Business of the House

Jon Pearce Excerpts

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

It is always good to hear from the ironman on the other side of the House, not least about musical theatre. He is right that I am a fan of musical theatre, so I will certainly join him in wishing all the participants in the Kelso musical theatre and Lauder Amateur Dramatic Society shows the best of luck. On a serious point, amateur dramatics groups across the country play a valuable role in bringing communities together and nurturing talent, and we thank each and every one of them.

[Jon Pearce (High Peak) (Lab)]

This week in Parliament, I hosted Mummy’s Star, a charity that supports mums with cancer in and around pregnancy. The charity was set up by my constituent Pete Wallroth in honour of his wife, Mair, who tragically died just after their son was born. Mummy’s Star is campaigning for a change in the law to allow women who are diagnosed with cancer to defer or pause their maternity leave while they receive cancer treatment, so that they can spend their maternity leave doing what it should be for: developing the bond with their child. Will the Leader of the House grant Government time for a debate on the impact of cancer during pregnancy?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend raises an important topic. Let us put on record our thanks to Pete Wallroth, although, of course, we would all prefer him not to be in that situation. Everyone should get a personalised needs assessment and personal cancer plan that takes into account their wider need, including the impact of pregnancy, where that is relevant. In addition, the parental leave and pay review will explore how the system can better support working families. I strongly encourage my hon. Friend to apply for a debate in Westminster Hall on this very important issue.