Business of the House

Josh Fenton-Glynn Excerpts

Thursday 22nd January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly welcome the news that my hon. Friend has delivered about the expansion at AFC Bournemouth. He knows, as do many Members across the House, the importance of football to this country, and the importance of football clubs in our towns and cities. It is important that football gets the support that it needs, and the Government are absolutely committed to that.

[Josh Fenton-Glynn (Calder Valley) (Lab)]

A recent proposal, now dropped, for a merger between two multi-academy trusts in my constituency, the Pennine Alliance Learning Trust and the Trinity MAC, led to me getting over 100 letters, and over 2,000 people signing a petition in just a week. What can we do to ensure that parents’ voices are at the centre of such decisions in the future?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

It is important that the voices of parents and those impacted are heard. It is to the credit of my hon. Friend that he is using his voice this morning to raise their concerns. When trusts explore a voluntary transfer, they are expected to engage with parents and the wider community in an open and meaningful way. I hope that the trust has heard my hon. Friend’s remarks, and if he wishes to make his case further, I will ensure that he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister.