Business of the House

James Naish Excerpts

Thursday 12th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question. It sounds like a very frustrating time for his constituents. He is right about the importance of post offices to town centres, and that is why this Government set minimum access criteria. I understand that an alternative location in Uxbridge is being actively explored, but he may wish to raise this matter at oral questions to the Department for Business and Trade at the beginning of next month and ask the Minister for an update.

[James Naish (Rushcliffe) (Lab)]

I wrote to the Department for Transport in December 2024, warning that the closure of Kirk Hill bridge by Network Rail for 10 months would have a devastating impact on nearby businesses. Fifteen months later, Dolly’s, a local café, has closed for good. The owner Gemma told me that she needed £10,000 of support to get by over that 10-month period. That would have been 0.15% of the total cost of the project. We have lost a popular local business, and three people have lost their job. Does the Leader of the House agree that more can and should be done to recognise the unique impact of road closures on rural businesses, and will he advocate on my behalf to the Department on this issue?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is a doughty campaigner for his constituents, and I am genuinely sorry to hear of the case that he raises. He understands that road closures can greatly impact local communities and businesses, particularly in rural areas. I know that he has raised this matter with the Department for Transport, and I will ensure that he gets a response.