Business of the House

Neil Coyle Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely join the hon. Lady in giving attention to World Diabetes Day and the important work done by Diabetes UK. I have had a personal family interest in these matters for some years, and I know the importance of early diagnosis and the effect that diabetes can have if it is not diagnosed and treated properly. I will certainly look at the hon. Lady’s ten-minute rule Bill and draw it to the attention of the relevant Minister, and I thank her for raising that matter.

[Neil Coyle (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) (Lab)]

Our Government rightly abolished no-fault evictions, but the St James estate in Bermondsey is probably the last in the country to receive section 21 orders, and its rogue landlord, BMR St James, is trying to evict almost 30 families before Christmas. Those families have sadly been let down by Southwark council, which failed to deliver promised legal support, and a Green/Lib Dem coalition cabinet member has broken his commitment even to meet the people affected. Will the Government provide time to debate further penalties to tackle dodgy landlords such as BMR, and examine how councils are implementing, or failing to use, new powers to fine landlords who break rules and harass tenants?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I hope that Southwark council will meet all the people affected by the concerning issues raised by my hon. Friend. As he points out, the Government have passed the Renters’ Rights Act 2025: it is now in force, banning no fault evictions and improving the system for millions of private renters in England, with tough penalties for landlords who breach their duties. I know my hon. Friend will not let go on these matters, as he is an assiduous campaigner in his constituency, but I encourage him to apply for a debate on these matters so that we can understand what further support tenants need to tackle rogue landlords.