Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Matt Western and Angela Eagle

Thursday 25th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dame Angela Eagle]

I certainly empathise and sympathise with the right hon. Gentleman’s loss. The loss of a parent in similar circumstances has been felt in many other households because of the toll taken by the legacy of asbestos on our public buildings and our buildings generally—not least this one. I take the point that he has made. We always need to be looking at how we can improve our response to mitigate the very real threat that the remaining asbestos in our buildings leaves people dealing with.

[Matt Western (Warwick and Leamington) (Lab)]

Having spoken to ambassadors from various nations, such as the Scandinavian and Baltic states, as well as to the high commissioner of Canada, I understand that so many of these countries are now planning for dual-use infrastructure, for instance by expanding the width of motorways so that they can be considered for use by military aircraft in future conflict. Will the Minister update the House on our thinking in that domain?

[Dame Angela Eagle]

Dual-use infrastructure is an important part of how we do planning, and my hon. Friend is right that we have to be much smarter and more forward thinking than perhaps has been the case, knowing that we face a very volatile and rapidly changing series of threats ahead.

--- Later in debate ---

[Matt Western (Warwick and Leamington) (Lab)]

Following the attack on the Prime Minister’s home and car, what measures are being taken to protect recently resigned or other senior leaders of Government?

[Dame Angela Eagle]

We always assess security risks on a case-by-case basis, and we do not discuss what they are in public.