Business of the House

Will Forster Excerpts

Thursday 29th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Government recognise the importance of preventing dangerous driving and ensuring the safety of all road users, and I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for raising the issue on behalf of her constituents. Through the road safety strategy, we are taking steps to make our roads safer for everyone, but that needs everyone to step up, including local councils and police. I will do as my hon. Friend asks and help to secure a meeting with the relevant Ministers so that she can discuss the matter further to ensure that those who play a part are working together to get the best outcome.

[Mr Will Forster (Woking) (LD)]

Yesterday’s Budget included an announcement that Surrey would get a mayor. The Red Book said we were in advanced talks to have a mayor in my county, which is news to MPs like me, who have not been consulted, and there has been no vote by any local authorities in the county. Can we have a debate in Government time about the merits of introducing new mayors and on the process that could result in my constituents having a mayor without having a say?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I understand the concern in some areas about the changes that we are proposing, but I point out to the hon. Member that there is a statement on local government on the Floor of the House next, so he might want to make his point directly to the Minister.