Business of the House

Rachel Hopkins Excerpts

Thursday 13th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I have nothing to add to what I said earlier about the timing and length of questions, but the right hon. Gentleman has raised that concern. If he gives me further details, I will draw the matter to the attention of Ministers now, rather than wait for change.

[Rachel Hopkins (Luton South and South Bedfordshire) (Lab)]

I am pleased that so many nominations are rolling in for my fifth annual Luton South and South Bedfordshire small business awards. There are two weeks to go—keep nominating. Many of our small businesses are in the retail sector, and retail businesses make up 4.5% of our economy, but too many retail workers face terrible threats and abuse in the workplace. Will the Leader of the House join me in supporting the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers’ Respect for Shop Workers Week this week and its “Freedom from Fear” campaign to ensure that all retail workers feel safe at work?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Government are committed to supporting small businesses—they are the backbone of our local communities. At the end of this month, we will mark Small Business Saturday, which gives us a further opportunity to celebrate the small businesses in our communities. I join my hon. Friend in supporting and praising USDAW’s powerful campaign over a long period of time, because it is vital that hard-working retail staff are treated with respect. That is one of the reasons why we are taking action through our Crime and Policing Bill to safeguard staff from assault.