Christmas Adjournment

Chris Webb Excerpts

Thursday 18th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

There are many issues affecting Blackpool South, but my work this year has often returned to a few key areas. I have met hundreds of business owners, community groups and young people in Blackpool who have told me the same thing: they want pride back in our town, job security and opportunity.

My constituency is home to an iconic tower, three piers, the pleasure beach and countless attractions in between. It is a place where tradition meets reinvention and has been welcoming visitors for generations. Alongside our permanent attractions, our seasonal and annual events, including the illuminations, are the key reasons why 21.5 million people visit Blackpool every year. I congratulate Kate Shane on receiving her MBE and thank her and all the Blackpool tourism team for the outstanding work they do on behalf of our town and the countless independent businesses I have visited across my patch. They keep Blackpool going.

Tourism and hospitality are the beating heart of Blackpool’s economy and, as chair of the all-party parliamentary group for hospitality and tourism, I have been pushing to give this sector the recognition it deserves nationally. The sector employs more than 3.5 million people, contributes £93 billion to the economy and generates £54 billion in tax revenue each year, but right now it is under real pressure. The current business rates discount for hospitality is 5p—far below the 20p permitted. I will keep pressing the Government to increase the discount to the full 20p. Businesses tell me that they want to invest but that the system is holding them back.

Nearly 3,000 people have backed my call for a world-class arena on the empty Blackpool Central site, where every previous proposal has failed. It would bring in visitors year round, support local businesses and secure Blackpool’s future as a leading destination for entertainment.

Sticks of rock and fish and chips are part of the seaside’s identity, but I also want to address dietary health in my constituency. Blackpool faces some of the highest levels of food-related ill health and deprivation in the country. We have one of the highest densities of fast food outlets alongside high levels of poverty and limited access to nutritious food. Among children of reception age, 27% are affected by obesity, rising to a shocking 42% by year 6. We need to limit unhealthy food outlets, support healthier businesses and make education a priority. Good work is already happening through organisations such as Grow Blackpool, LeftCoast and Blackpool Learning Rooms. In 2026, I want to see those projects grow.

Crime and antisocial behaviour has had a real impact in my constituency. This year, I have supported grassroots boxing and rugby league as a tool for focusing young people’s minds. I have seen how boxing and rugby league give young people structure and purpose: they build discipline and confidence, teach respect and turn people’s lives around. Clubs like Brian Rose boxing academy and Blackpool Scorpions provide support, create belonging and improve physical and mental health. I am pleased that Ministers are listening, and I look forward to working with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to drive that forward.

Business of the House

Chris Webb Excerpts

Thursday 18th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I have to admit that even though I am a coastal MP, I have never come across that situation, although there are often historical anomalies that result in people being held responsible for such matters. I will certainly raise this question with Ministers on the hon. Gentleman’s behalf. We are acutely aware of the cost to homeowners of the buildings that they live in, and legislation that we are bringing forward will provide an opportunity to raise this, which I hope is an anomaly, and to do something about it.

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

My constituent, a senior NHS nurse and single mother of three, faces severe hardship because her ex-partner deliberately withholds financial support. She is solely responsible for her children’s care, yet the Child Maintenance Service has rejected her claim and failed to enforce the payment of arrears. With no payments coming in, she is forced to rely on food banks and to borrow from family just to get by this Christmas. This demonstrates systematic failings that leave vulnerable families unsupported. Will the Leader of the House allow time for a debate on the CMS system and its enforcement?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this matter. The CMS has a range of enforcement powers to ensure that parents meet their financial responsibilities in full and on time. I understand that this will be a worrying time for his constituent and her family, and indeed for others across our country, so I will ensure that the relevant Minister writes to him as a matter of urgency. There is a pattern emerging here; this is the second time this matter has been raised this morning. We therefore need to give some consideration to how best to air these views more fully.

Business of the House

Chris Webb Excerpts

Thursday 20th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I congratulate Hollie and, as I said before, everyone else involved in sporting success. Two Members from the same side of the Chamber have raised that interesting point, so that is perhaps the beginnings of a debate. I think Ministers will be available to meet the hon. Ladies so that they can raise these issues directly.

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

Blackpool council has asked for the views of residents for the most ambitious and exciting regeneration project in our town’s history. In less than a week, more than 2,500 residents have signed my petition calling for Blackpool to build a world-class arena on the empty site in the Blackpool central area, which is backed by local industry experts and local artists. Such a venue could hold major concerts, e-sport tournaments and international sporting events and secure Blackpool’s legacy as a destination for world-class entertainment. Does the Leader of the House agree that a project of that scale could be transformational for my home town, which is in desperate need of an economic boost to tackle the highest level of deprivation in a place in this country?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend knows that I share very much his concern about the state of some coastal towns and his ambition to make them better. He is a tireless campaigner for Blackpool. There is clearly the potential for economic growth, investment and jobs in his constituency with the scheme that he talks about, and the Government want to see all those things in every part of the country, including in coastal areas such as Blackpool. That is another point that probably falls within the parameters of a contribution to the Budget debate, because supporting coastal towns is a very important part of what the Government seek to do.

Business of the House

Chris Webb Excerpts

Thursday 16th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

It is important that we support small businesses; they are so vital to the success of our economy. The Government’s “Backing your business” plan commits the Intellectual Property Office to strengthening intellectual property support for small businesses. I will write to the relevant Department and ensure that my hon. Friend gets a response.

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

I am sure the whole House would join me in expressing my deepest condolences following the sad passing of the people’s champion, Ricky Hatton—a man who inspired millions with his courage in the ring and his honesty outside it. My thoughts are with Ricky’s family at this time. In his memory, those closest to him have launched the Ricky Hatton Foundation, dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of current and former sportspeople. Will the Leader of the House join me in paying tribute to Ricky’s remarkable career and contribution to British sport, and in wishing the new foundation every success in building a lasting legacy for Ricky?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I do join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to Ricky Hatton, who was a remarkable character and sportsman. I wish the foundation every success, and I am sure that my hon. Friend will continue to give it the attention it deserves.

Business of the House

Chris Webb Excerpts

Thursday 11th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

I recently had the pleasure of attending this year’s switch-on of the iconic Blackpool illuminations, lighting up our promenade and attracting millions and millions of visitors each year since 1879. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating Kate Shane, Richard Williams and all the people at Visit Blackpool, Blackpool council and Lightworks for delivering such an impressive event this year, and join me in encouraging more people, far and wide, to join us in Blackpool for the illuminations this year?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely join my hon. Friend in congratulating Kate Shane and everyone at Visit Blackpool on their hard work. I also congratulate him, because he is a champion not just for Blackpool’s cause, but for seaside and coastal towns in general. I have very fond memories of holidays in Blackpool—I have to say some time ago—and trips to see the illuminations. From the illuminations, the tower, the piers and the Pleasure Beach, my hon. Friend’s constituency really has something for everyone. I encourage people to visit the illuminations, not least because they ensure the town has attractions all year round and it is not just seasonal—that is very important.

Business of the House

Chris Webb Excerpts

Thursday 12th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

We are committed to providing mental health support, especially for our young people. We have an ambitious programme to do just that, and I am sure that Health Ministers will keep us updated.

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

Mr Speaker, this week has been a great week for rugby league with Billy Boston being knighted, but you will be astonished to find out that only one former boxer has ever been knighted—Sir Henry Cooper. Does the Leader of the House agree that more grassroots, working-class sports stars should be knighted, and that maybe Kevin Sinfield and Lennox Lewis would be a good start?

Business of the House

Chris Webb Excerpts

Thursday 5th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

The hon. Lady is right to raise this issue. I am sure that many people would be surprised to realise that data sharing does not happen in the way that we all imagine it does between different parts of the NHS. We are committed to ensuring that can happen in order to unlock much improved services, and to provide us with a great deal of data and information to help us continue to improve those services.

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

Tomorrow marks the start of Pride weekend in Blackpool—a town that has always been a little louder and prouder than most. Blackpool has long been a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community and a place where queer joy has always found a home. I am looking forward to marching in the parade on Saturday and joining locals at the Lord Street party on Sunday. Will the Leader of the House join me in celebrating Blackpool Pride and sending everyone our best wishes for a joyful weekend?

[Lucy Powell]

I absolutely join my hon. Friend in recognising that Blackpool is louder and prouder when it comes to Pride and celebrating our LGBT community. I hope he has a fantastic day there; I have seen him at Manchester Pride many times before.

Business of the House

Chris Webb Excerpts

Thursday 20th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

We have a very important statement coming in just one minute. Final question: Chris Webb.

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

The Blackpool pleasure beach in my constituency was named the best seaside park at the UK theme park awards. World-class attractions such as the pleasure beach brought an estimated 23 million people to Blackpool last year. Will the Leader of the House join me in praising the pleasure beach and all the attractions in Blackpool, and encourage everyone to have a staycation in the UK this year?

[Lucy Powell]

I can absolutely encourage everyone to go to Blackpool, have fish and chips on the promenade, and perhaps go on the Big One, which I am too scared to go on. I look forward to joining my hon. Friend there soon.

Business of the House

Chris Webb Excerpts

Thursday 6th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

I think the right hon. Gentleman began by saying that he found himself in the unusual position of agreeing with the Chancellor. Fear not; I do not think he and I will find ourselves in the unusual position of agreeing on much any time soon, but I respect his views on many things. Our regulators play an important role. We absolutely support free speech, but we also ensure that there is fairness and balance in our media and that we protect people from disinformation and misinformation and from some of the problems we have seen.

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

Tomorrow night, Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price will make history, headlining the first ever all-women�s championship boxing card at the famous Royal Albert Hall, with Boxxer and Sky Sports. Will the Leader of the House join me in wishing both fighters and the entire undercard the best of luck? Will she also confirm this Government�s commitment, ahead of International Women�s Day, to increasing participation in sport for women and girls in Blackpool and across the UK?

Business of the House

Chris Webb Excerpts

Thursday 16th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

I pride myself on knowing lots of things about what the Government are doing, but I have to admit that this is not something I am aware of or can offer the right hon. Gentleman any particular advice on right now. However, I assure him that I will raise it today with the Minister and ensure that he gets a full response. If that is not sufficient, I will ensure that the Minister comes to the House.

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

Back in September, I hand-delivered a letter to the Home Office regarding critical concerns about our asylum hotel and about so many vulnerable families being put in such a deprived area. I had a holding response in October, as did my council, but can the Leader of the House secure me a meeting with Home Office officials to discuss this vital issue?

[Lucy Powell]

My hon. Friend consistently raises the issue of asylum hotels in his constituency, and I am really sorry to hear that he has not yet had a response from the relevant Minister. I will ensure that he gets a response and the meeting he has asked for.