Business of the House

Cameron Thomas Excerpts

Thursday 26th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for her question. We are committed to reviving our high streets. The Home Office is in the process of establishing a cross-departmental taskforce to develop a strategic, long-term policy response to things like money laundering and illegality to ensure that our high streets are fit for purpose. I will make sure that Ministers have heard her concerns and that when the taskforce begins its work, she gets regular updates.

[Cameron Thomas (Tewkesbury) (LD)]

A constituent of mine experienced several instances of sexual harassment within the Church of England’s diocese of London between 2017 and 2020. Within that timeline, she was also raped by a church worker after she was coerced by the Church to report historical abuse. Through a series of written questions, I learned recently that the Church of England body responsible for managing safeguarding risks is also responsible for managing reputational risks. It strikes me that those two objectives are incompatible. Does the Leader of the House agree?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

It certainly sounds that way. Sexual harassment—wherever it takes place and whoever is responsible—is entirely unacceptable. If the hon. Gentleman seeks a meeting with the relevant Minister to address his concerns, I will ensure that he gets it.