Business of the House

Chris Webb Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will get an update for the hon. Gentleman on where we are with counties of sanctuary from the relevant Department. However, I think he is being a bit harsh, given the success story that counties of sanctuary—and, in my area, schools of sanctuary—can be. He is right to raise concerns if he is worried, but we need to treat the subject in a responsible way.

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

I thank you, Mr Speaker, and every Lancashire MP across the House for joining us in backing Blackpool’s bid to become city of culture for 2029. Thanks to the hard work of Lynn Williams, the leader of our council, as well as Scott Butterfield, council officers, Creative Blackpool and all businesses, we are now on the shortlist, and I am sure we are going to get the title. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking everyone who has been involved in the bid, and say that Blackpool is the best place for the city of culture in 2029?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join my hon. Friend in congratulating Blackpool and all those involved on being shortlisted for the UK city of culture. I praise the fantastic work that my hon. Friend does to support the whole community in Blackpool and highlight what a fantastic place it is. City of culture is a great opportunity for our constituents to showcase pride in their cities, and I wish all the shortlisted cities the best of luck. I have to be careful and will not be tempted to pick one from the list. I congratulate all of them for having got that far, and I wish Blackpool well.