Business of the House

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Sojan Joseph

Thursday 26th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

May I say to the two Members who came in late, please do not stand to ask a question as I do not want to embarrass you both?

[Sojan Joseph (Ashford) (Lab)]

On Friday, I met my constituent Andrew Mackay, whose wife, Katy, passed away at the end of September. Like Andrew, Katy was a retired civil servant, having worked for Border Force for over 40 years. Nearly six months later, Andrew is still not receiving his widower’s pension. Despite his repeated calls for updates, his only contact from Capita, which administers the civil service pension scheme, has been confirmation that it has received the necessary documents. After more than 80 years of combined public service by him and his late wife, Andrew feels badly let down. I have previously written to Capita and, following my meeting with Andrew, I wrote to the Minister, but could the Leader of the House find time for a debate on Capita and what can be done to hold it to account?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I know that this issue has created immense feeling among hon. Members across the House, and concerns about Capita have been raised by many hon. Members during business questions and at other opportunities. The delays are simply unacceptable and they must be resolved as a matter of urgency. I note that Capita representatives are currently appearing before the Public Accounts Committee to discuss the matter, so I hope that not only can some light be shed on what is happening but that progress can be made. If my hon. Friend gives me the details of the specific case he raises, I will ensure it is raised directly with Ministers.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Sojan Joseph

Wednesday 12th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Mr Philp, you are meant to be a senior person on the Front Bench. You are meant to set an example—it is certainly a bad one today.

[Sojan Joseph (Ashford) (Lab)]

Q3. Despite extra Government funding, adult social care services in my community are in disarray. My constituents also face a new fire risk because we do not have a fully functioning fire authority. This has all been caused by the dysfunction at Kent county council, because so many Reform councillors have been suspended for bad behaviour. Does the Prime Minister share my concern that Reform chaos is a risk to public safety?

[The Prime Minister]

My sympathy is with the people of Kent whose lives are being disrupted by the staggering incompetence of Reform. Kent county council was supposed to be the blueprint for what Reform would deliver across the country. Now we can see what that means: cutting local services, raising council tax and failing to protect the public. That is all Reform has to offer: grievance, division and total incompetence.