Business of the House

John Glen Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As I understand it, applications have not been submitted for Drakelow 1 and 2, and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the merits or otherwise of the prospective applications. The NSIP process does provide opportunities for local communities to make their views known, but as my hon. Friend asks, I will ask the relevant Minister to meet her.

[John Glen (Salisbury) (Con)]

The Leader of the House will be aware of the controversy around sodium valproate and the lack of clarity over what is going to happen following the Hughes report of February 2024. In an Adjournment debate just two weeks ago, the Minister for Public Health and Patient Safety, the right hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham (Dame Diana Johnson), said that a decision on financial redress has not been made. Will the Leader of the House urgently make time for a statement from a Health Minister on this important matter? I know from my experience of working on the infected blood compensation scheme that the longer these matters are delayed, the worse the cost and the distress caused will be.

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The right hon. Gentleman is right to warn of how these situations can progress and become worse over time, but he also knows that it is important that we get things right. I will take up the matter with the relevant Minister and see whether we can get not just the decision, but the update that the right hon. Gentleman seeks.