. The right hon. Lady is an experienced chair and is an experienced chair and represents a committee extraordinarily well, but the Home Secretary also takes her accountability to Parliament

11:23

Mr Speaker

accountability to Parliament seriously. I know that she does. I am aware that she has appeared before the committee before. I think the last date might have been the 15th of September, but I have no doubt that she will want. In her diary Secretary in her office will want to look at a further date with the committee in the not too distant future.

11:23

Samantha Niblett MP (South Derbyshire, Labour)

- -

As I've been slightly drawn into it. Can I just back up the leader? But I think there must be a problem with the diary secretary because I can't get a meeting either. I've been requested because I have a responsibility for scrutiny of members, so I understand the same frustration. I'm sure that the message will have gone back, and I do hope that we can find some dates that will accommodate the chair of

**** Possible New Speaker ****

the committee and hopefully the speaker as well. Right. Samantha Niblett thank you, Mr.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Samantha Niblett thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just 19 years old, Hannah, in my constituency, was diagnosed with a brain tumour and given 14 with a brain tumour and given 14 months to live. But she's now 23 and defining all odds she took. She and defining all odds she took. She won the East Midlands round of Pride of Britain Awards, which took place this week and airs on ITV one

11:24

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

- -

and ITV this evening. But she has turned the most incredible adversity into action and positive action for other people, creating Hannah's hope, which is a sanctuary and a place for families going through similar struggles to have a bit of respite. And I wonder whether the Leader of the House will join me in celebrating Hannah, an incredible mum, Gail. In her new venture, H for Hope, which is about creating a community for teenagers

**** Possible New Speaker ****

going through similar experiences through cancer to come together. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I certainly do join with my hon. Friend in congratulating Hannah, Friend in congratulating Hannah, not least for her Pride of Britain award. She's doing a fantastic job in what would have been very difficult circumstances. And for young people, Mr. Speaker, it is a daunting prospect to be diagnosed

11:25

Wendy Chamberlain MP (North East Fife, Liberal Democrat)

- -

daunting prospect to be diagnosed with something such as that. And also, Mr. Speaker, for their families. And there are many members across the House who will know that experience at first hand. So thank you to Hannah. I wish her well in the future, and it's absolutely right that we mention her and her fantastic work today.

11:25

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

- -

And the Chair. >> And the Chair. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A student who is currently displaced in Egypt has been offered a place to study at the University of Saint Andrews and, following her acceptance, has been granted funding from several foundations. But the Home Office has declined But the Home Office has declined her student visa application on the basis that they do not believe that she is a genuine student. That effectively means that her place is lost because the appeal process is going to take in excess of 12 months. I think we need an explanation, Mr.

Speaker, on why the criteria for student visas seems to have changed without anybody being informed. And can I ask what the government is doing to remove the backlog in administrative reviews? Can the Leader of the House raise this case with the Home Secretary?

11:26

Nick Smith MP (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, Labour)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I certainly will raise the matter with the Home Secretary. She will know that it's important that if there is a backlog, then that then that is dealt with. But also people would expect that there'd be robust procedures. I don't know what's happened in this place, but I will share the case with the Home Secretary and get the hon. Lady and answer.

11:26

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

- -

Nick Smith Mr. Speaker, can I >> Nick Smith Mr. Speaker, can I thank the Leader of the House and the shadow Leader of the House for their kind words, highlighting the their kind words, highlighting the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan tragedy earlier this week, can I also welcome the government's commitment to creating employment opportunities for young people through the Youth Jobs Grant in Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney? We've already seen the benefits, with several local employers signing up. So will the government please update us on this scheme? I'm interested in looking at the eligibility criteria so that more young people across our country can get off to a good start in their working life.

11:27

Martin Vickers MP (Brigg and Immingham, Conservative)

- -

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I echo my hon. Friend's sentiment regarding the work that the government is doing to tackle this matter. As you will know, the this matter. As you will know, the Youth Jobs grant forms a key part of our broader Youth Guarantee and is focussed on helping young people taking their first step on the career ladder. I'm very pleased to hear that businesses in his area are signing up to this, and I'm sure that the Work and Pensions Secretary will want to keep the House updated, not least given the work of Alan Milburn in this regard.

11:27

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

- -

Martin Vickers thank you, Mr. Speaker. A number of constituents have contacted me recently about a have contacted me recently about a pilot scheme for fitting air filters in classrooms, which they

**** Possible New Speaker ****

filters in classrooms, which they health Benefits both to pupils and to students. This would also perhaps relieve the the costs of supply teachers on the school Budget. Could the Leader of the House find a time for a debate or for an education Minister to come to the

**** Possible New Speaker ****

House to give the government's position? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising what the hon. Gentleman for raising what is an important issue. Good ventilation is essential for healthy and productive learning environments, and the Department of Education has produced guidance on ventilation and air quality in education and childcare. I will education and childcare. I will make sure that the relevant Minister has heard his comments, but if he wishes to hear from them directly, then if he seeks perhaps an adjournment debate, he can discuss these matters further.

11:28

Helena Dollimore MP (Hastings and Rye, Labour )

- -

Helena Dollimore Mr. unblocking drains and filling potholes. But too often when residents report these issues, nothing is done. I've been shocked to discover that the same contractor, Balfour Beatty, is paid

11:29

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

- -

to independently check the quality of pothole filling as is paid to fill them, and also to discover that today the number of miles of road that East Sussex is resurfacing this year is down on last year, bucking the national last year, bucking the national trend. And despite extra money from this Labour government to sort these issues out. Does the Leader these issues out. Does the Leader of the House agree with me that reform Rugby Sussex County Council must get a grip. Fill the potholes

**** Possible New Speaker ****

and unblock the drains. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In short, yes, I do, and I want to pay tribute to my hon. Friend who has run a very effective campaign on this issue. I note that reform led East Sussex County Council have received £21 million from this Labour government to fill potholes, which is a record amount. Put bluntly, Mr. Speaker, we are doing our bit. It's time that the Council matched that ambition. I hope that her council has heard the concerns she has raised today, and that they she has raised today, and that they get on and fix this issue without any further delay.

any further delay.

11:30

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

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Monday, the Children's Commissioner, a statutory role created by this House, actually to protect children's rights, launched a

11:30

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

- -

report that claimed that a state of emergency existed for children across England. And I am disappointed that the Education Secretary hasn't been to the House Secretary hasn't been to the House to give a statement on that report. And I asked the Leader of the House whether he would ask the Education whether he would ask the Education Secretary to come to that and also schedule time for a government debate on the recommendations that

**** Possible New Speaker ****

debate on the recommendations that the children's Commissioner made so we can have that debate fully. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I'm aware of the Children's Commissioner. Report. It is important. It is significant, but also the the government believes that these matters are important and significant in doing everything

11:31

Warinder Juss (Wolverhampton West, Labour)

- -

that we can to address some of these. He asks why there wasn't a statement. The reality is that over statement. The reality is that over the last sort of ten days, there has been a great deal of demand for statements and therefore it has statements and therefore it has been a question of prioritisation. But I will raise the matter with the Minister to see whether or not the Minister to see whether or not the need to come forward with that, or if he wants to call a debate, either in Westminster Hall or an either in Westminster Hall or an adjournment debate at the end of the day.

Then I'm sure other colleagues may want to join him in

**** Possible New Speaker ****

putting questions to Minister. Redditch us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A constituent of mine suffers from constituent of mine suffers from Turner Syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting only females for which there is no cure, and she's been relying on medication she's been relying on medication for over 40 years to manage her symptoms. She can't get a medical exemption certificate because Turner syndrome is not on the Turner syndrome is not on the medical exemption list, which was established more than 60 years ago and hasn't been meaningfully

11:31

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

- -

and hasn't been meaningfully updated since 2009. So would the Leader of the House please contact the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to ask her to review the current medical exemption list and consider adding Turner Syndrome onto this list, not only on behalf of my constituent, but for around 15,000 women and girls in the United Kingdom who are currently living with Turner Syndrome.

11:32

Rt Hon Mark Francois MP (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)

- -

Yes. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My friend is a champion for his constituents on this matter, but as constituents on this matter, but as he acknowledges, it's a much more wide issue than just pertains in his constituency. And I want to pay tribute to him for that hard work. The point that he raises is a very important one. I'll make sure that the Health secretary hears his representations and gets a full response, and following that, he may wish a meeting with the relevant Health Minister, and I'll help him to arrangement.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Speaker. Can we have. An. Urgent debate on the. Crisis at

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Urgent debate on the. Crisis at Basildon Hospital? It's rated. Inadequate by the CQC, who now, it would appear, are going to be prosecuting the hospital early next year for the sad death of two year for the sad death of two patients from sepsis in 2022 and 2023. Just the other day there were. 2023. Just the other day there were. There were 20 ambulances racked up in the car park outside the A&E department. To be clear, this is not the fault of the hard pressed and increasingly demoralised staff. It's the fault of the wholly inadequate management of the hospital and, sadly, of the equally inadequate management of the trust.

They're a part of. We can't let They're a part of. We can't let this deteriorate further. So can I ask the Leader of the House for an ask the Leader of the House for an urgent debate to be replied to by a health Minister, please, so we can address the problems at Basildon address the problems at Basildon and do our best to put them right for both the patients and the staff.

11:33

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

- -

Yeah.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And the right hon. Gentleman raises a very right hon. Gentleman raises a very important local matter, and he is right to do so. And he's also right to say that there is something in, to say that there is something in, in his opinion, happening locally here, because as I listen to that, I reflected on the fact that ambulance wait times are down, admissions to A&E are up, waiting admissions to A&E are up, waiting lists, waiting times down. That's cold comfort to people in his local trust. If they're facing the.

The issues that he outlines here, issues that he outlines here, either an adjournment debate, Mr. Speaker, in which he can ask, put questions directly to the Minister questions directly to the Minister and get the answers, is one way forward on this, or if he wants to meet a Minister to make those meet a Minister to make those points to them directly, I'll help him to arrange one.

11:34

Michelle Scrogham MP (Barrow and Furness, Labour)

- -

Michelle Scrogham thank you, Mr. Speaker.

11:34

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

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. just how proud I am of Barrow and Furness. And since the election, this government, among other things, has announced £7 million for our has announced £7 million for our local health centres, 19 million for bus routes, 5 million for a brilliant futures fund, 4 million brilliant futures fund, 4 million for our university, 20 million. Pride in place and part of 175 million for one of five defence technical colleges, not to mention a £200 million transformation fund. However, we still hear opposition parties without ambition for this area talking it down. Does the leader agree with me that we will

**** Possible New Speaker ****

ensure that all of these incredible opportunities are fully utilised and Barrow is too important to fail? Yes.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My hon. Friend, as we can hear, is a staunch advocate for her constituency, and she's absolutely right to highlight the transformational investments the government is making in her communities and indeed in many other communities. To every penny of this funding, Mr. Speaker, of this funding, Mr. Speaker, should work hard for our constituents, and I absolutely agree with her that local leaders must utilise the opportunities to their full potential, and it is important that all parties in local areas and indeed in this House, talk up local communities where that work is being done.

that work is being done. Charlie Dewhirst thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Saturday afternoon, Bridlington Town FC will take on Curzon Ashton in the FA Trophy first round proper. The first time the club has reached that stage of the competition in 22 years. Mr Speaker, who so well the Leader of the House, join me in wishing all the very best on Saturday afternoon in the FA Trophy. And can we have a

**** Possible New Speaker ****

debate in government time on the importance of sports clubs and local communities? Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've said before that sports clubs and local communities and all the volunteering that goes on around volunteering that goes on around that are the the heartbeat of our local communities. I will, at the risk of offending support of the risk of offending support of the other team, wish Bridlington Town the very best in the first round of the FA Cup. And this. You never

11:36

Gordon McKee MP (Glasgow South, Labour)

- -

the FA Cup. And this. You never know, Mr. speaker, this may be one of those magical years when a non-league team manages to get to the final where I will go with the hon. Gentleman and watch Bridlington play against Sunderland. thank.

11:36

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

- -

You very much. came together in Queen's Park in my constituency for Moira's run, which is run every year to mark the tragic murder of Moira Jones in the park in 2008. The event raised thousands of pounds for the victims of crime. So will either join with me in congratulating all of those who took part and recognising the who took part and recognising the work of Moira's Fund and Victim Support Scotland.

11:37

Anna Sabine MP (Frome and East Somerset, Liberal Democrat)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I certainly will. What a fantastic way of marking what was a tragedy, but a community coming together to raise resources to make sure that these matters are tackled as we go forward. I pay tribute to everyone of my hon. Friends, constituents who had anything to do with this fantastic project.

11:37

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

- -

Anna Sabine thank you, Mr. Speaker.

11:37

Josh Newbury MP (Cannock Chase, Labour)

- -

My constituents constituency. landscaping. Haven't been. >> Completed by the developer of history homes. Once people move into new estates, they have very little leverage over developers.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

And in this case, this tree. Is refusing to meet them. With the Leader of the House helped me secure a meeting with the relevant

**** Possible New Speaker ****

secure a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss how residents of new developments can be given developers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government is very keen to make sure that house owners and indeed people purchasing houses do have the the information and the power that they need to hold developers to account. It's a piece of work which is central to what the government is doing. I hope that the developer has heard the hon. Lady's concerns here, and I hope that they put it right. But if she wishes to meet the Housing Minister, then I can arrange a helper to arrange that.

11:38

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

- -

Josh Newbury thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Homeless mothers and

**** Possible New Speaker ****

children in my. Constituency have been housed in mould and rat infested rooms at the Fairway Motel in Rugeley. I have Fairway Motel in Rugeley. I have raised this with Cannock Chase District Council many times. In March, I told them a full environmental health investigation environmental health investigation was needed. Yet, six months on, the exact same issues have been raised again with the Leader of the House. again with the Leader of the House. Join me in telling the council to get its act together. And could we have a debate on how we can ensure all temporary accommodation is fit

**** Possible New Speaker ****

all temporary accommodation is fit for human habitation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My hon. Friend raises a very concerning matter, and I would urge the Council to look into this as a matter of urgency, because everyone deserves to live in a decent home

11:39

Rt Hon John Glen MP (Salisbury, Conservative)

- -

and have complaints responded to in a timely manner. This month we have launched a consultation seeking views on extending Awaabs law to include temporary accommodation to include temporary accommodation to protect tenants, and I wish that consultation well. I would also consultation well. I would also encourage my hon. Friend to apply for an adjournment debate, to speak to the Minister directly and to further send the message to the Council that they need to get on with resolving this.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

John Glen thank you. Mr. Speaker. Given that this week in London, the Given that this week in London, the British Argentine Chamber of Commerce is promoting investment Commerce is promoting investment opportunities in Argentina at a time when companies linked to the time when companies linked to the Falklands Sea Lion project are being pursued by Argentina with

11:40

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

- -

being pursued by Argentina with sanctions and criminal proceedings, could we urgently have a statement from the relevant Minister, from the Department of Trade on the British what the British government is doing to protect legitimate British businesses operating in the Falkland Islands?

11:40

Tulip Siddiq MP (Hampstead and Highgate, Labour)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the wider issue of the Falklands, the government is very clear that we government is very clear that we stand foursquare with the the Falklands and indeed the Prime Minister raised that matter. Indeed, Minister raised that matter. Indeed, President Trump, when he met him recently. So on that account there is there is a very clear position, I don't know, on the matter of businesses, but I will raise it with ministerial colleagues and if necessary, if the hon. Gentleman wants to raise those with them directly, then I'll help him to arrange a meeting.

11:40

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

- -

Tulip Siddiq thank you. >> On the 24th of September of this year, Melissa was on her way to school when she was run over by a school when she was run over by a by a private hire vehicle on a crossing. Her parents, her family, crossing. Her parents, her family, her friends and her teachers at Highgate School are understandably devastated. And I've had countless emails from parents who are very anxious about their children going to school, especially if they're travelling independently during rush hour. So could we have a debate in government time about road safety for children who are going to school on their own, particularly in areas like Highgate, where there's a cluster of schools in one vicinity?

Yeah.

11:41

Mr Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'm sure the whole House will join me in giving our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the young girl, because what has happened is, is simply a tragedy. We are taking steps through our road safety strategy to make roads safer for everyone, including children around schools. But I will make sure that she gets a response from a Minister about what we are doing and what we plan what we are doing and what we plan to do in the future. And I'll give some thought, because this is an issue that has come up across the issue that has come up across the House from time to time.

I'll give some thought as to whether or not we can have a debate on it.

11:42

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

- -

Can I just help everybody? I'm aiming for 12 because the business today, which is very important so we can help each other be useful

**** Possible New Speaker ****

and Shockat Adam is a great example. Mr. Speaker. This half term, the children of Leicester South should be enjoying their local playgrounds, yet many their local playgrounds, yet many are not fit for purpose. In the Highfields area. Cheryl Road play area has been closed for almost area has been closed for almost three years amongst a ding dong between the local council and the Severn Trent Water, so. And many others are funding themselves their

**** Possible New Speaker ****

others are funding themselves their local play area. So will the Leader of the House schedule a debate on playground funding? Thank you very much indeed, Mr. Speaker. Playgrounds are very important for local communities and for local children, and it's important that they have somewhere to play, which is safe. And it's distressing to hear about the state of the playgrounds in the hon. Gentleman's area. It's very much for the local authority to get on whatever disputes they may have with water authorities, anybody else, to get on and improve that in that way. It's probably a topic which would be useful for a Westminster Hall debate or adjournment debate, because I'm sure there are others in the House

**** Possible New Speaker ****

that would want to air similar concerns. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This weekend, the. Clocks go back and overnight we will be plunged once again into darker and gloomier again into darker and gloomier evenings. But, Mr. Speaker, there is another way we could embrace our wartime predecessors, because wartime predecessors, because Winston Churchill set up a system whereby we had lighter evenings all whereby we had lighter evenings all year round it. It cuts energy usage, so it cuts bills. It's a boost to the tourism and hospitality sector as well. So would the Leader of the House consider granting a debate in government time, which I think would really bring hope into every heart.

11:43

John Cooper MP (Dumfries and Galloway, Conservative)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my hon. Friend for raising this matter, which he she has done before. She's an avid campaigner on this matter. The government still believes that the current daylight saving arrangements represent the optimal use of the available daylight across the United Kingdom. Therefore, we do not have plans to introduce double summer time or any other such changes, but I do understand and appreciate my hon. Friend's desire to help farmers and tourists by turning the clocks back two hours, in contrast to some on the other side who want to turn the clocks back to 1979.

11:44

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

- -

John Cooper. of the great sports here in this place is who has got the best constituency? Will the verdict of National National Geographic Magazine's verdict is in. And the only place in the UK to get a mention in their. The Best Places on the planet 2027 is Dumfries and Galloway. This news is absolutely delightful. Visit Scotland has already picked up on it and promoted it on their website, but I wonder if the leader can advise me how I can get Visit Britain Finance

**** Possible New Speaker ****

from this place to follow suit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I think we all came to have the the greatest constituency in the land, but I pay genuine tribute to the but I pay genuine tribute to the hon. Gentleman's constituency because it is a beautiful place. I hope that Visit Britain have have heard what he has said today. Let me give it some thought. If he could let me have details of what could let me have details of what he intends to try to do to, to heighten that. If he lets me have that, I'll see what we can do to

**** Possible New Speaker ****

get them to engage more. Let's do it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For 26 years old in Cumnock has provided years old in Cumnock has provided vital support and guidance and opportunities to young people and families across East Ayrshire. Its families across East Ayrshire. Its success belongs to many people, including the fabulous Janice Henry and her dedicated team of staff and and her dedicated team of staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make the world a welcoming and safe place. Will the Minister join me in congratulating the team on being awarded both Charity of the year and the Community Award of the year at the Ayrshire Chambers of Commerce Business Awards?

11:45

Claire Young MP (Thornbury and Yate, Liberal Democrat)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating Janice Hendry and everyone at world for winning the Charity of the year and the community Award. I'm sure it's well deserved. It's a considerable achievement. Charities are the golden thread that run through our communities, and it's right that we celebrate their success in this place.

11:46

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

- -

Mr. speaker, I have.

11:46

Jen Craft MP (Thurrock, Labour)

- -

Waited months for responses from the DWP. Including Dionne, who has spent 18 months being routinely spent 18 months being routinely ignored and sidelined by the Child Maintenance Service. So will the Leader of the House ask the Minister to come to the House to make a statement on what steps they're planning to take to improve response rates. Hear, hear.

11:46

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

- -

Mr. speaker, I'll certainly raise with the relevant Minister. raise with the relevant Minister. Mr. speaker, the hon. Lady's concerns and make sure they get an update on improving the service, which of course, the government is

**** Possible New Speaker ****

which of course, the government is committed to doing. Jayne Kirkham thank. You, Mr. Speaker. Law firms in

**** Possible New Speaker ****

You, Mr. Speaker. Law firms in my constituency have raised concerns about delays in the processing of complicated probate cases. Complex cases are experiencing delays of a minimum of 16 weeks, which is really distressing for the families concerned and can have serious financial and emotional consequences, particularly when IHT or property transactions are affected. Will the leader either have a debate on this in government Minister?

11:47

Peter Fortune MP (Bromley and Biggin Hill, Conservative)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My hon. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My hon. Friend raises a very important matter which will echo the concerns of families in in many constituencies. Delays particularly arise when applications are incomplete or require further information. But to improve waiting times, his Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Services has invested in additional staff, system and process improvements and an upskilling programme. But I will undertake to give the Lord Chancellor sight of my hon. Friend's words on this issue and see what further can be done.

11:47

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

- -

Good fortune. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> I recently visited. >> The Demelza Hospice, which cares for children with life limiting conditions and supports families across Bromley and elsewhere. They. They are simply extraordinary. 84% of their funding comes from charitable donations, and they have been hit as of other hospitals, particularly hard by the government's changes to National insurance, which will lead to the loss of specialist nursing provision. Can we have a debate in government time about the taxation and funding of hospices?

11:48

Mary Glindon MP (Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend, Labour)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And first of all, let me join the hon. Gentleman in commending hospices across the country who do a fantastic job. This has been raised over a previous times, Mr. Speaker. In light of changes that took place in previous budgets, I do not know what's in this Budget, which is coming forward next Wednesday, but it is. It sounds to me the sort of issue that in the four days of debate, he might want to raise directly.

11:49

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

- -

Mary Glindon thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> If undiagnosed in young babies met a metachromatic leukodystrophy, MLG becomes a cruel, life limiting disease, but there's no screening for the condition in the UK. Will the Leader of the House help me request a meeting between the Minister and patient representatives to discuss opportunities for making urgent progress in this area to prevent needless loss of life. And the UK falling behind international comparators.

11:49

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Madam Andrew Lewin is absolutely right to Andrew Lewin is absolutely right to raise this important matter. I recall that it was raised by the hon. Member for Wells and Mendip Hills last week, and I did facilitate. I did commit then to facilitate a meeting for her with facilitate a meeting for her with the relevant Ministers. So I would like to extend the same courtesy and offer to my hon.

11:49

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

- -

Friend Lewis Cocking. >> Council moved to become. >> A county of sanctuary. >> Essentially making it their policy to welcome illegal asylum policy to welcome illegal asylum seekers. This is an out-of-touch policy, and it wasn't in their manifesto, and there's been no consultation with Hertfordshire consultation with Hertfordshire residents. Will the Leader of the House offer some guidance as to whether he believes the government thinks initiatives like this are appropriate uses of council resources?

11:50

Chris Webb MP (Blackpool South, Labour)

- -

Leader. >> Mr. speaker, I'll get from the hon. Gentleman from the relevant department an update on on where we department an update on on where we are with councils of sanctuary and also on the issues that he raises. I have to say, however, I think he's been a bit harsh in terms of the success story that councils have sanctuary, and in my area, schools of sanctuary can bring. I think we need to. I think we need to address this. He's right to raise concerns if he's worried, but we also need to treat this in a responsible way.

11:50

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

- -

Chris Webb Mr. Speaker, can I start by thanking you and every start by thanking you and every Lancashire MP across this House for joining us in backing our bid to become City of Culture for 2029, thanks to the hard work of the leader of our Council and Williams, Scott Butterfield. Council officers, the creative Blackpool and all businesses. We're now on this shortlist and I'm sure we're going to get the title. So will the Leader of the House join me in thanking everyone that's been involved in this bid, and to say that Blackpool is the best place for City of Culture in 2029.

11:51

Wera Hobhouse MP (Bath, Liberal Democrat)

- -

Very much indeed. I, I do certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating Blackpool on being congratulating Blackpool on being shortlisted for the UK City of Culture and all those involved, and I want to pay again particular praise for him in the fantastic praise for him in the fantastic work that he does in supporting the whole community in Blackpool and highlighting what a fantastic place that it is. City of culture is a great opportunity for our constituents to showcase their pride in their cities, and I wish all of them, all the shortlisted cities the best of luck.

But I have to be careful. I'm not going to be tempted to pick one from the list, but I congratulate all. I congratulate all of them for having got this far, and I do wish Blackpool well.

11:52

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

- -

We know about. >> We know about. >> My constituent withdrew from a police investigation into historic police investigation into historic sexual abuse because of fear of disclosing their identity. That was logged as outcome 16 last year. Avon and Somerset Police recorded nearly 39,000 cases of outcome 16. But we don't know the reasons why. There was a withdrawal because that data is not held centrally. Is it not time we debate on how to improve recording of outcome 16 to understand better why victims withdraw and to to help victims like my constituent to get justice.

11:52

Sonia Kumar MP (Dudley, Labour)

- -

Mr. speaker, there should be no barriers for people to come forward barriers for people to come forward and report or indeed to continue with complaints about what is an extraordinarily serious matter that she is right to raise today. She might want to, Mr. Speaker, seek an adjournment debate for Westminster Hall debate and hear directly from Ministers because it's it's very important that she is reassured that this matter has been dealt with properly.

11:53

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

- -

Sonia Kumar thank.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Forge Youth Centre in Dudley town centre, investing their own money and backed by the government's pride in place funding. government's pride in place funding. This fantastic facility will help young people build skills, gain work and form long life work and form long life relationships. For the Leader of the House, congratulate all involved and make time for a debate

**** Possible New Speaker ****

on new provision in Dudley town centre. Hear, hear. Mr. speaker, my hon. Friend. In

11:53

Robbie Moore MP (Keighley and Ilkley, Conservative)

- -

>> Mr. speaker, my hon. Friend. In congratulating everyone involved in opening the Forge Youth Centre in Dudley, and particularly Adam Bradley and James Bragg, and I think everyone. Mr. speaker will be pleased to see pride in place funding being used to support young people. A significant amount of resource. But just as important that local people. Being able to make that decision, I'm delighted that they've chosen to do so in this case, but I join my hon. Friend in in congratulating everyone concerned.

11:54

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

- -

Robbie Moore thank you. >> Mr. Speaker. Skipton Road in Ilkley is being dug up yet again. I think for the fourth time this year by Yorkshire Water. And the biggest by Yorkshire Water. And the biggest frustration for many of those that pass by is that there is no one ever seeming to undertake the works when the traffic lights are on red. So, Mr. Speaker, can we have a debate in government time that puts pressure on the Highways Department at local authorities like Bradford Council, to make sure that they sign off the works with a proper plan in place to cause as little disruption, and that when utility companies do undertake the works, they do it around the clock to cause as little disruption to many visitors, residents and local

**** Possible New Speaker ****

businesses whose trade is being impacted. Mr. speaker, the hon. Gentleman

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Mr. speaker, the hon. Gentleman is sounds very exercised by this, and I just have to say to him, so am I, and I'm sure there are many am I, and I'm sure there are many members across the House who are exercised by this, not least those of us who were somewhat delayed this morning trying to cross this morning trying to cross Westminster Bridge, where again, the road is being dug up, I'm sure for very good reason. An adjournment debate, I think, is the adjournment debate, I think, is the way forward, Mr. Speaker, to allow the hon.

Gentleman to make the the local example that he's talking about, but also to make a general point about what could be done across roads, wherever they happen to be. Mr. Speaker. That's my point.

11:55

Patrick Hurley MP (Southport, Labour)

- -

bid for Blackpool to become City of Culture. But let's not forget the towns of culture. And can I take

11:55

towns of culture. And can I take this opportunity in that spirit to commend the teams behind the Southport Music Board and the Southport Music Board and the Southport Creatives Collective, both formed after a series of round table discussions I held earlier table discussions I held earlier this year. Southport arts and culture scene is thriving, and if 2027 is anything like this year, 2027 is anything like this year, then the future is bright. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the importance of arts and culture, so that the contributions of our artists and recognised?

11:55

Tessa Munt MP (Wells and Mendip Hills, Liberal Democrat)

- -

Thank you very much indeed, Mr. >> Thank you very much indeed, Mr. Speaker. I join my friend in congratulating the work of all the people behind this the Southport Music Board, the Southport Creatives Collective and everyone involved in making local arts events a success. The government is very much committed to supporting local communities in this regard. I would encourage him to apply for a Westminster Hall debate, Mr. Speaker, so that he can make his point in more detail.

His constituents can hear, and that would be a cause for greater pride in their fantastic community.

11:56

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

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My constituents owed over £29,000 in child maintenance arrears, which the Child Maintenance Service decided to write off, even though the Ombudsman ruled that the money was owed. The service says it recovery is too difficult, and historic failures by its predecessor, the Child Support Agency, cannot be restrictively reviewed. Mr. speaker, this affects children directly and cumulatively and indicates a lamentable lack of care and compassion for young people. So can the Leader of the House urge the Secretary of State, the Department for Work and Pensions to undertake a full review and reform of the performance of the Child Maintenance Service, so this doesn't keep happening.

this doesn't keep happening. Mr. speaker, and the government does recognise the parents experiences of the Child Maintenance Service do not meet the standards that should be expected. Sometimes there are very difficult issues to address here, but they issues to address here, but they simply don't meet the standards which are addressed, and that's why we have committed to reforming the we have committed to reforming the system. But I'll make sure that the relevant Minister has heard what the hon. Lady has said today.

11:57

Patricia Ferguson MP (Glasgow West, Labour)

- -

Thank you.

11:57

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

- -

Patricia Ferguson thank you, Mr. Speaker. Skin cancer is the UK's. Most common cancer yet.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

It is preventable in around 90% of cases, simply by the regular of cases, simply by the regular application of sunscreen. Given the importance of preventing skin cancer, would the Leader of the cancer, would the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the VAT charged on sunscreen, so that members can consider the public

**** Possible New Speaker ****

members can consider the public health case for making life saving sunscreen more affordable? A thank you, Mr. Speaker. My

**** Possible New Speaker ****

A thank you, Mr. Speaker. My hon. Friend raises important matters and I pay tribute to her for that. Prevention is an important part of tackling skin cancer, and sun cream is already VAT zero rated when prescribed by a VAT zero rated when prescribed by a registered health professional. However, I will ensure that the Chancellor hears her words. But as I said at the beginning, Mr. I said at the beginning, Mr. Speaker, there will be four days of debate on the Budget beginning next debate on the Budget beginning next week, and my hon. Friend might want to raise these matters during that debate.

Clive Jones Mr. Speaker, the carer's allowance scandal saw thousands of unpaid carers unfairly pursued for debts caused by systems failures. Five months into the review process, only around 1% of cases have been reassessed. Will the leader allow time for a statement from the government on accelerating reviews and compensation, and ending the unfair earnings cliff edge?

11:58

Fleur Anderson MP (Putney, Labour)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government does want to make sure that carers get the help and the support that they need, and we are committed not just to doing something for carers, but in the wider social care situation, because when we improve and we reform and we change social care, it will have the effect that the hon. Gentleman is seeking. But I have heard what he said, and I will draw it to the attention of the relevant Minister, Lawrence.

11:59

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

- -

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Across the country, 47,000 women had toxic pip breast implants put into them before they were banned in 2010, and the owner of the company was jailed. Would the Leader of the House be able to make time in government time to discuss the continuing ill health and chronic pain suffered by women up to now, and the case for the. For an inquiry and Witney update us on the case of the. The application for Medical misogyny debate, which has been put into the backbench Business Committee in June.

11:59

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

- -

Thank you. pay tribute to her for that. Since PIP breast implants were withdrawn, two independent reviews have identified lessons learned, and the Medicine and Health Products Regulatory Agency has strengthened post-market surveillance requirements on the matter of the backbench business proposal that she raises. That is a matter for the committee, and I am sure that the chair who is in his place today will have heard what she said.

12:00

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

- -

Briefly, Jim Shannon. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Russian atrocities against Ukraine are numerous and catalogued in this House, and perhaps, maybe what is less well known is the continuous persecution continues without any respect whatsoever. So will the Leader of the House ask the Foreign Secretary to make a statement on Russia's continued persecution of Christian communities in Ukraine, and what representations the government is making to urge the Russian authorities to end the intimidation and detention of religious leaders, protect places of worship and uphold freedom of religion or belief.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As ever, the hon. Gentleman raises a very serious issue, and I pay tribute to serious issue, and I pay tribute to him for that. As I've said before. The UK government is committed to defending freedom of religion and defending freedom of religion and belief for all, and I am happy to reassert our steadfast support for the people of Ukraine. I will raise the people of Ukraine. I will raise with the Foreign Secretary the specific concerns that he has. But at the end of the day, the way in at the end of the day, the way in which we can resolve this for Ukrainian people and for the faith groups in there, is to end this war and to ensure that Ukraine.

Survives as a vibrant country, and that Russia doesn't get any advantage from what has been an illegal war.

12:01

OK.

12:01

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

- -

Get Online week. Thousands across my constituency and millions across the country still struggle to get online and stay online and be safe online and stay online and be safe online. Local community groups run by wonderful people like Evie Paduan, are so often working on a Paduan, are so often working on a shoestring to deliver digital skills to our most in need. Can the Leader of the House acknowledge the cross Parliament and cross-government responsibility of cross-government responsibility of this problem and, if possible, provide time for more parliamentary debate to keep this topic a priority for the House and get the

**** Possible New Speaker ****

priority for the House and get the resources we need in the places they need to be. Mr. speaker, my hon. Friend raises a very important issue, and it's good to raise awareness of Get Online Week. We are committed to tackling connectivity issues across the country. 88% of UK premises already have gigabit broadband, and we're committed to delivering full nationwide gigabit broadband connectivity by 2030. But I do understand the frustration of households and communities that cannot benefit from that. I will make sure, Mr. Speaker, that the relevant Minister hears his concerns. concerns. Final question. particularly galling that tonight, Hillingdon Council will meet to decide whether to increase parking charges by more than 70%.

This is the second rise in just a year. Does the Leader of the House agree with me? This is bad for motorists, bad for businesses. And can we have a debate in this House to discuss what more we can all do to support motorists at this difficult time?

12:02

Mr Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and my hon. Friend is ever raises an important matter. As I set out at important matter. As I set out at the beginning of this session. Parking is an issue that really matters to our constituents, and it's disappointing, frankly, to hear of discussions and decisions which which may well be taken or confirmed by his conservative run council. It is a matter for local authorities, but my hon. Friend has put his concerns on behalf of his residents on the record today, and

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I hope that Hillingdon Council will have heard him loud and clear. Could just say to the ones who

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Could just say to the ones who did get in, we've got the names for next week and I will expect to be prioritising those names. Thank you

12:03

Motion: Retirement of the Clerk of the House

prioritising those names. Thank you Right. Right. Colleagues Right. Colleagues will Right. Colleagues will come Right. Colleagues will come to Right. Colleagues will come to the

12:04

Mr Speaker

motion paying tribute to the outgoing Clerk of the House. Before I invite the Leader of the House to move the motion of. Congratulations to Thomas Goldsmith. I should like to record my own brief tribute. To having joined the House in 1996. Tom has now served this place for 30 years. He has had a distinguished and authoritative presence at the table over the past decade, including as Clerk of the House for the last three years, a role which has been a culmination of an illustrious career in the service of this House. Members may not know this, but Tom is from a proud East Ham family and was the first in his family to go to university.

Throughout his career, he retained his connection with those roots, welcoming children from his former state school regularly into parliament on his appointment. He notably became the youngest Clerk of the House since John Hatsell in the 18th century. Tom has joined the House as an assistant clerk via the civil service fostering in the years that followed. He held numerous roles across select committees and procedural offices, supporting the work of the chamber. Tom has also been secretary to the House of Commons Commission and was the first head of governance of the the Office of Governance. These roles no doubt gave him a valuable insight into the way in which at times unorthodox organisation runs.

Thankfully, it did not put him off applying for the role of Clerk of the House. In the years that followed, in fact, he hit the ground running as Clerk of the House, leading the House through the 2024 general election. With the largest turnover of MPs in living memory. Prioritising the safety on the estate. Working alongside the director general to champion the bicameral procurement function and develop a more efficient model for the management of our estate. On a more personal note, it was immediately before his appointment as Clerk of the House when Tom led the table office that I first had the privilege of working closely alongside him.

Prior to that, he had led the Committee office, driven the setting up of the groundbreaking hybrid of virtual committees during the Covid pandemic. Tom had a procedural expertise, political nous, and authority that are essential for a successful clerk, but he combines them with an exceptionally clear style of communication, which I value greatly. I am not the only one that benefits this. He has put these skills to good use. As co-author of the most widely used popular text book about Parliament How Parliament Works. I will always be grateful for the clear and authoritative advice Tom has provided, even on those rare occasions when we have disagreed with one another.

Absolutely. He said he got the benefit of it from his Foreign Affairs Committee trial. It is not just a parliamentary procedure that keeps him busy in this place. He has very generously also shared his talent for playing the jazz piano at many an event in

12:07

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

- -

Parliament over the years, including speaker's House, something I will sorely miss. I something I will sorely miss. I know there were. House will join me in thanking Tom for contributing 30 years of outstanding public service. Of course, I wish him well in the very best in his future endeavours, very best in his future endeavours, as Tom will go on to write books about jazz. He is available to play and who knows, this could be his and who knows, this could be his new line. Tom now sings the blues. Thank you Leader of the House.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Mr. Speaker, and it is a pleasure to move the motion today in my name in order to give the House the opportunity to pay tribute to Tom Goldsmith, who leaves the house at the end of this leaves the house at the end of this month after, as you said, 30 years of outstanding service to this place. He has held a large variety of posts. He's been a clerk to a number of the busiest and most high profile select committees, profile select committees, including the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Justice Committee and Energy and Climate Change Committee.

He has also worked on a number of procedural roles, including clerk of committees and principal clerk of the table office, as well as stints in the public Bill office and the table office earlier in his career. He has. Tom has been committed to making this House and the services that support all of us work. This has been a common focus of his roles, including as clerk of the Administration Committee, heading up what was then the office of the Chief Executive, Secretary of the House of Commons Commission and head of the Governance Office. And over the last few years, as Clerk of the House, I've seen some of the work firsthand.

As chair of the modernisation Committee, where Tom has demonstrated a great commitment to improving the accessibility of this place for all its members, staff and visitors. As you've said, Mr. Speaker, Tom was the head of the committee office during the pandemic and led the successful work to quickly set up hybrid and virtual committees, enabling select committees to continue performing their critical roles on behalf of this House. We remember those days, Mr. Speaker, as being very difficult. But looking back, I think that is an understatement. And having people like Tom in at the in charge of making the necessary changes was meant that this place could continue to function.

He was appointed the 52nd Clerk of the House of Commons in March 2023, taking over the role in October from Sir John Bender. And in his three years as Clerk of the House, he has been a public servant of the highest calibre, whether in government or opposition, frontbench or backbench. He is a source of wisdom and invaluable assistance and has always, always put the interests of this House first. As you said, even at the expense of not always agreeing with those who proposed a different view, he has always. He's also seen an extraordinary amount of change during his tenure.

Following the general election, we now sit in a chamber where over half of all MPs have less than five years of parliamentary experience. This required Tom to lead the house service through its largest induction programme for new members. And I know for so many newer members, and indeed for those of us who have been here a little longer, Tom's calm and courteous approach has been deeply reassuring. I know that members right across the House will have greatly valued his guidance when navigating the complexities of our procedures and traditions. And on a personal level, Mr. Speaker, I very much value his advice and his guidance, whether it was when we were in opposition or since we got into government.

The grandeur of this role has not changed, Tom. And as you said, he is a young man who, as a young man, he grew up in the East End. He was the first of his family to go to university. He has opened up access and opportunities to this place. He introduced a system of direct recruitment for clerks, which ensured that they are more diverse and a more representative group, and he regularly welcomes school children, including from his secondary school, Ilford County High School, to Parliament. Beyond his work in the chamber, he is widely respected, as you said, as the co-author of the eighth and ninth editions of How Parliament Works, which has done so much to demystify this House and help it make a more accessible place to the wider world.

And at the outside, on the outside of Parliament, as you said, he is an accomplished jazz pianist. And let me say, in my exchanges in business questions I've been keen to or forced to admit my. Admiration and enjoyment of musical theatre and country and Western. I have to admit, however, that it doesn't quite stretch to jazz. But but nevertheless, he is. He is an accomplished jazz pianist, and it's fitting, as the shadow Leader of the House said earlier, that he is so well practised at improvisation, which is meant that he's been so successful in keeping the business of this House running smoothly from November.

Tom has been appointed as a commissioner as part of the Civil Service Commission, where he will undoubtedly bring a huge amount of skill and expertise to help maintain a civil service appointed on merit with the skills that they need to deliver public services across our country. On behalf of the government. Mr. speaker, I wish Tom all the very best for the next chapter in his life, and I wish his successor, Eve Simpson, well as she takes up her role as Clerk of the House next month.

And I commend this motion to the House.

12:13

Paul Holmes MP (Hamble Valley, Conservative)

- -

The question is, as on the Order >> The question is, as on the Order Paper. Shadow Minister Paul Holmes. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and it's a genuine pleasure to speak on behalf of the official opposition and support the motion on the Order Paper today to offer the warmest of tributes to Tom Goldsmith as he retires after 30 years of distinguished service to this House. There are many people who contribute to the work of Parliament, but there are relatively few whose work underpins everything that we do. I've seen that contribution by Tom in my role in the government whips office, in the opposition whips office, and now, in my short tenure, hopefully longer as joint Deputy Opposition Chief Whip.

Mr. speaker, for Members of Parliament, the House of Commons is where we come to debate, to scrutinise the government and ultimately to represent the people who sent us here. It's a place of passion and occasionally a little theatricality. But behind all of that stands an institution whose authority depends upon its procedures, its traditions and the integrity of those who uphold them. Tom has devoted his professional life to ensuring those foundations remain strong. Since joining the house service in 1996, when I was eight. Sorry, Tom. He has served Parliament. I know I don't look it. He has served Parliament in a variety of important roles, including as Secretary to the House of Commons Commission, head of the Committee Office and Principal Clerk of the Table office before becoming Clerk of the House in 2023, and also clerk to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

And if anyone can keep my right hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge in check, then they are a very, very special man. That is a remarkable record of service and one that delivers the gratitude of members on all sides of this chamber, Mr. Speaker. The office of the Clerk of the House is not an ordinary job. It requires an extraordinary command of parliamentary procedure, a deep understanding of our Constitution and, perhaps most importantly, the ability to provide clear, impartial advice when the political temperature in this place is rising. And we all know that the can rise rather quickly.

The clerk must serve every member equally, regardless of party political persuasion or the strength of the argument being advanced at the despatch box. That impartiality is fundamental to our democracy and, of course, no tribute. Tribute to a Clerk of the House would be complete without recognising the qualities that sometimes can be taken for granted patience, discretion, courtesy and the ability to offer advice with calm authority, even when the circumstances are anything but calm. Those qualities matter enormously in an institution where strong disagreements are not simply inevitable but essential to our democracy and the running of this House.

Mr. Speaker, 30 years is a considerable period of service, and much has changed in that time, both in Parliament and the wider world and our country. But through that period, the need for impartial, effective and trusted parliamentary administration has remained constant. Mr. speaker, retirement from Parliament today will undoubtedly give Tom the opportunity to pursue new challenges and spend more time away from the demands of this place, such, as you've mentioned, Mr. Speaker, his love of playing jazz on the piano and like the Leader of the House, I am not somebody that will necessarily see him play.

I much prefer musical theatre in the West End, but I look forward to seeing him maybe at my 40th birthday party in two years time. Mr. speaker, may I suggest also a career in professional poker? Because if he manages to keep that exact string straight faces when I tell him my own interpretation of the standing orders, he really, really go far. So on a more serious note, Mr. Speaker, I hope that his retirement brings him considerable happiness, good health, and the freedom to those pursuits that a career of such commitment may not always have allowed him time to pursue.

Mr. speaker, I hope that the whole House, and I know that they will, will join me in wishing Tom every happiness in his retirement and thanking him for his outstanding service to the House of Commons, to all MPs and those wider House staff who serve in this unique and special community. Thank you Tom, and we wish you every best for the future. Yeah.

12:17

Nick Smith MP (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, Labour)

- -

Nick Smith Mr. Speaker, could I please add some words of thanks to please add some words of thanks to the retiring clerk? I find our clerk, Thomas Goldsmith, to be a very sage official sitting at the very sage official sitting at the heart of our organisation. It's my privilege to be a House of Commons Commissioner and chair of the Administration Committee, and I've seen Tom show good judgement, provide wise words, land on the nub of a problem, and always suggest a constructive way forward. And he does it. All of this, Mr. Speaker, with good grace.

Thomas Goldsmith is a polymath. Like others, I've heard his excellent piano playing. I know he enjoys books, and we've often talked about our latest good reads in a sometimes rarefied atmosphere. He's also a modest man from an ordinary background. It's been a pleasure working with him. Good wishes for the future, Tom.

12:18

Bobby Dean MP (Carshalton and Wallington, Liberal Democrat)

- -

Orpington, leader of the Liberal Democrats. >> Mr. speaker, I echo the tributes paid across the House today and express my gratitude on behalf of the Liberal Democrats to the Clerk of the House, Thomas Goldsmith, as he retires from his role today. I'd also like to congratulate his successor, Eve Sampson, in her successor, Eve Sampson, in her appointment as the new Clerk of the House. Eve will be the first woman to hold the role, and I'm sure she will continue Tom's excellent work. Parliament is famous for its architecture, its history and its traditions, but all of us who spend time here know that it's the people that makes Parliament status as a world leading institution.

Continue. From the doorkeepers to the catering staff, cleaners and security. Thousands of staff keep this place going and deal with us. Sometimes awkward MPs with impressive patience and positivity. The clerk is the steady presence at the table who ensures that, whatever the heat of the debate, our proceedings are on the fairness, order and respect for the Preston are members from every part of the House have relied on his guidance, his patience and his deep knowledge of our procedures and. And getting all the parties to agree is an achievement in itself. And today's tribute motion is supported by parties from all across the House and a testament to Tom's ability.

We thank him sincerely for his service to the House and wish him a long and happy retirement now. 30 years of duty to the House is an incredible achievement and as the Shadow Minister mentioned it. Service all the way back to 1996. He mentions he was eight, I was six, and I'm not sure if we're going to have a competition in the House from now, but from head of the committee office to co-author of How Parliament Works, his guidance has come in many forms and has been invaluable to us all across the House for several decades, Tom has navigated the House through periods of turbulent change.

In his time as Clerk of the House, he has navigated three prime Ministers from two different parties, as well as dealing with the largest intake of new MPs in parliamentary history. There's such a huge proportion entering Parliament in 2024. I certainly had a lot to learn when I arrived in this house from Carshalton and Wallington for the first time, and I'm very grateful for the support that Tom and all the wonderful staff in the House that they've provided and continue to provide. Tom has been a steady and impartial presence, keeping the business of the House running smoothly despite shifts in leadership and political direction, his calm authority and commitment to fairness have earned the respect of members on all sides, and he has worked tirelessly to help newcomers learn the traditions and procedures of the chamber.

My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I are especially grateful for his guidance, as we adjusted to becoming the largest third party in the century. We had always found him fair when we were the fourth party, but support as we grew from 15 to 72 MPs was crucial, and his evenhandedness professionalism and advice has been hugely important to us throughout this period. I personally have always found Tom a diligent and calming presence with a firm, fair hand while guiding us through commission meetings. Tom is ever dependable, and I think it's very telling of his character that all members here across the House have found consensus today in our gratitude and praise towards him as

**** Possible New Speaker ****

clerk. I and all the Liberal Democrats wish Tom the very best for the future. Thank you.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Some people in the House may have noticed a year ago, a foreign state took an enormous a foreign state took an enormous interest in me and went to town with the papers. I wasn't worried about the law as such because I about the law as such because I knew I hadn't done anything, but I was a little bit conscious about the reputation of the House and my the reputation of the House and my position here, having been an MP for 11 years. So I went to see the Deputy Speaker, who said to me that I should go and speak to Tom.

She did also scornfully add, I would have much better shoes if I had the amount of money I was meant to have, which I think was a backward compliment, but I'm not sure. So I went to see Tom, who I didn't know very well, but I had interacted with a few times, and I asked him what the status should be of all these fabricated allegations against me. And I explained to him that no one has ever contacted me about all these allegations, even now, because apparently they can't find me, even though I'm standing here right now in Parliament.

So

12:22

Tulip Siddiq MP (Hampstead and Highgate, Labour)

- -

the advice Tom gave me, which was so calm, reassuring, well so calm, reassuring, well researched and delivered in such a compassionate way, is something compassionate way, is something that I will never forget. We are lucky to live in a country where there's rule of law, where there's there's rule of law, where there's a functioning democracy, where we have an amazing House of Commons, but we're also very lucky to have but we're also very lucky to have people like Tom who know the procedure, know the rule of law, and can provide evidence on anything you ask him about without even consulting a book.

Who has the knowledge, like the back of his hand? It's not a session I'll ever forget, and I won't go into details about it, but it provided reassurance at a very difficult time. So, Mr. Speaker, not all heroes wear capes, but some of them chairs.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Hey! Thank you. Mr. Speaker. May I, on behalf of

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Mr. Speaker. May I, on behalf of all SNP MPs, past and present, who have had the tremendous good fortune to work under the guidance fortune to work under the guidance and tutelage of Tom as Clerk of the House, express our gratitude and House, express our gratitude and support for this motion today. We have been guided by Tom since 2021, have been guided by Tom since 2021, when he became principal clerk in the table office, where he advised us on opposition day. Topics on Brexit, the upcoming 2021 Scottish General Election, where certain members in this House took issue with their use of the Scottish general election term.

But thanks to Tom's even handed approach, we were able to retain those words in

12:24

Dave Doogan MP (Angus and Perthshire Glens, Scottish National Party)

- -

our motion at that time. Since he became Clerk of the House, he has assisted us over the years across matters of Subjudice committee compositions, questions of order and manifold conventions within and manifold conventions within this place. Indeed, Tom's support was so instructive, so comprehensive and so helpful to the comprehensive and so helpful to the SNP. I had no option but to conclude that he too, must be a conclude that he too, must be a committed freedom fighter to the cause of Scottish independence. And so accordingly, I scoured the membership list of the SNP to check for his entry on that list.

But alas, his name appeared not. This leads me to conclude, then, that he is not. In fact, he does not, in fact, hold the SNP in a special place of his professional courtesy and boundless knowledge. He is rather a committed, consummate professional, allowing all members and all parties in this place to benefit from his patient and even handed wisdom without fear or favour. I thank him for that and

**** Possible New Speaker ****

the SNP wish him all health and happiness in his future. Paul Foster

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Paul Foster Thank. You, Mr. Speaker. It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Gentleman, and I think he hon. Gentleman, and I think he really spoke again for all of us in his closing words about about Tom. his closing words about about Tom. And I do want to also just pay a very small tribute and to the very small tribute and to the retiring clerk, who has been an incredible source of advice, I know to all of us, but a great support

12:25

Seema Malhotra MP (Feltham and Heston, Labour )

- -

also to me since I first got elected. It has been incredible to

12:25

Dave Doogan MP (Angus and Perthshire Glens, Scottish National Party)

- -

elected. It has been incredible to see his work and to see his utter

12:25

Seema Malhotra MP (Feltham and Heston, Labour )

- -

dedication, efficiency, thoughtfulness, and to acknowledge and to appreciate how he is always and to appreciate how he is always so approachable. Mr. speaker, words have been spoken about the leadership that he showed at the leadership that he showed at the time of Covid, and I remember that time. I remember the fear in the nation. I remember the uncertainty about how Parliament would continue. I remember the anxiety about how he would represent our constituents, how debates might continue and how we'd be able to do that, all from staying at home. Tom was one of the leaders at that time that helped ensure that the functions of democracy could continue, and it is in that spirit that I want to thank him and to acknowledge that we take for granted so often the systems, the teams, the incredible work that goes on behind the scenes so that we can continue through all circumstances to do our job here on behalf of our constituents.

And so I want to thank Tom for his incredible utter mastery of procedure, of Constitution, his advice, and his leadership. I want to acknowledge how he has had such an incredible career of public service to this House, to our democracy and to our public life. And on behalf of my constituents

**** Possible New Speaker ****

from Feltham and Heston today, I say thank you. Hear, hear.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Oh, Jim Shannon. Thank you very much, sir. I rise today to pay a very heartfelt and today to pay a very heartfelt and honest tribute to our outgoing clerk, Tom Goldsmith, as he prepares to leave this house at the prepares to leave this house at the end of the month. So on behalf of myself, Mr. Speaker, my party, the Democratic Unionist Party, and the Democratic Unionist Party, and the wonderful people of Strangford, I want to express our deepest gratitude for his 30 years of impeccable, dedicated service to this Parliament. Tom has been a steadfast pillar of wisdom, guiding the chamber with unmatched procedural expertise, absolute integrity and, perhaps most importantly, for those of us who test the boundaries of time, bless with profound patience and kindness.

His piano expertise is to be applauded. My apex of of of that is the Chinese chopsticks falling far short of what Tom's talent really is. Whenever a backbencher needed guidance on a complex amendment or advice on a point of order, Tom was always there, with a steady hand and an open door. His presence at the table will be deeply missed, and we wish him nothing but the very best for good health, happiness and his well-deserved retirement. May God's blessing be upon him and his family in the days that lie ahead. At the same time, Mr.

Speaker, it's a tremendous pleasure to welcome Eve Samson as our next Clerk of the House. Making history as the first woman to hold this prestigious office is a magnificent milestone, and having known Eve through her exceptional work over many years, not least her invaluable guidance in various select committees, I know that she brings a wealth of experience, sharp intellect, and a deep respect for the traditions of this house, which we all respect. She has a big pair of shoes to fill and Thomas Goldsmith, but I've absolutely no doubt that she will serve this Parliament with the highest distinction.

She will always have the full support and the prayers of this bench as she takes up her historic duties. Thanks so much.

12:29

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

- -

Can I just say thank you all the contributions to Tom. I think it's important. And there's been some wonderful words said about him. And quite rightly, as the leader set off Eve, Samson does take over as the next clerk. And you're quite right, the first woman speaker that

12:29

Mr Speaker

I've been able to appoint. And the fact that we go back to 1363. So fact that we go back to 1363. So it's quite an amazing feat. That is Samson takes over. Mustn't forget Samson takes over. Mustn't forget that. And of course, I'm just going to say to members, we do wish Tom. Well, I think Eve is learning to Well, I think Eve is learning to play the piano in case we need another jazz pianist, but for now, we'll put that to bed. We'll let we'll put that to bed. We'll let the frontbench change over.

Now, come to the general debate on Black History Month. I call the Minister

**** Possible New Speaker ****

to move Florence Eshalomi. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and it

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and it is a great pleasure and honour to be able to open this debate on Black History Month on such an Black History Month on such an important and timely moment. This is the third such debate in is the third such debate in government time, and it follows the persistence of members in applying and securing adjournment and Westminster Hall debates to make sure that Black British stories are appropriately recognised in this House. In particular, I want to pay tribute to my hon. Friend, the Member for Erith and Thamesmead, who has led on no less than three debates in the last Parliament, and I was delighted that she was able to deliver the first ever government led Black History Month debate as a Minister in 2024.

I want to praise her for her persistence in ensuring that this debate is, given the time in the chamber it deserves today, not just because she now leads on the committee. That scrutinises my ministerial brief. I would recommend members go and read her excellent speech from two years ago, although, Madam Deputy Speaker, it would be remiss of me not to correct the record to say that Nigerian jollof is the best jollof. But I do want to join her in paying tribute to her fellow Ghanaian, Akiba Sabo, who was the Special Projects Coordinator at the Greater London Authority Council, who recognised Black History Month back in 1987.

Back then, just 39 years ago, Madam Deputy Speaker, there were only three black members of Parliament on these benches. They were the late Bernie Grant, Lord Paul Boateng and, of course, my right hon. Friend the Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington. And whilst black members still face challenges today, I want to honour and recognise the courage it would have taken to enter this house just a generation ago. I'm sure many of

12:32

Florence Eshalomi MP, Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, Labour )

- -

12:50

Joy Morrissey MP (Beaconsfield, Conservative)

- -

13:02

Seema Malhotra MP (Feltham and Heston, Labour )

- -

13:18

Jess Brown-Fuller MP (Chichester, Liberal Democrat)

- -

we would be a poorer, less dynamic, less exciting and less colourful country. Had individuals not country. Had individuals not boarded. Ships such as the HMT Empire Windrush and made Britain their home. And, as the Minister acknowledged, Black History Month has been marked for 39 years. When it was first celebrated and when it it was first celebrated and when it was first celebrated, there were just three black MPs at the time, just three black MPs at the time, and its purpose is to remember those who came before. As the hon. Member said, we stand on the shoulders of those that came before us, but also it looks to the future to address the systemic issues that our black communities still face.

And in Chichester and throughout the country, we owe our black communities so much. Yet in truth, society has let them down badly, and it continues to do so far, too many people's lives are still blighted by prejudice, discrimination and inequality, and I thank the Minister for raising the case that Munya Chawawa has brought out into the light this week as an actor and a comedian and a social commentator, the social commentary that he has made about his experience in the last six weeks in Chichester has broken my heart. He spoke out about the the cast who've been with us over the last six weeks, doing a really cool production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, one of the best versions of Midsummer Night's Dream that I have ever had the privilege of watching, and also his first time actually taking to the stage and in a Shakespeare as well.

And it was incredibly inspiring to have kids from the Brit school come and watch the performance. Munya established the Black Boys Theatre Club. It is his ambition to make sure that black children have access to theatre, and I watched with delight at all of these young children talking about how, how, how much they've enjoyed watching Shakespeare in Chichester and how cool it was to see, you know, their first experience of theatre being in my constituency. And Munya spoke about that. There was a homophobic attack, which has now been called a hate crime, and there has been an arrest made which caused the show not to go up.

When that happened, the rest of the cast spoke about their experiences over the last six weeks that they had experienced. Just walking through the city when they went for a night out in Brighton to actually get out of Chichester, and they experienced racism there. And they talked about. Munya said that he experienced more racism and xenophobia in six weeks than he'd experienced in his entire life, and he's been a tireless campaigner against discrimination. He's very good at calling it out and doing it in a comedic way that I think lots of people identify with. It's why he's got such a huge following on social media, and I'm really grateful to him for for calling it out, because this is something and I declare an interest.

Madam Deputy Speaker, as a trustee of Chichester Festival Theatre, and it's been something that the theatre has been trying to tackle for years and years, and a conversation we've been having with the board that when we invite talented actors to Chichester Festival Theatre, we want them to feel like it is their home. We want them to feel welcome. We want them to feel included. And how do we make the environment around the theatre that for them, and I have been somewhat reassured by the outpouring of love both on social media and in my inbox, by people saying, I had no idea what can we do?

And one of the reflections that the cast made to the theatre was that they, they they were in the city centre when these things

**** Possible New Speaker ****

happened and nobody called it out. So people were. I'll happily give way to the Minister. I thank the hon. Member for

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I thank the hon. Member for giving way. I thank the hon. Member for giving way and for highlighting what happened in her constituency. what happened in her constituency. Does she agree with me that one of the issues that black people, black members raised is the fact that members raised is the fact that sometimes it can be tiring continuously when it's only black people raising this? And does she people raising this? And does she agree that by by her raising this as a constituency MP, she's shining another light on this.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I appreciate it. I appreciate the Minister for her intervention, because it is not the job of those because it is not the job of those that experience the abuse to be the only ones calling it out. And I think going forward, we are we are working as a collective community to bring voices together so we can to bring voices together so we can talk about and come up with actions as to how we can better support those, because it shouldn't be the those, because it shouldn't be the job of those that are experiencing intolerance and abuse day in, day out.

And I also think we need to do some work with with the police, who I've spoken to at length over the last couple of weeks about when I say this is happening and they say, well, it wasn't reported. Well, it wasn't reported because people get really tired of constantly reporting things and then not seeing a change. For a lot of the cast members, they hadn't shared the theatre, their experience up until the point where we had this homophobic attack that caused the show not to go up. It was then in a kind of safe space.

They were able to say, actually that that that resonates with me because I experienced this. I experienced this when I was out in the city centre. I experienced this when we went out to get food and they hadn't reported it to the police because the owner shouldn't always be on them. And so I think we need to have a wider conversation about what businesses can do, what just individuals can do in the city. Because in truth, it feels like we're going backwards. Somebody said to me the other day, it doesn't feel like the Overton window has shifted.

It feels like it's fallen out of its frame. And I would argue that much of the kind of abuse that comes from these individuals, they are emboldened by the growth and increasing acceptance of the far right on social media, in the press and across other platforms. And these are spaces often pushed by prominent politicians that make individuals, particularly young people, believe that certain language and behaviours are suddenly acceptable. Racist abuse and far right views gain even greater reach when they are associated with political leaders, and the algorithm eats it up and sends it into those spaces.

And we all have a responsibility to challenge these prejudices and behaviours, especially when having important political debates around issues such as immigration, where people too often conflate immigration, race and crime. I, for one, do not want racism to become normalised once more, or for people to feel that staying silent is easier than standing up for others. We need to all call it out whenever we see it moving forward. Madam Deputy Speaker, it's important that we in this place reflect on the scandals of the past that have left dark scars on our society, from Windrush to Grenfell, the crisis in maternity care.

These all represent individuals and communities that have been let down with systemic discrimination playing no small part. Individuals whose dignity and rights were disregarded because of failings within the state apparatus. So I'm proud that the Liberal Democrats are committed to fighting for racial equality, and that means unequivocally condemning racism in all its forms and tackling injustice wherever we see it. And it's a shame that my hon. Friend, the hon. Member for Eastbourne, cannot be here today, but I see how much abuse he receives online on social media. When he puts up a comment about something he's doing to fight for Eastbourne General Hospital, and in the comments, someone will write deport.

And his response to deport is there's no direct flights to Eastbourne General Hospital, so I can't do that. But the proliferation of abuse that is then liked and shared means that his experience as a black MP, I recognise, is totally different to my experience as a white MP, because the abuse he receives is off the scale and is totally unacceptable. In the Liberal Democrat election manifesto, we committed to implementing a comprehensive race equality strategy aimed at reducing the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates experienced by black women and eliminating racial disparities in maternal health through a cross-departmental target and strategy.

We also want to end the disproportionate use of stop and search, and require all police forces throughout the country to adopt ambitious targets for improving the diversity of their workforces. And we've also called for the reversal of the voter ID scheme, which disproportionately excludes minorities from democracy and for all political parties to publish candidate diversity data. And we must also tackle discrimination in the use of new technology, beginning with halting the use of facial recognition surveillance, which is much more likely to wrongly identify black people or women. On criminal justice, it's clear that the immense disparity seen between different ethnicities in our prison population represents systemic failing across society.

As of this year, 12% of the prison population were black, far exceeding the share of general population. And this is underpinned by the fact that black defendants receive, on average, longer custodial sentences than other ethnicities for the same crimes. It's clear that much more needs to be done across the system to begin to address these disparities, particularly in regard to diversity and training in the judiciary. And the Liberal Democrats tabled amendments to the Courts and Tribunals Bill in this regard. And this must also include implementing a new data strategy across the criminal justice system to ensure that capacity meets demand, and that we understand the needs of all users, especially victims, vulnerable people and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Madam Deputy Speaker, Black History Month is a vital opportunity to celebrate the immense contribution that black people make to our lives in Britain. And I would argue to those, and I hear it. That why do we need Black History Month? It's the same argument that's used when people say, well, why do we need pride? Have we not? Have we not got there? Have we not? No, we absolutely haven't. And my example in in Chichester, just this week is a prime example of the fact that these things are all the more important to keep highlighting year on year, because, as the hon.

Member for Feldman said, progress is not linear and it is very easy that we can slip backwards and we all need to be alive and alert to that and make sure that we are representing all of the wonderful qualities that we want our country to represent, and not those that do not, that do not represent what we feel. And so we must carry on celebrating Black History Month because we have an immense contribution to celebrate. But it also provides the chance to recognise the scale of the challenge that we still face. And I'm very grateful to the Leader of the House for granting time for

**** Possible New Speaker ****

this important debate. Thank you. As members have already mentioned, the late Jason Arday, I mentioned, the late Jason Arday, I took some advice from the clerk. The Jason Arday case is sub judice because the inquest has been opened because the inquest has been opened and adjourned. Hon. Members should not refer to this specific case if they want some more advice. We are they want some more advice. We are here to provide that to. You.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I also want to take the opportunity to thank you for hosting the speaker's Black History Month event last week, Tuesday. It was good to meet other individuals that served in forces doing so much in the community. And the way you brought

13:30

Ms Abena Oppong-Asare MP (Erith and Thamesmead, Labour)

- -

us all together was was really valued. I just want to thank my friend, the government Minister for friend, the government Minister for her kind words. I also felt I'd help her correct the record, help her correct the record, because I'm sure the government Minister meant to say that Ghanaian Minister meant to say that Ghanaian jollof rice is the best. So as jollof rice is the best. So as we've all discussed already this year, is theme is honouring our communities. This means a lot to me personally, given that my parents came to Britain from Ghana and like many others, they worked really hard to make sure that me and my siblings have the best opportunities they wanted for themselves.

Before I turn to those I wish to recognise today, I wanted to say something briefly. Earlier this month, I asked people online what they thought I should mention in this debate. Many responded with really helpful suggestions and stories of black Britons who have enriched our communities and helped shaped our country. Sadly, quite a number responded with racist abuse. I want to be clear those those voices do not represent the overwhelming majority of people in my constituency, across and across the country. Black History Month is not about division. It's about recognising the people whose contributions have helped build the helped build modern Britain.

And I believe in freedom of speech, robust debate and the exchange of ideas. But I also believe we need to challenge racism and hatred whenever we encounter it. No one should feel unable to participate in public life because of abuse and intimidation. I also want to mention, and I won't be breaching any any investigation going forward. Just about Professor Jason Day's death is a reminder to all of us about how inequality exists in this assist it made. He made history by becoming one of the youngest black professors at the University of Cambridge, and we shouldn't forget that.

Yes, and his story sadly raises the treatment of black people who reach positions of prominence. And his family have spoken about the abuse he's experienced and harassment alongside that. So my thoughts are with the family here. Black History Month also reminds us all in terms of how far we've come and how far we still have to go, including tackling inequalities such as the unacceptable maternal mortality gap experienced by black women. So today, I want to focus not on those who seek to divide us, but on those who strengthen our communities. So I want to pay tribute to some people in my constituency.

Michelle Rankin, assistant director for economy and skills at Greenwich Council. Michelle has been absolutely instrumental in bringing pride and place to Thamesmead to help empower local community to shape the future of our area. I also want to pay tribute to Benedicta Akapo, a Queens nurse who's leading the work to amplify the voices of nurses working in social care across south east London through her professional leadership and voluntary work in both the UK and Nigeria, she is an inspiration to many. I also want to pay tribute to John Kabayo, chair of the Pride and Place Board, who co-founded an innovative anti-theft bag and worked with the Prince's Trust and does a lot of work in the community by being a school governor.

These are just a few of the remarkable people whose contributions deserve recognition. In previous years, I've been proud to recognise many others, including members of Windrush generation and countless black Britons whose whose service, sacrifice and leadership has strengthened our country. Their stories remind us that black history is British history, and that is why Black History Month remains so important, not only just to celebrate the progress, but to inspire future generations and recognise those whose contributions have helped make Britain what it is today. I also want to take the opportunity to reflect on the trailblazers who have opened the doors for people like me.

I've heard a number of people mention it in the house. Diane Abbott, the first black woman elected in Parliament, Paul Barton, Britain's first black Cabinet Minister of Ghanaian descent, and has supported me and Valerie Amos, the first black woman to serve in Cabinet. But I also want to take a pause and reflect and mention one of our new Baronesses who's sitting in the gallery. Baroness Ju Samsung, and I don't think I need to explain any more about her. She is a trailblazer and this is her second week and I know she's going to hit the ground running or she already has.

So welcome June Sarpong. I also want to go back and say that Valerie's story is particularly personal to me. She grew up in Bexley. I grew up in Bexley, and I had the opportunity to do work experience with her and seeing someone like her from my community achieving so much really mattered to me. And I know I've spoken about this before, but not everybody knows the story. And I think it's important that we talk about the paths we've taken to get here. So when I was at university, I was really thinking about going into politics, and I remember speaking to a careers adviser saying, I wanted to explore the opportunities of going into politics.

He laughed in my face and said the chances of someone like me getting a job in politics was very slim and not to bother trying. As you probably guess, I'm a very stubborn person and I didn't listen to his advice. And I think that for me, I've never really forgotten that conversation. I feel that it's made me extremely resilient as a person, more determined. I think when someone tells you you can't do something, it just makes you hungry to kind of push to do something. Yeah. And I also think that for me, it's about the future generation, about how we inspire in terms of what we do in our roles, particularly to get more young people in politics or playing a different role through civic life.

Because I know that I didn't get here by myself. It was people that supported me to get here, and I see that reflection within my constituency of Erith and Thamesmead, where I see constituents of mine who are doing so much in the community. I've mentioned some of them already, but in terms of what they do to make sure we as a country thrive, and I think it's great that this theme is something that we're discussing this year. So I just really want to say that as well as celebrating people that have contributed to Black History Month, I think it's so, so important to also recognise those people that are also making a difference and thinking about the future, but also to recognise those people when they get the opportunities to break those barriers, that they're treated with dignity and respect.

Because it's not just about representation, it's not just about getting there. It's about how you've treated treat people. So that's why I wanted to, I wanted to put on record, but also to say Black History Month shouldn't be just this month. It should be all around the year, around the year. But the reason we celebrate it this month is because we've still got a long way to go before we achieve equality. Thank you, Madam Chair.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I've just noticed that the Sergeant at Arms has entered the chamber. I think we all want to notice that. I believe the Sergeant notice that. I believe the Sergeant at Arms is our first black sergeant at Arms, appointed in October 2019. at Arms, appointed in October 2019. And he's hating me saying this. So let's stare at him a little bit longer.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Carla Denyer thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker and it's a pleasure to speak in today's debate marking Black History Month. And I want to Black History Month. And I want to thank the hon. Member for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green for opening the debate with a speech so powerful that it gave me the chills, which I don't think is entirely because I think I might have caught that cold off her on Monday, although that may also be the case. In my maiden speech, I talked about how the story of my home city, Bristol, cannot be disentangled from the UK's shameful and immoral history of colonialism and slavery.

That is a history that we cannot and must not turn away from. Bristol merchants financed over 2000 slaving voyages between 1698 and 1807. These ships carried over 500,000 enslaved Africans from Africa to slave labour in the Americas. This shameful trade is an ongoing stain, and it's why my party backs slavery reparations. Since 2020, we've supported the idea of a UK government backed all party Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry for truth and Reparatory

13:40

Carla Denyer MP (Bristol Central, Green Party)

- -

justice, aligned with the United Nations frameworks to address the legacy of the transatlantic trade legacy of the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and colonialism. And I'm proud to say that my city also backs this call. After a motion brought by my former colleague Green Councillor Cleo colleague Green Councillor Cleo Lake, five years ago. And this is work I hope to continue to push on as a member of the all party as a member of the all party parliamentary group on African reparations. The UN's declaration earlier this year that the trafficking of enslaved Africans is the gravest crime facing humanity, and calling for reparations as a concrete step towards remedying historical wrong is therefore very welcome.

I hope this strong UN stance will encourage the UK government to mark Black History Month by acknowledging the inhumane crimes Britain inflicted on African people for centuries, and the ongoing impact of those crimes on the global South. Today, my constituency Bristol Central, is also home to a blue plaque at the Seven Stars Inn in Redcliffe that marks how Thomas Clarkson, an anti-slavery activist together with the landlord of the Seven Stars, collected testimonies from sailors in 1787 that were used as evidence in Parliament. These statements played a role in the passing of the 1807 Slave Trade Act, which eventually led to the end of the historic transatlantic slave trade and fast forwarding 150 years.

We've already heard extensively today about the 1963 Bristol bus boycott, which was a landmark moment in race relations in the UK. On the same day that Martin Luther King gave his famous I Have a Dream speech in the US. In Bristol, the city bus company agreed to end its racist hiring practices following a successful boycott campaign. The boycott was widely cited as a turning point in racial justice in the UK, as we've heard, leading ultimately to the Race Relations Act in 1965 and our city's more recent history saw 15,000 Black Lives Matter supporters gather in the city in 2020, and the toppling of a statue of Edward Colston, a 17th century slave trader who is believed to have transported about 80,000 men, women and children from Africa to the Americas between 1672 and 1689.

That statue is now displayed in a glass case in the M Shed Museum in my constituency, in its damaged state and surrounded by some of the placards held by protesters on the day it was toppled, Bristol City Council's culture team say this about the exhibits and I quote, this isn't erasing history, this is recording history. History isn't something that can remain static and preserved. That moment was history in action. Those words feel particularly salient to this debate because in celebrating those people in our communities whose contributions are all too often unseen, as Sharon Terry Jermy, the editor of Black History Month UK magazine, puts it, we are also writing history, making the history that we want recorded and keeping it alive.

To that end, I want to give a special shout out to one of the many people making black history in Bristol today, and that's the first Lord Mayor of Bristol to come from the Somali community. Councillor Yasin Mohammed Yasin is bringing his experience as a refugee, his experience as a member of the black and minority ethnic community, and his work representing one of Bristol's more deprived areas. He's bringing all of those to the role of Lord mayor and as he said shortly before taking up the post, his focus is on unity, on bringing people together to celebrate the diversity and strength of our city, and to ensure that every community feels recognised and valued.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm enjoying listening to the hon. Lady, although I don't agree with everything she said, but I'll touch everything she said, but I'll touch on that when I. If I catch your eye later. But I wonder, following the tribute she's just made to the tribute she's just made to the current Lord Mayor of Bristol, I wonder whether she'd extend that tribute to my noble friend Lord Rees and the Other place who set an

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Rees and the Other place who set an amazing example as a black leader in local government. Hey. Member for his intervention and

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Member for his intervention and indeed the the now Lord Rees, formally the first black mayor of Bristol and in fact one of the first in Europe, also featured in my maiden speech. And I recognise the great contribution he made to our city. Finally, I want to highlight the campaign launched last year for Bristol to become the UK civil rights capital. I think the fact that two members from outside Bristol have already told the story of Bristol's pivotal role in British black history supports the case for that very strongly. The campaign bringing together academics, business leaders and politicians, including including the Lord Rees that we've just mentioned.

It. Well, I will quote directly from one of the campaign's lead organisers, Jules Davis. And he said Bristol has never waited for permission to lead this. City has shown the country what change looks like. Activism has always been the lifeblood of systemic change here. Black History Month is a much needed chance to remember the importance of that systemic change and how many people are making that change happen. To quote Sharon in Tahrir again, there is still so much we do not know, so many stories waiting to be uncovered, so many names waiting to be spoken, so much history waiting to be reclaimed, recorded and shared.

That potential is very alive in this room today and in my home city of Bristol and across our communities. And I look forward to continuing to work cross-party to

**** Possible New Speaker ****

help realise it. Thank you. Terry Jermy much, Madam Deputy Speaker and I thank the Minister for her opening remarks and for her fortitude in delivering them. This year's Black History Month focuses on honouring our communities, and I on honouring our communities, and I wanted to take the opportunity to bring hon. Members attention to the market town of Thetford, in my constituency of south west Norfolk. Because a market town in rural Norfolk may not be the first place that members think of when considering areas of social and cultural progress in the United Kingdom. But it was in my home town of Thetford that the UK had its first black mayor, Alan Glacier Mims emigrated to England from the Bahamas as a child in the mid 1800s, and he began his story in London.

After finishing at grammar school, he began studying medicine at Guy's Hospital, not far from here. Before the age of 30, he was already registered with the British British Medical Association. Now Doctor Mims shortly moved to join his brother, who was practising medicine in Thetford. And I have a little doubt that Norfolk weather didn't quite match the Bahamas, and I'm afraid that Thetford somehow lacked sandy beaches. Regardless, there was something about our town and the community that made him want to stand, because that community spirit and that cohesion resonated with Doctor Mims because he decided to enter politics and he was elected to serve on Thetford Town Council.

He was elected as a councillor in 1903, and he was elected by his peers to become

13:48

Terry Jermy MP (South West Norfolk, Labour)

- -

13:57

Dawn Butler MP (Brent East, Labour)

- -

14:08

Deirdre Costigan MP (Ealing Southall, Labour)

- -

so many other jobs that helped this country to grow. It is about how country to grow. It is about how they stood up to everyday racism, often on a daily basis. And yet they pushed on for their children they pushed on for their children and their grandchildren to be able to succeed. And I would love to to succeed. And I would love to tell that story today of the black parents in Ealing Southall who refused to accept racism in schools refused to accept racism in schools and so sent their kids to supplementary schools to give them a fair chance in life.

Of the black workers who joined trade unions to fight racism at work, and the black tenants who campaigned for fair access to housing. But Madam Deputy Speaker, on the 26th of January this year, we lost my constituent, Eric Huntley, a giant of the black

**** Possible New Speaker ****

community. And so it is only right that I pay tribute to him today. Yeah.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Yeah. He is not quite an unsung hero. In fact, there is a special Nubian In fact, there is a special Nubian Jak Community Trust plaque, blue plaque above his home at 141 Calder plaque above his home at 141 Calder Shore Road, which he would proudly show me whenever I passed. But he show me whenever I passed. But he is not sung about anywhere near enough, and I hope to help rectify this. Today. Eric and his wife Jessica, who died in 2013, were lifelong activists and educators. Eric came here from Guyana in 1957 and Jessica followed in 1962, when they'd saved enough for her to pay for the passage over.

In 1968, they founded one of the UK's first black led publishing companies, Bogle-l'ouverture Publications, from a printing press in their front room on Calder Shore Road. In 1975, they opened a bookshop specialising in black literature, at five, a shingle place in West Ealing. Eric described it as an oasis in the desert of west London for the black community, with few other community spaces. It became an important cultural and academic hub, providing a drop in centre for parents, students and teachers. The bookshop also offered career advice and help with job applications. It became known globally, with visits from black authors and artists from around the world, but it also came under attack from the National Front with racist graffiti, smashed windows and excrement pushed through the letterbox.

Jessica told the story of how the Ku Klux Klan made threatening phone calls, where they were told they had seven days to pack up the shop and leave, and were left in no doubt about the consequences if they didn't. But Eric and Jessica refused to be intimidated with other bookshop owners. The Huntleys founded bookshop Joint Action and campaigned against racist threats both in Ealing and across London, drawing national press coverage and forcing the police to safeguard the bookshop. Eric and Jessica were key figures in the Caribbean Education and Community Workers Association, which was set up in response to the racist labelling of large numbers of black children as educationally subnormal.

Shocking they were involved in the supplementary school system, which was almost a parallel education system that black communities were forced to set up to stop their children's life chances being damaged by racism in the school system. They were also part of the Black Parents movement, which campaigned against laws that allowed police to stop, search and arrest people on suspicion of intent to commit a crime, and which was disproportionately used against young black people. In the 70s and 80. Now, the last time I saw Eric was at a poetry event last year run by case, the Caribbean and African Cultural Centre in West Ealing.

That is very much a part of his legacy. He was as full of life and opinions as ever, and I know he would have lots to say about our new Prime Minister if he was still around today. Eric's death in January at the age of 96, is truly the end of an era, but he and Jessica's work in building a community for black people across west London will never be forgotten. From the blue plaque at the house in Calder Road, where they started out, to murals of them both on the windows of West Ealing Community Library.

But most importantly of all, their spirit lives on in every young black Briton in Ealing Southall today who says, I refuse to shut up, I refuse to go away. I refuse to accept things as they are. So, Madam Deputy Speaker, I hope this House will join me today, not just in honouring our communities but in honouring Eric Huntley, a true west London legend whose warmth, activism and determination continues to shape the lives of

**** Possible New Speaker ****

black Britons today. Thank you madam. Thank you very much, Madam

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker, and I congratulate the Minister on her speech and for persevering through it. She was persevering through it. She was croaky in voice but stood tall at that Dispatch Box and we're all very proud of her, and I'm very grateful that the Shadow Minister grateful that the Shadow Minister is still here. She's always the example of courtesy to me and I'm grateful to her for that. We grateful to her for that. We enjoyed the festive tune. I think she wants to choose a God ye Merry Gentlemen, because there's talk of comfort and joy in that one, Madam Deputy Speaker and the same goes for the hon.

Lady from Chichester for her contribution to. And we've heard excellent speeches from colleagues from across the House. Now, Madam Speaker, I don't really like germs. And there's been lots of coughing and sniffing and debate. I think my friend from Feltham and Heston needs some form of medicament, but I wish all colleagues who have the sniffles a speedy recovery. I hope I don't upset some members who aren't here. Madam Deputy Speaker, by pointing out that I'm English, I'm a rare breed and that I'm a black British man, born and raised in England with English roots, and I'm a member of this House.

I've said this before, Madam Deputy Speaker, and I'll say it again, each and every person who lives and works in our United Kingdom, each and every person who moved here to work in our National Health Service and on our railways, in our schools and on our building sites, deserve to have their issues, their concerns and their needs heard, listened to and celebrated. I'm proud to be English, proud to be British, a proud son of a Zimbabwean born dad and the proud grandson of a Jamaican who came to our country in the 1940s to help us win World War Two.

As many, many other Black and Asian men did in both great wars. And of course, in years since, I'm proud to be black Madam Deputy Speaker, Black British member of Parliament, born and raised in England with a constituency in the county of Staffordshire that's been home to my family for approaching a century. And as the House knows, I'm the first black man to represent a seat anywhere in the West Midlands. In anywhere in the West Midlands. In this House. I don't say that because I'm obsessed with myself. I promise I say. It because I don't promise I say.

It because I don't want anyone else to. want anyone else to.

14:15

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

- -

14:31

Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP (Clapham and Brixton Hill, Labour)

- -

14:43

Olivia Bailey MP (Reading West and Mid Berkshire, Labour)

- -

I can't Olivia Blake. >> Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker, can I say it's been a real privilege to listen to so many powerful speeches this afternoon? My friend, the hon. afternoon? My friend, the hon. Member for Brent East, reminding us to ask the question, have you done to ask the question, have you done your part and to telling it, telling us to never be afraid to make noise. Really important points, my friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme reminding us that black history is correctly British history and a really powerful speech from my friend, the Member for Clapham and Brixton Hill, just there reminding us of the stark reality that today we find that racism is not just whispered but amplified.

Madam Deputy Speaker, as this is my first speech in the chamber as the newly elected chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, I would like to start by paying tribute to my predecessor, the Member for Luton North. My hon. Friend is a brilliant campaigner and in her time as chair, she shone a light on critical issues and secured significant policy change. Her work on bereavement leave for pregnancy loss, in particular, leaves a lasting legacy in debates like this one. I always admired the way in which she shared stories that don't get told often enough in this place, often from her own constituency.

And so when preparing for this important debate on Black History Month, I decided to spend some time looking in the Royal Berkshire archives to tell one story from Reading's Black History. And I came across a man called Harvey Depass. Harvey arrived on the HMT Empire Windrush in June 1948 and after a brief dalliance with Staffordshire, Harvey and his family moved to reading. Harvey then took up the role of Reading's first community relations officer at the Reading Council of Community Relations, and then spent years serving our community, in particular working with local schools. He organised a conference entitled children in a Mixed Community in October 1970, and at the time he told the local paper our children aren't immigrants.

They know no home other than Britain. Words, Madam Deputy Speaker, that are just as poignant today. After a decade in his role, Harvey then set up a local business to pass travel on the Oxford Road, and when Harvey died in 2012, he was remembered by the local community for his big heart and his love of cricket. Madam Deputy Speaker Harvey is just one example of the wonderful Windrush generation who have brought so much to reading, many working in iconic local businesses such as the Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Factory, as well as our Royal Berkshire Hospital and on the town's bus network.

And I am reminded of their stories every day when I drive through reading as I pass the Reading Black History mural, which depicts global figures alongside the local heroes who built Reading's black community. And when the site faced redevelopment, which threatened the mural's future, it was local community campaigners. Today's Harvey Day Passes who successfully ensured the mural was preserved for future generations. Madam Deputy Speaker, as we've heard a lot today, the theme of this year's Black History Month is honouring our communities. And as others have also said, that's not just about telling stories. It is also about confronting the inequalities that black people in our country continue to face at work, in healthcare, and on the streets of our communities.

And the work of the Women and Equalities Select Committee shows how much more we have to do in this regard. Our work on health shows that black women are still more than twice as likely to die in childbirth, compared with white women more likely to experience life threatening complications, more likely to be admitted to ICU, more likely to give birth preterm and to lose a baby to stillbirth. On homelessness, black people are almost four times more likely to experience homelessness and experience worse outcomes as they progress through the homelessness system. In the workplace, it's more difficult to progress, and there are more barriers.

And throughout all of our work on the committee, there is one terrible constant wherever people are adversely affected, be that by policies, attitudes or actions, those impacts are disproportionately worse for people who are black. And that is why I am determined, as chair of the committee, to use our platform to hear from black voices on the issues that matter, to make sure the government listens, and to hold the government to account on the promises it has made to the black community, whether that's ethnicity, pay gap reporting, improved maternal care, or ensuring those affected by the Windrush scandal receive the support and compensation they are owed.

Because commitments are only meaningful when they lead to change. And our history is important. But honouring our communities means we must actively confront inequality to truly commemorate the contributions of those who have made progress. I look forward to building on the committee's important work and ensuring that we continue to challenge inequality wherever we

**** Possible New Speaker ****

find it. I call Shadow Minister Rebecca Smith.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Smith. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and I've thoroughly enjoyed sitting through the debate this afternoon, through the debate this afternoon, having listened to just some of the debates last year. I wasn't in for the whole debate, but it's been a really enjoyable afternoon and some really enjoyable afternoon and some really powerful points have been made, and I'll just reflect on a few of those before I get into the few of those before I get into the main body of my speech. If I may. I think the first thing I want to talk about is the role of pioneers that you have in the black community in Britain, and I think none more so than was mentioned.

The hon. Member for the right hon. Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, who's been mentioned by so many members this afternoon, but obviously firstly by the Minister, the hon. Member for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green. And I was just reminded about how important pioneers have been to the House of Commons. In fact, I am an MP in Plymouth and in 1919 the first female MP to take her seat was Nancy Astor and it was 68 years. Madam Deputy Speaker, before there

14:49

Rebecca Smith MP (South West Devon, Conservative)

- -

was a female black MP, which I think just when you put it in that context, highlights the work that the hon. Member for Hackney North the hon. Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington has done. The Member for Feltham and Heston was the first, or perhaps not the first, but the one who spoke about the Windrush and the role it has in our education system. And in fact it was an exhibition. Gosh, it was probably 15 years ago at the Southbank Centre. That was the Southbank Centre. That was the first time I really engaged with the story that that was telling when I was living in London at the time, and as part of the education team, obviously talking about an entire British history is incredibly important.

I studied it myself and always looked particularly at that immigration history that we have here in the United Kingdom. She also mentioned the role of black footballers today, and it would be remiss of me, Madam Deputy Speaker, not to use that as a hook to mention. The first man to be selected to play for England was actually part of the Plymouth Argyle football team, and he experienced racism in the 1920s when he wasn't actually then allowed to play. So although he was selected, he wasn't played. But whilst playing for Plymouth Argyle and indeed he captained them, he scored 137 goals in 400 games.

So I think it's good to get Jack Leslie once again on the record and the hon. Member for Erith and Thamesmead. I found her contribution particularly inspiring and especially that story of resilience. I had something similar said to me earlier on in my career that I never one people to me when I public speak well, I hope that after my speech this afternoon, people in this chamber will disagree with that comment. But I understand the resilience that actually, regardless of our race, is something that most of us have had to pursue to get here. And I think that's incredibly important to mention.

The hon. Member for Chichester, Bristol Central South West Norfolk. And with that gentle competition that he mentioned, and Brent East and Ealing Southall, I th made all of these points particularly important. And indeed, the Member for Ealing Southall mentioned the role of stolen labourers, and that's something that I won't touch on directly in my speech, but is a theme of commemoration that we need to ensure we do going forward. The people that fought for this country, who haven't always been remembered because of the role that they played. And the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme, with his particularly powerful speech, that prompted me to remember two midwives that I know well in Plymouth, who are of Caribbean heritage, who came over here and served the city of Plymouth for many decades, delivering many babies.

And it's a real privilege to be able to mention Liz and Yvonne today. Right across our country, we have these people who have served, who have those stories of coming from far flung parts of the country and making the United Kingdom their home. And then finally, the members from Clapham and Brixton Hill and Reading West and Mid Berkshire. It's been a pleasure to hear all of your contributions this afternoon, but, Madam Deputy Speaker, it is a privilege to respond to this interesting and inspiring debate on behalf of the official opposition. We have heard many times this afternoon how the theme of Black History Month 2026 is honouring our communities, sharing inspiring stories of Black British life.

And I believe there's no better way to do this than by reflecting on the lives of those men and women from the Commonwealth who served during the First and Second World War, and anybody who knows anything about me right back to my maiden speech, will know that I had the privilege of working for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission before I was elected, and indeed, as a declaration of interest in the chair of the APPG. So forgive me for using that as what I'm going to talk about, but I think it's an incredibly important story that we should be telling.

As I'm sure you know, the Allied forces were comprised of many nations, but importantly, a significant number of what are now Commonwealth countries. The imperial forces, as they were known, saw personnel serving together from India, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom, and in addition, serving under those six flags were men and women from the West Indies and other African nations such as Rhodesia, Nigeria and Kenya. And indeed, we've heard again from the hon. Member of Newcastle-under-Lyme, whose grandfather would have been one of those men who came from Rhodesia to serve Jamaica.

Sorry, but also has Redditch sorry, I was listening. I just. More than 700,000 black Africans served in the First World War, with tens of thousands more coming from the Caribbean and a further half a million black and mixed ethnicity individuals served in the Second World War. And many of these are commemorated in places like Plymouth's Naval Memorial on Plymouth Hoe, you can find tales of black and mixed ethnicity servicemen and women in many theatres worldwide, from frontline First World War combat in East Africa and the Middle East, Labour and support units working worldwide to action in Burma during the Second World War to the Merchant Navy and soaring in the skies with the Royal Air Force.

It is quite a story, and it is the role of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to commemorate each man and woman who lost their life serving in the Commonwealth forces with no distinctions. Each casualty should be commemorated by name on a headstone or memorial. Each casualty should have a single point of commemoration. Headstones and memorials should be permanent. And importantly, Madam Deputy Speaker headstone should be uniform. So it doesn't matter where somebody was from. You can't tell by looking at the shape of their headstone. You have to actually go and read their story. And there should be equality of treatment for war dead, irrespective of rank or religion.

And this means that right across the world, in 153 countries, in fact, war dead are commemorated. I wanted to use my brief time this afternoon to highlight some of the black Britons who were included within the British forces in the First and Second World War. Now, there are many stories of the contributions of black Britons who served so faithfully during both World wars, and the examples I wish to share can be found on a new online portal that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission hosts, where families and historians can share the stories of those recorded on war graves and memorials across the world.

It's called the Forevermore Project, and I would encourage anybody who has a story or wants to advertise that in their constituency to do so, because ultimately, by knowing more about the names, we have a much bigger picture about the cost of what was involved in those two wars. And I'm grateful for those stories. And I have effectively lifted many of them, not many. You'll be pleased to hear. Sorry, three of them from portal this afternoon. So Second Lieutenant Walter Daniel John Tall was on one of the British Army's first black commissioned officers and one of England's first black professional footballers.

Born in 1888 in Folkestone, Walter was orphaned young and was brought up in an orphanage in Bethnal Green. Before the war he played for Tottenham Hotspur and later Northampton Town, where he remains a club legend. Shortly after the outbreak of the First World War, Walter joined the Footballers Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment and fought in the battle of the Somme in 1916. He was a natural leader and in May 1917 was commissioned as an officer, a remarkable achievement given the prejudices of the time. He was mentioned in despatches for gallantry and coolness, while leading his company of 26 men on a raiding party into enemy territory.

He returned to France in 1918 and was killed in action on the 25th of March, whilst leading his men into battle during the German Spring offensive. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial to the missing. He was a true pioneer whose military service challenged the racial barriers of his age. Lance Corporal Horace Wilfred Miller from the Leicestershire Regiment, was born in Hinckley, Leicestershire, as the eldest of ten children. His father hailed from Saint Helena, a British overseas territory off the coast of South-West Africa, age 19. Horace joined the army in January 1913, enlisting with the Shepshed Company of the fifth Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment.

He was sent to France a year later and was known for being a keen musician and singer. Horace was killed on the 10th of September 1915 by a German sniper in the Epe, salient newspaper reports. Notice that Miller was a fine man, greatly loved and admired by all of his many pals. Finally, Victor Emmanuel Tucker was born on the 22nd of December 1916 in Jamaica to parents Adrian and Lydia Tucker. Victor emigrated to England in the 1930s with the Oxford educated Jamaican qualifying as a barrister. In 1940 he was living in Highgate, London, with his wife, Wilhelmina.

He enlisted in the RAF in August 1940 and earned his pilot wings in early 1941. He was also promoted to sergeant. At this point, his Spitfire was painted with a yellow island of Jamaica symbol on the nose representing Victor's homeland. Sadly, Victor would not survive the war. He was shot down by a Messerschmitt FW109S on a raid over Le Havre in France. The Spitfires were escorting Boston bombers to Le Havre and turned away. Before the bombing. Run by order, they flew a left turn to which the pilots had protested, as this enabled the Germans to flank and attack from the sun to attack Surrey from the sun.

Victor was one of the RAF pilots shot down in this encounter. His body was never recovered and as he has no known grave, he is commemorated on the Runnymede Air Services Memorial in Surrey, England, and I. I will happily give their Madam Speaker.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

I am grateful to the Shadow Minister who is making a very thoughtful and appropriate speech, and I thank her for it. And can I and I thank her for it. And can I just thank us specifically for mentioning Victor's story? Because it's one that gives voice to many of the points that have been raised

**** Possible New Speaker ****

of the points that have been raised on this side of the House, and that some on the other side of the House could learn from. As well.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

As well. I thank the hon. Member for his intervention, and I hope that all of the stories I have shown that of the stories I have shown that actually those men who I've just named and indeed women will have played a role too. But often in the early days it was it was more men and did that in spite of where they came from and in spite of their race and their background. And we are incredibly grateful. And that is why the Commonwealth War Graves Commission exists, to be able to highlight their contribution. And so, Madam Deputy Speaker, what I've done this afternoon is sought to highlight not just Commonwealth people, but actually those who fought under the United Kingdom's flag.

They were black British men who served and who tragically lost their lives. Now many survived, and no doubt they are the predecessors and the family members of many members in this House. But ultimately, those men did sadly pay the ultimate price. So to conclude, Madam Deputy Speaker, these stories remind us that black history forms a part of our shared national story. These people came from different places, yet they shared the same values of duty, courage and service. They fought under the same flag, faced the same dangers, and made the same ultimate sacrifice. That is why the Leader of the Opposition, the right hon.

My right hon. Friend was right to state during her tenure as equalities Minister that the achievements of Black Britons belong to us all, whatever our skin colour, Black History Month at its best is at its best when it reminds us of what unites us, a shared inheritance and a shared commitment to the country we all call home.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Minister. Satvir Kaur. Thank you, Madam. Deputy Speaker. It's an honour

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Deputy Speaker. It's an honour to be able to close today's debate. I would like to thank my hon. Friend the member the Minister for communities and Faith for opening the debate and everything she has done in her personal capacity and done in her personal capacity and her time here for championing our diverse communities and everyone diverse communities and everyone here from across the chamber for their heartfelt, powerful and thought provoking contributions. It is rare for this chamber to come together in this way, and I'm pleased it's over an issue as important as this one. I know Black History Month can at times be viewed as tokenistic, but only if we allow it to.

And I agree, we should mark the 40th anniversary and it should be a regular item in government business. As we heard from the contributions this afternoon from members that represent communities from across our country, black History Month is

15:01

Satvir Kaur MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government) (Minister for Equalities) (Southampton Test, Labour)

- -

an incredible opportunity to honour our diverse communities, pay tribute to the huge contribution tribute to the huge contribution they make to our cities, towns and neighbourhoods and celebrate the neighbourhoods and celebrate the success stories that inspire people like me every single day. Stories like me every single day. Stories too often left untold. This month's theme is on honouring our communities, and I would like to thank members for doing just that. We pay tribute to trailblazers like Doctor Alan Minns, the first black mayor in the UK, first elected over 100 years ago in rural Norfolk. And I thank the Member for South West Norfolk for telling us his story.

Like doctor, like Paul Boateng, the for the UK's first black Minister, our first black sergeant of arms, Councillor Faduma Muhammad, mayor of Ealing. Lord Rees from Bristol. Jasmine Mohammed Yasin Mohammed, who's the now mayor of Bristol, now Lord Mayor of Bristol, to the Member for Hackney North, who has been mentioned several times throughout this debate as the first black woman elected in Parliament, I remember sitting next to her when she became Mother of the House and feeling incredibly emotional. We pay tribute to John Cambridge, who the Member for Erith and Thamesmead spoke passionately about, and others that have contributed within her constituency.

And as there's an ongoing loving for this member, I just want to share and add to it. There is a real sisterhood in this building and in Parliament, and I have felt it so strongly with my hon. Friend, and I wanted to thank her for her friendship, her support and encouragement. And I feel as though the resilience she oozes is slowly seeping into my veins. So I thank her personally for that. We pay tribute to Eric Huntley and others by compassionate about. From the member of Ealing Southall Harvey Depass, from reading from the member of Mid Berkshire to the member of Brent East for being the first female black Minister in this country.

Thank you very much. Got that right. Yes, I remembered and everything she has personally done to champion this cause. I pay tribute to government's Race Equality engagement group members who, as we speak, are all in Liverpool with the Minister for Women and Equalities, discussing how we go further in making change more meaningful. And thank Baroness Doreen Lawrence for generally being an inspiration to us all, but also for chairing and bringing this give.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Way grateful to her, to giving way. I just wondered if I could add to that illustrious list the case of Andrew Watson, who was the first of Andrew Watson, who was the first black international football player when he captained Scotland to a six one victory over England in the one victory over England in the

**** Possible New Speaker ****

late 19th century. We do pay. I particularly pay tribute to Andrew Watson and tribute to Andrew Watson and congratulate him. I want to add my thanks to the Member for Feltham and Heston for her tireless work as the former Minister for equalities and her personal support that she has given me in my new role to the likes of my great granddad, Sundar Singh Sagar, Sundar Singh Sagar, who worked closely with local black leaders 50 years ago to help change the law so that bus drivers and those riding motorbikes can do so by wearing their turbans and not compromising their faith.

In fact, their family home is now owned by a Jamaican family whose dad was a Rasta and only got a job as a bus conductor wearing his locks and hat. Because of my great granddad's campaign in my home city of Southampton, where our diversity is celebrated and gave me growing up a sense of belonging, I pay tribute to the likes of Don John G, Aunty Shah, Sukhi Sitaram Luke Taylor for their tireless work in race equality. I thank the Member for Newcastle under Lyme and the Shadow Minister for mentioning our Commonwealth soldiers, who too often get forgotten when we talk about the contribution made in our world wars that helped beat fascism, that stood by us throughout it all, we celebrate the likes of ethylene.

MacFarlane, who I met in bath, a retired midwife who told me she has delivered thousands of babies and was instrumental in setting up a place for ethnic minorities to meet and get support in her

**** Possible New Speaker ****

neighbourhood. She is, of course. I'm grateful to the Minister for giving way and on the point of giving way and on the point of meetings a second ago, the Minister described my constituency as Newcastle upon Tyne. We are under Lyme, so to make up for it. Will she come and meet the Staffordshire Black Business Network, who I feel

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Black Business Network, who I feel sure would like to see her? Any excuse to meet Newcastle and the good people within it, and I the good people within it, and I will not make that mistake again. Thank you for calling me out on it. For in Bath when I met amazing people from Fairfield House who bring together older generations, celebrate cultures through heritage, art and storytelling. They also make the most amazing food, which I felt compelled to try. We. We celebrate the fact that over 98% of FTSE 100 companies now have ethnic minority representation on their boards.

Acknowledging that diversity at decision making tables is not only the right thing to do, but also good for business, improving productivity and growth. We celebrate Croydon's BME forum for all they do, and I thank my hon. Friend for talking passionately about them earlier. We thank those that have taken up the mantle for race equality, accepting it cannot fall on black communities alone, reflected in members contributions in this debate today, including the Lib Dem spokesperson in her important experience in in her own constituency, but also the likes of Salisbury Museum, who gave local black communities the opportunity to own and narrate their own history in their own words, on slavery, Madam Deputy Speaker Black History Month also, however, gives us an opportunity to not only reflect on the huge strides made towards race equality, but acknowledge that fight is still not over.

As we have heard today, it is important to highlight where we are falling short, where we must go further, where we accept that we stand on the shoulders of giants and now our generation owe it to the next generation to pick up the mantle to deal with the issues we thought were far left behind us, and to take on the next set of challenges and continue that fight for equality. Growing up in Southampton's inner city as the daughter of a market stall trader, my dad taught me to be a grafter like him, to work harder and to go that extra mile to get the same opportunities as others, because the colour of our skin will hold us back.

One of the reasons I'm in politics is to ensure I can teach my baby girl, Emmie, and children of colour everywhere, that because of the changes our generation made, when you work harder, you go further because talent, ability and access to opportunities are everywhere in every community and the colour of your skin has nothing to do with it. It's why this government intends to introduce the ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting not as an end in itself, but a means to an end towards a fairer chance to get on in life for everyone. My hon.

Friend asked for an update and I'm pleased to report that we are moving at pace and keen to get in parliamentary time as soon as possible. I pay tribute to the likes of change, the race ratio and others who have campaigned on this issue for a number of years and I saw first hand the important work they do earlier this month in health. The Amos review shone a light on the shameful disparities faced by ethnic minority women when it comes to maternity care, a service that many of us know too well needs to show up for you, whoever you are.

I'm pleased that in response, as well as announcing the creation of the UK's first ever maternity and neonatal commissioner to hold the system to account, this government has also committed to the national rollout of the Parental Equity and Anti-Discrimination programme. This will tackle unacceptable inequalities in care and outcomes, particularly for Black and Asian women, those from deprived backgrounds and other marginalised groups. Hate crime and racism was sadly a common theme in this debate. Madam Deputy Speaker, I pay tribute to organisations across the country, but particularly, and I wanted to mention them because I visited them recently.

A stand against Racism and Inequality, an amazing Bristol charity that do the most inspiring work supporting victims of racial abuse, but also go into schools and give children a sense of belonging. The truth is, Madam Deputy Speaker, there are forces out there that seek to divide us and pit one community against another when in reality, when we rise, we do so together. There are forces out there that will tell you you are only English. If your skin is a certain colour or you're from a certain race. Well, I'm here to tell you they are wrong.

They were wrong in the 30s. They were wrong in the 60s and they are wrong now. They will never succeed in dividing this great country. Not then, not now. Because our diversity is a strength. It has made us who we are today resourceful, skilled, vibrant, talented, innovative, cultural, and so much more. At a time when members of our communities are feeling vulnerable and under attack, my message is clear you belong here. Your heritage, your history, your culture is our heritage, history and culture, and it makes us proud to be British. We know the scale of the challenge before us is huge.

That is why we must meet it with the same level of ambition to tackle it. Now is the time to be bold, be brave, be courageous, to reopen the narrative. This will only be achieved by how race equality was hard fought for by those that came before us, by working together through steel determination and telling the world we are the great country we are because of our diversity rather than in spite of it. Together we can and we will. Thank you again for everyone's contribution, and I

**** Possible New Speaker ****

commend this debate to the House. The question is that this House has considered Black History Month. has considered Black History Month. As many as our opinion say aye. Of the contrary, no. I think the ayes

**** Possible New Speaker ****

the contrary, no. I think the ayes have it. The ayes have it. I beg to move this house. Do now adjourn.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

adjourn. The question is this House do now adjourn. I call Ian Roome adjournment.

15:14

Ian Roome MP (North Devon, Liberal Democrat)

- -

15:30

Wendy Chamberlain MP (North East Fife, Liberal Democrat)

- -

represent a rural constituency myself in Scotland, and I recognise many of the things that the hon. Member has referred to in his speech, and indeed the contributions of other Honourable and right hon. Members. And indeed, I want to say to the hon. Member for North Devon he has demonstrated not only a real understanding of the acute needs in his constituency, but a broader understanding of the challenges that maternity services face. And that is, I think, the reason why it is replicated in many parts of the UK, including in Scotland. Madam Deputy Speaker In the UK, a baby is born roughly every 50s, and given that we might expect maternity services to be among the best resource and best supported parts of our NHS.

But we know, and we have heard this afternoon that this is not the reality in Scotland. 9 in 10 midwives report chronic staff shortages and nearly three quarters of maternity units are not staffed at levels considered safe and in rural areas, such as my own in north east Fife, these pressures can be even more acute. Despite the extraordinary dedication of our midwives, nurses and support staff and overstretched system too often leaves women and families without the care and support that they deserve. And in the limited time that I have, I want to share, just briefly the story of two of my constituents.

The first, Kristy Haldane, who has shown immense courage in speaking publicly about her experiences so that others do not have to suffer in silence. She experienced both an incomplete abortion and a traumatic miscarriage, and on both occasions she received treatment that, for a variety of reasons, fell far below the standard anyone should expect. I think it is important that we remember that it is not just that experience itself, but the impact of it has had on people's mental health and indeed has done so for Kristy, and she has impacted her employment and her confidence. Following her experiences, she lost her job, she has experienced homelessness, and she has continued to struggle to access the support she desperately required.

What struck me was not only the grief that she has endured, but the loneliness and isolation that accompanied it because after her miscarriage, she was discharged by hospital and feels that she received little support for either herself, her partner or her wider family. At the moment when compassion and care were needed most. She felt abandoned by our system, and I do want to take this moment just to pay tribute to the patient experience team at NHS Fife. It is something we all do as a constituency. MPs as support constituents when they are making complaints, and I do think the reconciliation process that Kristy has went through with my and my team's support has helped in some ways to understand what has happened, but also to ensure that we learn lessons.

And I just on my second point and my second constituent, we do talk about maternity care in the context of pregnancy and birth, but we know that there are key challenges in reproductive health more broadly. And I do have another constituent who has experience, highlights the importance of informed patient safety. Tammy Payne was prescribed the contraceptive injection Depo Provera more than a decade ago, but was not warned about the potential increased risk of developing meningioma, a type of brain tumour, after experiencing persistent double vision. She was diagnosed with multiple meningiomas and she subsequently underwent surgery to relieve pressure on her optic nerve.

When one of the tumours returned, she required a craniotomy and a major operation involving the temporary removal of part of the skull to access the brain. She has been left without the use of one eye, but she feels betrayed by a system that was supposed to inform, protect and support her. I want to place on record my admiration for both Christie and Tammy, because it takes enormous courage to relieve those deeply traumatic experiences in public, and I hope the Minister will engage with me, particularly on Tammy's case, to discuss Depo Provera and the risks of that in more widely.

But the truth is that neither of those women should have gone through what they did, and that is one of the reasons why my party has long called for an independent maternity commissioner for England, and we do welcome the government's commitment to establish one in Scotland. The SNP government has finally, following constant campaigning from the Caithness Health Action Team. The hon. Member, my friend the Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross and the new MSP for Caithness, David Green. Long term campaigning for better maternity services in the far north of Scotland. And we do welcome Professor Mccourt's independent review with a focus on the Far North that will be looking at maternity services in Scotland, and that will take account of the unannounced inspections of all of the 18 Scottish maternity units that are currently being carried out.

That is really important, but I think, Madam Deputy Speaker, it does demonstrate that we have much, much more to do across the UK in terms of providing reproductive health support and maternity support. Women deserve better. Families deserve better, and our maternity services deserve the resources that they need to deliver

**** Possible New Speaker ****

that better care. Thank you. Minister. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising. This is a very important matter. And he's calling attention not just to his own constituency, not just to his own constituency, but, as we've heard from others to a broader issue that we do face in our rural, particularly in our our rural, particularly in our rural and coastal communities. And I want to be very clear that the government is clear that all women government is clear that all women have the right to receive the same high quality, safe and compassionate care wherever they have their babies.

And we need to ensure and mums need to know that the services are there for them when they need them, including at the time they go into labour. And I agree with the hon. Member North East Fife. We need to bear those experiences in mind and I thank her for sharing. Christy and her constituent Christie and Tammy experiences here today. And that is also why my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has chosen to prioritise maternity and why the work of the National Maternity and Neonatal Task Force is so important, and in particular, the new modern service framework will define the standards needed to deliver care across the country, whether large inner city or small and rural places.

Now, I know the hon. Gentleman understands that the North Devon maternity unit was closed for a good reason, because the trust could not provide a service they knew to be unsafe. And I think it's really important that we all bear that that in mind as we discuss this issue. We must support good sound clinical assessment, particularly in this area. But it is also unacceptable that expectant mothers are travelling all the way to Exeter, or, as we have heard from the hon. Member for Torrington and Honiton and Sidmouth, that to Exeter and to Bristol, that the current situation is not sustainable.

I have given birth three times, very healthily. I'm very grateful to the care that I had. I only had to travel very short distance down the road and frankly, that was enough. So I do empathise deeply with the women who have to endure those long journeys. Now, I won't rehearse the recent history that led us up to this point, because I know that the hon. Member, indeed the House is well acquainted with that, and the responsible Minister, as he knows, is the noble Baroness Mirren, and I will do everything that I can at this opportunity to update him in the House on where we are, and follow up in writing to any specific questions if necessary.

So, Madam Deputy Speaker, the trust have set the following three tests before the unit can reopen. Firstly, there must be 24 over seven consultant and registrar cover in place through an on call rota. Secondly, that three quarters of these staff must be employed full time and thirdly, that new staff must have gone through employment checks, onboarding and induction. And today I can update the House that last week, the outlook on safe staffing was more positive. But unfortunately since then some recruitment has fallen through. And so the trust is still seeking additional clinical staff, which they must have to provide a safe service.

Now, madam, if I can just make these points, Madam Deputy Speaker, as you know, the issue is not that these roles are not funded. They are generously funded. But I think the trust has even gone so far as to offer salary top ups. But the roles remain unfilled. So the question is, how do we attract the best talent to our rural and coastal communities and show them that Barnstable and other similar places, I should say for members present, is one of the best places in the country to build a life. I want to thank the partners who are working with the trust on recruitment, including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the trust is also exploring international candidates.

But ultimately, we want to move to a place where the unit has enough staff to provide a safe service, and that is sustainable. Another point has been well made today, even if a doctor is unwell or otherwise on leave. So every week, the Chief Medical Officer at the trust conducts an assessment to see whether the unit is ready to reopen its doors. And every two weeks, the trust updates key stakeholders and the status of the unit. And once safe staffing is secured, there will be a short period of time to stand up rotas and put services in place.

And I have had assurances that during that period, the trust will get in touch with every mother and give them the chance to change their birth plans to Barnstaple, should

**** Possible New Speaker ****

they want to. Madam, I will very briefly. I'm grateful to the Minister for giving way, and I accept that this giving way, and I accept that this is a point about recruitment, but it is also a point about retention. it is also a point about retention. My constituent, who visited the maternity ward, Exeter, heard that staff who were temporarily redeployed from Barnstaple to redeployed from Barnstaple to Exeter Hospital, are having to pay the full car parking charge of £20 the full car parking charge of £20 per day while they're doing the additional service of travelling to Exeter.

Does she think that retention also needs to be looked

**** Possible New Speaker ****

at? Yes, of course, and that's what the trust do and I would gently the trust do and I would gently urge all hon. Gentleman to work very closely with the entire trust around some of these issues to around some of these issues to solve some of these problems. If I can just say, Madam Deputy Speaker, it is right that the trust is it is right that the trust is working with on MP. That's absolutely right. They they are reviewing their decision on a reviewing their decision on a weekly basis, and it's important that they communicate openly and transparently with all their partners when those decisions happen.

And I am always very clear that members of Parliament here speak on behalf of their constituents and can be helpful in communicating those messages, because we want to make this work. And in the meantime, the trust continues to offer a range of maternity services, and they have taken steps to help the women in their duty of care. There is a dedicated helpline for women to discuss their birth plans and maternity triage line for urgent help. A special appointments to talk, special appointments to talk over travel costs and accommodation. Free taxis for women who do not have their own transport and are advised by the triage line to go to hospital and mental health support.

And these are good and sensible steps, but it is still unacceptable for women to have to travel for two hours while they are in labour. So, Madam Deputy Speaker, trusts in our rural and coastal communities do face systemic pressures because they have fewer births, and because it becomes hard for the local NHS to recruit. Last year I did visit North Devon District Hospital as part of my remit overlooking the new hospitals programme, to see how they are also using the £30 million the government has made available to support the rebuild of the 50 year old staff accommodation block and invest in MRI scanners.

We are committed to those services in Barnstaple. I think it's important for all hon. Members, constituents to be clear, our ten year health plan, produced last year set out very clearly for the hon. Member. Right hon. Member for Torridge and Tavistock noted that, you know, rural and coastal communities. We particularly highlighted that in that ten year health plan because we recognise that they have specific needs and do not benefit from a one size fits all approach, but the broader systemic issues they face, particularly in staffing, must be addressed in our upcoming workforce plan. And I do agree that retention is a key part of that.

Madam Deputy Speaker, Ministers have been clear to the NHS that we must do everything possible to help reopen North Devon maternity services, NHS England, the ICB and the regional team in the South West are working with the trust to resolve these issues as soon as possible and as I have said, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has rightly made maternity a national priority for this government. She is chairing the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce to drive forward reforms and deliver systemic and sustained improvement across maternity and neonatal care, including in relation to the kinds of failings that we have seen exposed in the South west of England in recent months.

The Barnstaple Maternity Unit will reopen. I can't give him a guarantee from this Dispatch Box one. What the date when that will happen. It will depend on securing safe staffing. That's the problem everybody needs to focus on, and this government is focussed on doing that with the local system, and we will do everything we can to help the honourable and gallant gentleman get those services back on track on behalf of his

**** Possible New Speaker ****

constituents. The question is that this House do now adjourn, as many as are of

**** Possible New Speaker ****

do now adjourn, as many as are of that opinion, say I. I. The ayes have it. The ayes have

This debate has concluded

Return to start of debate - Return to top of page