Business of the House

Justin Madders Excerpts

Thursday 27th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Many constituents will look at what the hon. Gentleman has said and recognise the concerns. I know that face-to-face contact with police officers is very valuable. However, over time, the usefulness of big, and often old, police stations has become questionable, particularly given the use of new technology. It is about balance. As for making decisions about police stations and front counters, that is a matter for the commissioner. I also gently refer to the historical underfunding of the police across our country in general in the last 14 years.

[Justin Madders (Ellesmere Port and Bromborough) (Lab)]

I am pleased to see that the Employment Rights Bill is coming back to us shortly. It has been eight and a half months since we first sent it to the other place, and the Lords keep blocking it. Now the Greens have joined the Tories and Lib Dems in blocking our manifesto commitment. I am worried that we will not get Royal Assent in time for the important changes to statutory sick pay, which will benefit millions of people, to come into force in April. Will the Leader of the House look at what he can do this side of Christmas to clear the diary and make sure that we get that Bill over the line, so that we can deliver on our manifesto promises?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for his work on the Bill, and on getting it this far. We expect that the other place, which has a right to look into these matters, will respect the judgment of this House and act in a timely fashion. I have announced in future business what the next step will be, and I hope that my hon. Friend’s wish that the Bill will get through before Christmas can be achieved.