Business of the House

Julie Minns Excerpts

Thursday 12th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this important matter. I have described him before as an assiduous campaigner for his constituency— I hope that my describing him in that way does not do him too much damage. I understand that he has written to the Health Secretary about this, and I will make sure that he gets an urgent response.

[Ms Julie Minns (Carlisle) (Lab)]

Last week, the east window of Carlisle cathedral was voted the nation’s favourite stained glass window. May I invite the Leader of the House to join me in congratulating John de Salkeld, who in 1359 donated 40 shillings

“to make a window anew in the chancel”

of Carlisle cathedral; Ivo de Raughton, whose work this funded; and Hardman & Co. of Birmingham, which was commissioned in the 18th century to refill the lower panes to create the window we see today? Will the Leader of the House also join me in thanking the Association of English Cathedrals for organising this wonderful competition?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely join my hon. Friend in congratulating all those who worked to create the east window of Carlisle cathedral, which I understand is not just one of the earliest stained glass windows, but one of the few surviving from that period. Their contribution genuinely made history, and it is important that we remember them. I also join her in thanking the Association of English Cathedrals for its vital work. As she rightly points out, places of worship provide vital services to our local communities.