Business of the House

Rachel Taylor Excerpts

Thursday 16th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his consistent attendance at these sessions, for raising these very important matters and for the tone in which he raises them. He should be commended for that, and he asks a serious question. The UK strongly condemns the persecution of Baha’i communities in many countries around the world. We continue to raise concerns about freedom of religion and belief with the Egyptian authorities, and I will ensure that he gets a response from the relevant Foreign Office Minister.

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

I joined the Old Meeting church in the centre of Bedworth earlier this summer to celebrate the 300th anniversary of its wonderful building. The church provides a friendly warm space every Friday where everyone can get a great lunch and a good cuppa for a reasonable price, and a repair café every month where people can bring treasured items back to life. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking Linda and the other volunteers for the wonderful work that they do for our community?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly will. My hon. Friend makes a point about the fantastic work that churches and church communities do, which I am sure is echoed around the Chamber. They are absolutely central to our wider communities. I thank Linda and everybody else involved, and I wish them well for the future.

Sir David Amess Summer Adjournment

Rachel Taylor Excerpts

Thursday 16th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

First, may I thank all the House staff, particularly those leaving us this year, and pay tribute to my wonderful team? I could not do this job without them and the work they do for my constituents in North Warwickshire and Bedworth.

Sir David was known throughout this House for the pride he took in his constituency. I have always believed that sport has an extraordinary ability to bring people together, never more than when we watch our national team together. As someone who has played tennis throughout my life and become a Wimbledon tennis umpire, I know that sport gives us so much more than benefits to our physical health—although I am beginning to question those physical health benefits after sustaining a broken rib playing for the cross-party parliamentary team!

Sport gives us confidence, friendships and the opportunity to meet people outside of our everyday lives. For many people, it just gives us a reason to get out of bed and to get outdoors. That is what I see every time I visit the fantastic grassroots sports clubs in North Warwickshire and Bedworth. They are places where young people build confidence, where volunteers give countless hours to their communities, and where people of all ages and backgrounds come together around a shared passion.

Earlier this year, I was delighted to visit Bedworth rugby club and support it in its ambition to install new floodlights. At Atherstone cricket club, I was pleased to attend the Martin Plackett memorial match, which every year raises vital funds for cancer research. I had the chance to join the fantastic ladies team in the nets—and they told me to stick to the tennis! I enjoyed my visit to the bowls club at Water Orton, and I can assure the House that crown green bowls is much harder than it looks. It was a joy to return to the Grove and see the local ladies darts league thriving; Margaret and the other volunteers do a wonderful job. The bowls team there are also a force to be reckoned with, and so many young people are taking up the sport.

Coleshill tennis club was a real lifeline for me during covid, and the Adders hockey team, where I played for a few seasons, have so many dedicated volunteers, including Mick and Jill Thomas, and thriving junior, men’s and ladies’ teams. Sport is so much a part of village life in so many of the villages in my constituency, from Fillongley to Newton Regis, from Corley to Austrey and from Warton to Polesworth, with its fantastic annual Office Abbott run, to name just a few.

I cannot talk about sport and physical activity without mentioning the two wonderful parkruns in my constituency: the rather hilly Bedworth parkrun in the Miners’ Welfare Park and the picturesque Kingsbury Water parkrun, both of which I have run in and volunteered at. I also cannot talk about sport in my constituency without mentioning the three fantastic non-league football clubs: Atherstone Town community football club, known as the Adders, who nearly clinched promotion this season. I watched the nail-biting match in Coventry, which was wonderful. I also need to mention Bedworth United and Coleshill Town. I have also supported them and watched their matches this season.

It was great to welcome young people from Polesworth school and Nicholas Chamberlaine school to Parliament this year to talk about the barriers to them getting involved in sport. I joined the Activity Alliance recently at the junior para swimming championships. I know that I have seen the Paralympians of the future.

As we remember Sir David Amess today, I would also like to talk about our late colleague Jo Cox. She reminded us that

“we are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.”—[Official Report, 3 June 2015; Vol. 596, c. 675.]

It was an honour to join Jo’s sister, my hon. Friend the Member for Spen Valley (Kim Leadbeater), together with her parents Jean and Gordon to run the 10th and last Run for Jo last month. Grassroots sport demonstrates the truth of Jo’s words every single week at the many brilliant sports clubs across North Warwickshire and Bedworth.

I thank the House for listening to me, and I thank in particular all those whose volunteer in community sport: they make North Warwickshire and Bedworth and our country a better place.

Business of the House

Rachel Taylor Excerpts

Thursday 23rd April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the BSI on 125 years of tireless work. There was a Westminster Hall debate on this very matter recently. I encourage all workplaces and employers to align their work practices with the Government’s suicide prevention strategy, and to consider drawing on BSI standards to help embed suicide prevention in working practices.

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

I am proud today to celebrate Warwickshire day with colleagues from across this House, and I thank the Speaker’s Office for arranging an event this morning. It was a real honour to raise the Warwickshire flag on the flagpole here in Parliament.

The Believe in Bedworth board manages the £20 million Pride in Place investment from the Government, and we are holding a St George’s day celebration this Saturday. There will be free activities for children, as well as food vendors and stalls. It will be a great day out for everyone, and I am really looking forward to it. Can I ask the Leader of the House if the Government will make time for a debate on the importance of community events like this for cohesion in our areas and to celebrate days like St George’s day and Warwickshire day?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join my hon. Friend in recognising Warwickshire day. As I have said previously, community volunteers and events like the one she describes are at the heart of making our local communities the fantastic places they are. This sounds like a great way to celebrate St George’s day. Should she seek a Westminster Hall debate on the issues she raises, then I hope she is successful. If not, then I will give consideration to her request for a debate in Government time.

Business of the House

Rachel Taylor Excerpts

Thursday 12th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

These delays are unacceptable and the Government have made that clear. These people have given public service, and it is a matter of urgency to resolve this situation for them. Before Capita took on the administration of the scheme, Cabinet Office Ministers and officials were assured that a clear transition plan would be in place ahead of going live. There have been a number of challenges. The Cabinet Office is working hard to resolve the situation. There is an expert recovery team to work with Capita, but I will ensure that Ministers have heard the hon. Lady’s comments today. If appropriate, they will provide an update on the situation.

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

Gurdwara Baba Vadbhag Singh Ji and the BVS charity in my constituency have been serving their community in Exhall with compassion for years. Their Christmas hampers provide food and essentials to families who may be struggling at Christmas, and their Father’s Day event draws hundreds of people from around the local area to their family celebrations with free food and fairground rides. I am incredibly grateful for the warm hospitality they have extended to our community, so will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the wonderful contribution of the Sikh community to North Warwickshire and Bedworth and to our country?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to champion the Sikh community. The Christmas hamper programme represents a bright example of their valuable contribution to our communities. She is right to raise that example today, and I am sure she will go on looking for further opportunities to do so.

Business of the House

Rachel Taylor Excerpts

Thursday 18th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Again, that subject has been raised before in business questions, and I hope that Royal Mail has heard that, because it is a story repeated in many parts of the country. What the hon. Gentleman describes is not acceptable, not least if there is to be timely delivery of Christmas cards, but as he rightly points out, the issue affects things like hospital appointment letters, too. I will raise this with the appropriate Minister and ensure that Royal Mail is held to account.

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

A very merry Christmas to you, Madam Deputy Speaker. My constituent Sam is a fibre engineer. He spends his days climbing ladders, fixing lamp posts and repairing wi-fi for people across north Warwickshire. He has glycogen storage disease type Ia, which is a very rare liver disorder. Despite his GP and hospital consultant telling him that he should have a blood monitor to check his blood sugar levels, Coventry and Warwickshire integrated care board has refused to fund it. Sam has to pay for it himself, at a cost of £100 every month, so that he can continue working. Will the Leader of the House refer my constituent’s case to the Department of Health and Social Care, and enable a debate in Government time on NHS support for people living with rare conditions?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising such an important case. We are committed to improving the lives of those who, like Sam, have rare diseases. Integrated care boards have a responsibility to commission services to meet the needs of those in their care, so I will refer the case to the Department of Health and Social Care, and will ensure that my hon. Friend gets a meeting, if she wants one, to see what progress can be made on these matters.

Business of the House

Rachel Taylor Excerpts

Thursday 11th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I know this issue is of serious concern to many women. It has been raised on numerous occasions in the House, and we want to resolve the matter as soon as we can. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has committed to updating the House on any decision as soon as a conclusion is reached.

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

The last Saturday in November in Atherstone is marked by our wonderful Dickens night. It is always brilliant to see my home town so busy. There are stalls, the Christmas lights are switched on, and Santa in his grotto; Arthur Stone, our town mascot, is walking around; and then there is a firework finale. These events would never happen without the hours of work put in by volunteers like Dave and the Dickens night committee. Would the Leader of the House consider joining us next year for Dickens night, and would he make time for a debate on the importance of volunteering?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

What a fantastic festive event! The contribution of volunteers to events like these is invaluable. It has a real impact in bringing communities together, and is in the best of our traditions. I thank everyone volunteering at this festive period for their contribution. I will certainly look at my diary to see whether I am available next year, but I am in danger of making Scrooge look cheerful.

Business of the House

Rachel Taylor Excerpts

Thursday 27th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I advise the House that questions will finish at about 12.30. If Members can help each other, we should get everybody in.

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

Residents of Water Orton in my constituency have been plagued by HS2 works for years. Dust covering their cars and washing and now a really disgusting fishy smell are just some of the problems they are having to put up with. My constituents have told me that this is affecting their health. I have been raising this issue with HS2 since I was elected. Residents in Water Orton have been put through unacceptable levels of disruption. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the impact of HS2 works on local residents’ health?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am sorry to hear of the case my hon. Friend raises and the impact on her constituents. She is a very strong voice in this place for her constituents and she is right to raise these matters. It is important that impacts are minimised as far as is reasonably practicable. I understand that HS2 is aware of the concerns and is taking action to address them, but of course that needs to be monitored. I will ensure that the relevant Minister hears about these specific concerns.

Business of the House

Rachel Taylor Excerpts

Thursday 23rd October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

First, any discussion of this issue needs to begin with the simple, important fact that at the heart of this should be remembering the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, so we do that. The question of titles is primarily a question for His Majesty. I know that there has been speculation about legislation, but the palace has been clear that it recognises that there are other matters that this House needs to be getting on with, and we are guided in this by the palace. That does not mean that the House cannot find ways to debate these matters, whether it be the matter of titles or of the finances, which I know are also under question. The right hon. Gentleman has been here long enough to find a way to make that happen.

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

It is time to end the taboo around the menopause. Today’s Government announcement that menopause will be included in the 40-plus health check is a huge step in the right direction. It will mean that women across my constituency of North Warwickshire and Bedworth will get the medical support that they need. However, we must go further so that every woman gets the support that she needs in her workplace. Will the Leader of the House support a debate in Government time on how to work across Government to ensure that managers, departments and businesses give all women the support that they need in the workplace in order to thrive?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right: it is time to end the taboo, and I pay tribute to her for her campaigning on this important issue. We are improving menopause support through the Employment Rights Bill, which will require employers to produce an action plan showing what they are doing to support menopausal staff. There was a Westminster Hall debate last week to mark World Menopause Day, and I am sure that there will be further opportunities for Members to discuss these matters.

Business of the House

Rachel Taylor Excerpts

Thursday 10th July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

I join the hon. Member in paying tribute to all those involved in the work of the Jessie May charity. As constituency MPs, we all know of the immense work that those who work in hospices do for us all and for society as a whole, as well as caring for those individuals at the end of life. She raises an important issue in that hospices have for too long relied on a great deal of their funding coming from fundraising and the charity sector. This Government are here to support hospices. The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care will be in the Chamber shortly to make a different statement, and I will ensure that he has heard the hon. Member’s question and is forthcoming with an answer.

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

On Tuesday Ukraine suffered its heaviest aerial attack, as more than 700,000 drones and 13 missiles struck cities around the country, and the BBC reported today that Russia conducted another massive overnight attack on Kyiv. Later this month, I will be driving an ambulance with medical supplies to Ukraine, with a local business that has been delivering supplies since the beginning of the war. Will the Leader of the House commend the actions of British organisations up and down the country who have stood in solidarity with our Ukrainian allies, and does she agree that we must never back down in the face of Russian aggression?

[Lucy Powell]

I absolutely join my hon. Friend in commending the actions of British organisations up and down the country, and all their support for Ukraine and Ukrainians, whether they are here or still in Ukraine. The UK will stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine today, tomorrow and for 100 years from now. That is why we recently signed our historic 100-year partnership agreement with President Zelensky, and I hope the whole House will support that.

Business of the House

Rachel Taylor Excerpts

Thursday 26th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

I thank the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee for once again highlighting to the House all the forthcoming Backbench Business debates, and look forward to receiving from him and colleagues representations on how we hold estimates day debates. I am sure we can all agree that that probably does need to be looked at.

I join the hon. Gentleman in wishing everybody who is celebrating this weekend in his constituency and beyond a happy chariot festival, as I think it is also known. I hope that he and others keep cool, wear suncream and drink lots of water on their downhill walk.

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

Yesterday’s resignation of the Reform leader of Warwickshire county council and his replacement with an 18-year-old will be of real concern to my constituents. We desperately need a functioning council to fill in potholes, deliver our care services and end the crisis in education for those with special education needs and disabilities. While I am sorry to hear about Councillor Rob Howard’s health challenges and wish him and his family well, questions remain about how he came to resign after just six weeks in the job, and about the qualifications of his 18-year-old replacement. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the need for competent and effective local government that delivers for communities around the country?

[Lucy Powell]

I am sorry to hear of Rob Howard’s ill health. My hon. Friend raises a much broader and more important point about the Reform party in local government. Reform is committed to reducing the head- count in local government, and its councillors clearly got the memo and are acting on it; they are resigning in droves.