Business of the House

Patrick Hurley Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The hon. Gentleman sounds very exercised by this matter; so am I, I have to say, as I am sure are many Members across the House, not least those of us who were somewhat delayed this morning trying to cross Westminster bridge, where, again, the road is being dug up—for very good reason, I am sure. I think that an Adjournment debate is the way forward to allow the hon. Gentleman to make the local case that he is talking about, as well as a general point about what could be done across all roads, wherever they happen to be.

[Patrick Hurley (Southport) (Lab)]

I add my voice to the bid from my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool South (Chris Webb) for Blackpool to become city of culture, but we must not forget towns of culture. In that spirit, I take this opportunity to commend the teams behind the Southport Music Board and the Southport Creatives collective, both of which were formed after a series of roundtable discussions I held earlier this year. Southport’s arts and culture scene is thriving and, if 2027 is anything like this year, the future is bright. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the importance of arts and culture in order to properly recognise the contributions of our artists and creatives?