Business of the House

Liz Twist Excerpts

Thursday 26th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that point. This is not the first time that we have heard concerns regarding Royal Mail’s performance, but she is absolutely right to draw specific attention to this concern in the run-up to the very important elections taking place right across the country. It is vital that Royal Mail delivers a reliable postal service to ensure that postal voters receive their ballots and are able to return them in good time. I have just announced the Second Reading of the Representation of the People Bill, so there will be an opportunity to raise this matter during that debate. I know that Royal Mail takes an interest in these sessions, so I hope that it has noted her concerns, which I will raise directly with Ministers in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. I am not sure whether my hon. Friend or any other Members who have raised concerns about Royal Mail are aware, but Royal Mail has been called in by the Business and Trade Committee to account for its performance.

[Liz Twist (Blaydon and Consett) (Lab)]

Transform Trade is a remarkable charity that promotes Fairtrade produce and supports producers and workers across the world, ensuring that trade is fair and respects both people and the planet. Founded in Gateshead as Traidcraft in 1986, the organisation will this year celebrate its 40th anniversary of campaigning for a fairer global trade system. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating it on 40 years of vital work and allow a debate in Government time about tackling trade exploitation and poverty?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly join my hon. Friend in praising the work of Transform Trade and congratulating it on its 40th anniversary. Let me take this opportunity to thank the founders of Traidcraft and everyone involved over those four decades. It has been very important to her constituency, where it was founded, and to constituencies such as mine. The UK will continue to champion free and fair trade, and Traidcraft—now Transform Trade—has an important part to play in that. If my hon. Friend applies for a Westminster Hall debate on this matter, I am sure that it would be well attended.