Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Joe Powell

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will.

[Joe Powell (Kensington and Bayswater) (Lab)]

I do not know whether the Leader of the House’s preferred order is a single, a double, or even a treble, but I hope that he agrees with me that our pie and mash shops are an important part of this country’s heritage. Unfortunately, Cockney’s on Portobello Road has been threatened with a doubling of its rent, which would put the shop out of business. Over 3,500 of my constituents have signed my letter to the owner, asking for a reasonable negotiation. Will he join me in paying tribute to our pie and mash shops, and outline what support might be available from the Government to protect these important community institutions and enable them to survive on our high streets?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend: businesses like Cockney’s are a valuable part of England’s local and cultural heritage, and we must do all we can to support our traditional high street businesses. Although it might look as if mine is a double order, I confess that, in reality, it is not. The Government are committed to supporting high streets and permanently low tax rates for 750,000 retail and hospitality properties. These are matters of concern in other constituencies, too, and I encourage him to apply for a debate so that we can continue to enjoy pie and mash.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Joe Powell

Thursday 29th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Of course, it is important that Ministers, and indeed Members of this House, are accurate in their comments. However, as the hon. Gentleman will have heard—not least from Members behind me—this matter is one of dispute, and his version of events is also disputed. I am sure that the Deputy Prime Minister will hear the hon. Gentleman’s remarks, but it is disappointing that, on such an important matter, he seeks to make a political point about polling and elections. I gently suggest that the Scottish Government should get on with the biggest settlement we have ever given to Scotland, and spend it better.

[Joe Powell (Kensington and Bayswater) (Lab)]

A week ago, a 175-year-old Thames Water main pipe burst, leading to a devastating flood in Holland Park, which has forced dozens of my constituents into temporary accommodation and caused massive damage. Those same residents were flooded in 2021 and now face months out of their homes, so Thames Water again has major questions to answer. Can the Leader of the House assure me that the Government will give due consideration to strengthening the governance, oversight and accountability of Thames Water, so that this does not keep happening to my constituents?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question—that sounds like an untenable situation for his constituents. The Government have launched the largest ever crackdown on poorly behaving water companies —we have already banned bonuses, secured record levels of investment and introduced tougher laws. However, he may wish to raise this matter directly with Ministers at Environment, Food and Rural Affairs questions this time next week.