Business of the House

Marie Tidball Excerpts

Thursday 29th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Charities are the heart and the very best of our local communities. I am happy to join the right hon. Gentleman in thanking Linda and Andy for everything that they do, wishing Living Like Linda well for the future, and thanking all the volunteers across our country, who do a fantastic job on behalf of local communities.

[Dr Marie Tidball (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab)]

I have been going to Penistone Paramount in my constituency since I was a child. This 110-year-old art deco cinema is the jewel in the crown of our town, yet the Reform-led Barnsley council has decided to shelve the £1.8 million in principal towns funding that was going to be used to build a second screen and a new café and bar area, as well as to make the cinema accessible throughout. Reform’s decision is indefensible: this was ringfenced funding, with planning permission already granted and a procurement notice published. My constituents agree, with over 5,500 of them signing my petition calling for the council to reverse its reprehensible decision. Will the Leader of the House advise me on how I can best work with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to ensure that generations of local people can continue to enjoy our treasured community asset for another century to come?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is a fantastic advocate for her constituents, and she is right to raise that important matter. I am afraid that it is just the latest example of Reform-led councils letting down the people that they are supposed to represent. With ringfenced funding secured, planning permission in place and the procurement notice published, there is no excuse for Reform on the matter. I will raise it with colleagues at DCMS and ensure that she gets the meeting that she seeks.