Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Martin Rhodes

Thursday 11th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The situation that the hon. Gentleman describes is by no means acceptable, and systematic failures have been highlighted time and again. Preventable tragedies cannot be ignored, and families show extraordinary courage in bringing forward these matters. In the new year, we are setting up the national maternity and neonatal taskforce to address these issues. It will be chaired by the Health Secretary. I am sure that the matter can be brought before the House for further discussion then.

[Martin Rhodes (Glasgow North) (Lab)]

An organisation in my constituency, the Courtyard Pantry Enterprise, has this year established the Wester Common unity market, a community market that has seen growing demand from residents who are increasingly dissatisfied with the lack of quality fresh produce available locally. The market provides not only affordable, locally sourced food, but a much-valued social space where people can meet and build community. Given the positive economic and social impacts of such initiatives, will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on support for local markets, small producers and community-led food initiatives?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising the work of the Courtyard Pantry Enterprise, because small businesses are at the heart of our economy. We are committed to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through our small business plan, which will break down barriers to starting a small business. We are working across Government to make sure that farms and farmers are brought into that, because it is a great opportunity. I invite my hon. Friend to go into these matters in further detail, perhaps in the pre-Christmas Adjournment debate.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Martin Rhodes

Thursday 13th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

If the hon. Lady writes to me, I will look into what has happened in this situation and get an explanation. As she points out, her constituents have a right to know what will happen, and in a timely and organised fashion.

[Martin Rhodes (Glasgow North) (Lab)]

I was recently asked to visit a shop in my constituency that has suffered over 100 reported robberies since opening last November. These incidents not only involve theft, but threats and attacks on staff. This situation is unfolding against the backdrop of a significant reduction in police presence. The Glasgow division of Police Scotland has lost 218 local officers since 2017. Will the Leader of the House allocate time for a debate on the importance of policing in supporting and protecting local businesses?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The protecting of local businesses by the police is very important, not just in Scotland but everywhere else. Policing is a matter for the Scottish Government, but what my hon. Friend describes sounds like an untenable situation, particularly for the business to which he referred. Scotland has had the biggest funding settlement for a very long time, so I hope the Scottish Government have heard his words.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Martin Rhodes

Thursday 16th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Digital inclusion is a priority for the Government. It is important that everyone has access so that they can engage in a modern digital society, whatever their circumstances happen to be. We have published the digital inclusion action plan to tackle digital exclusion and ensure that everyone is able to access the services they need.

[Martin Rhodes (Glasgow North) (Lab)]

During the recent Fairtrade Fortnight, many constituents contacted me with concerns about the need for good business practices. Will the Leader of the House schedule a debate in Government time on mandatory due diligence to protect against corporate harms and ensure that UK companies are held accountable for abuses in their global supply chains?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Businesses must conduct proper due diligence. We understand the concern of my hon. Friend’s constituents, because they are widely felt across the country. He may know that we have launched a review on responsible business conduct as part of our trade strategy, and he may wish to seek a Backbench Business or Adjournment debate to highlight these matters.