Business of the House

Debate between Carolyn Harris and Alan Campbell

Thursday 13th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will look at the hon. Gentleman’s suggestion, but as he knows, if one thing expands, something else is squeezed. I will look at that, but it might not be as easy as he suggests.

[Carolyn Harris (Neath and Swansea East) (Lab)]

Last week during International Trade Week, my dear and hon. Friend the Member for Newport East (Jessica Morden) and I jointly hosted a regional export trade seminar for businesses from across south Wales. As proud trade envoys, we were delighted to work with the Department for Business and Trade to offer Welsh small and medium-sized enterprises the opportunity to learn more about export opportunities and the support available. Will the Leader of the House join us in thanking DBT colleagues, Ministers and the businesses that attended for their commitment to ensuring that the UK is front and centre of global trade markets?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank colleagues at the Department for Business and Trade for their excellent work and thank the businesses for taking part, because they are the key to growing our economy. I also place on the record my thanks to my hon. Friend and our other trade envoys for their excellent work.

Business of the House

Debate between Carolyn Harris and Alan Campbell

Thursday 30th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am not sure I share the hon. Gentleman’s confidence that the planning Bill amendments will be over as swiftly as he thinks. There is a question of the balance between the time the Government need in this House for legislation and proper scrutiny, and the rights of Backbench Business, of which he knows I am a proud defender, but I will look to see whether there are opportunities for slots that need to be filled. I should have said that he is an excellent stand-in for the hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) and I welcome him to his place.

I also commend the hon. Gentleman for his dedication to his constituency and for again raising this important matter. Our thoughts remain with the future of the Lindsey oil refinery workers at what we understand is a very difficult time for the community. I know he continues to raise this matter with Ministers. I will raise it with Ministers and ensure that he and, where appropriate, the House are updated on any developments.

[Carolyn Harris (Neath and Swansea East) (Lab)]

As we approach the end of World Menopause Month, yesterday saw the launch of the report by the all-party parliamentary group on menopause into the experiences of those from historically marginalised communities. The Government are making huge progress on women’s health, but we must ensure that no woman gets left behind. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking those who contributed to the report, and will he ask Cabinet colleagues to consider its recommendations so that we can improve outcomes for all women?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for her work as chair of the APPG on menopause and thank all those who worked on this important report. Women experiencing the symptoms of menopause have been failed for far too long. The Government are renewing the women’s health strategy to tackle inequalities and improve access to healthcare for women across England. I will ensure that Ministers hear what she has to say, that they see the report, and that, if she wants one, she has a meeting with them to discuss it.