Business of the House

Samantha Niblett Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

As I have been slightly drawn into this, may I back up the Home Affairs Committee Chair’s comments to the Leader of the House? I think there must be a problem with the diary secretary because I cannot get a meeting either—I have requested one because I have responsibility for Members’ security—so I understand that frustration. I am sure that the message will have gone back to the Department, and I hope that we can find some dates that will accommodate the Chair of the Committee and hopefully the Speaker as well.

[Samantha Niblett (South Derbyshire) (Lab)]

At just 19 years old, Hannah in my constituency was diagnosed with a brain tumour and given 14 months to live, but she is now 23 and defying all the odds. She won the east midlands round of the Pride of Britain awards, which took place this week and airs on ITV1 and ITVX this evening. She has turned the most incredible adversity into positive action for other people by creating Hannah’s Hope, which is a sanctuary and a place for families going through similar struggles to have a bit of respite. Will the Leader of the House join me in celebrating Hannah and her incredible mum, Gail, in her new venture? H for Hope is about creating a community for teenagers going through similar experiences of cancer to come together.

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating Hannah, not least on her Pride of Britain award. She is doing a fantastic job in what will be very difficult circumstances. For young people and their families, it is a daunting prospect to be diagnosed with something such as that—many Members across the House will know about that experience at first hand. I thank Hannah and wish her well in the future; it is absolutely right that we mention her and her fantastic work today.