Business of the House

Ashley Fox Excerpts

Thursday 15th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend, as ever, is a champion for working people in his constituency. The points that he raises, which I know about from reports from my constituency, are deeply concerning. As he points out, the Employment Rights Act 2025 aims to prevent unscrupulous fire and rehire practices and guarantees fundamental protections for working people. Let me be clear: it is unacceptable for any employer to attempt to degrade workers’ terms and conditions before statutory protections come into effect. I hope that employers, including Taylor Wimpey, hear his comments today, because I can assure them that if they do not, he will continue to make them.

[Sir Ashley Fox (Bridgwater) (Con)]

The quality of life of many local people in Bridgwater is being undermined by a small minority who show little regard for others with street drinking, drug misuse, shoplifting and other forms of intimidating and antisocial behaviour. There is a widespread perception locally that Somerset council and the police are not responding with the urgency that the situation demands. Can I therefore ask for a debate in Government time on what more can be done to support towns such as Bridgwater, so that the interests of decent, law-abiding residents and businesses come first and we can restore pride and confidence in our town centre?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The total funding settlement for the police for 2026-27 provides up to £21.2 billion for police forces, for counter-terrorism policing and for wider systems, but it is important that that money finds its way to the frontline, particularly in town centres. What the hon. Gentleman has said will echo with other town centres. It is important that we use that money to get extra neighbourhood officers on patrol. I hope that his local council and his local police force have heard what he has said, because they have a crucial role to play. If they are getting the resources that they need, there are no excuses; they need to get on and use them to make sure that people feel safe in their town and village centres.