Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Ben Obese-Jecty

Thursday 12th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely join my hon. Friend in congratulating all those who worked to create the east window of Carlisle cathedral, which I understand is not just one of the earliest stained glass windows, but one of the few surviving from that period. Their contribution genuinely made history, and it is important that we remember them. I also join her in thanking the Association of English Cathedrals for its vital work. As she rightly points out, places of worship provide vital services to our local communities.

[Ben Obese-Jecty (Huntingdon) (Con)]

The town of Huntingdon in my constituency has a rich cultural and historical heritage and is the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell—one of my predecessors in this House. It is the former home of the diarist Samuel Pepys, it is the first place in the UK where chocolate ice cream appeared on these shores, and it is also the birthplace of the sandwich—something very close to my heart. Because of this cultural heritage, we are putting the town forward to be the town of culture in 2028. I thank Paul Sweeney and the business improvement district team in Huntingdon for their hard work in putting forward a bid, not only to celebrate our cultural heritage but to build a legacy going forward. Will the Leader of the House join me in championing Huntingdon as the very best opportunity for Huntingdonshire to cement a town of culture for 2028?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Let me say first that I am a huge admirer of Oliver Cromwell—[Laughter.] I am, actually. The list of achievements for the hon. Gentleman’s area is considerable, including the fact that it is the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell. The hon. Gentleman invites me down the path of town of culture, which might go down well in his area, but I can assure the House that it will go down terribly badly in North Shields, because I am assured that we intend to mount our own bid. Seriously, though, I wish every town well and commend the Government for bringing forward this initiative. I wish everyone well, because it can help to transform towns, which are the backbone of this country.