Business of the House

Debate between Alice Macdonald and Alan Campbell

Thursday 4th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

If such a televised briefing is necessary, it is within the gift of the media to arrange one. I am sure that people from all sorts of situations will wish to contribute and the Government’s voice will be heard too. We take these matters extremely seriously and people are becoming increasingly aware of them, and the more information we can get out there to inform the debate, the better.

[Alice Macdonald (Norwich North) (Lab/Co-op)]

People in Norwich and Norfolk care deeply about their local environment. Last Friday, I met local leaders at a roundtable hosted by Nelsonspirit, a fantastic social impact business, and we discussed sustainability and how to protect our environment. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking local groups, like Nelsonspirit, and will he make time for a debate on local sustainability and environment initiatives and the role of Government in supporting them?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important matter and for her commendable work in her constituency. I would be delighted to join her in thanking Nelsonspirit and all the local businesses, charities and schools in Norwich for their dedication to improving sustainability and protecting the local environment. I gently encourage her to attend the Westminster Hall debate next Tuesday on consumer-led flexibility for a just transition, where she may want to raise the matter further.

Business of the House

Debate between Alice Macdonald and Alan Campbell

Thursday 30th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

From a personal perspective, the short answer to my hon. Friend’s question is no, I do not believe that the issue is being addressed swiftly enough. However, we are taking action to deliver an additional 10,000 driving tests every month and we are accelerating a consultation into abuse of the driving test booking system, which I understand is a big part of the problem. I will ensure that the Transport Secretary has heard her concerns, but my hon. Friend may wish to raise the issue in a Backbench Business debate.

[Alice Macdonald (Norwich North) (Lab/Co-op)]

Ruby Bishop is an incredible wheelchair tennis player from Norwich, who proudly represents Great Britain internationally. Despite her success, she faced many barriers at school to accessing sport. She is now campaigning to change things for other children and young people. Will the Leader of the House join me in paying tribute to Ruby, and will he make time for a debate on how we can make sport and physical education inclusive for all children?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Ruby sounds like an exceptional individual, and of course I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to her. Our Inclusion 2028 programme will improve opportunities for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities to take part in sport. I think that this would be a popular topic for a Backbench Business debate, so she may wish to apply for one.