Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Adam Thompson

Thursday 12th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

That issue was raised earlier this week by my hon. Friend the Member for Mitcham and Morden (Dame Siobhain McDonagh). I understand the concern. It is important that the Government are changing the law in this regard, and the hon. Gentleman is right to call out people who are acting unfairly in the run-up to that change. It is much more important that we protect the people involved, rather than seek to play party politics.

[Adam Thompson (Erewash) (Lab)]

In Erewash, we are very lucky to have a fantastic community radio station in Erewash Sound. Thanks to the incredible Jeff Martin, Paul Stacey, Emma Duthie and dozens of other volunteers, we have a proper local radio station that focuses on hyper-local matters, promotes our community and has created a media training pipeline through the Erewash Sound Academy, which creates real excellence. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on community radio, so that everyone can hear more about the magic that my community and many others around the country enjoy?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join my hon. Friend in thanking all those involved in community radio, including Jeff, Paul and Emma at Erewash Sound. I know my hon. Friend was a keen musician in his youth, and that community radio stations such as those in his community are vital for local and grassroots music. I encourage him to apply for a Westminster Hall debate on the topic, because I am sure others would wish to join in and celebrate what is happening in their areas.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Adam Thompson

Thursday 26th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly join my hon. Friend in praising the work of Transform Trade and congratulating it on its 40th anniversary. Let me take this opportunity to thank the founders of Traidcraft and everyone involved over those four decades. It has been very important to her constituency, where it was founded, and to constituencies such as mine. The UK will continue to champion free and fair trade, and Traidcraft—now Transform Trade—has an important part to play in that. If my hon. Friend applies for a Westminster Hall debate on this matter, I am sure that it would be well attended.

[Adam Thompson (Erewash) (Lab)]

I know from my own time in the air cadets, as well as from hearing recently from 348 Ilkeston squadron and TS Indomitable in Long Eaton, that the cadet movement is an incredible force for excellence in young people’s development. I am sure the Leader of the House will agree that the adult volunteers who drive the movement do amazing work, quietly building young people into pillars of their communities, but will he consider recognising those volunteers and the wider cadet movement by supporting the Government in organising a national cadets week?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is right to champion the work of cadets and the impact that they have on young people. I join him in praising all the volunteers who allow cadet forces to operate; they are so important to our local communities and are of such value to young people’s life chances. I can confirm that Ministry of Defence officials are looking at the viability of taking forward a national cadets week.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Adam Thompson

Thursday 22nd January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. Charities such as the Pilgrim Hearts Trust are the golden thread that runs through our communities, and I thank Elaine and everyone at Pilgrim Hearts for their 25 years of service to the local community. Homelessness is a moral stain on our society, and this Government will not stand idly by and allow it to continue. We are investing £1 billion to give homeless people the security of a roof over their head, to get them back on track, and to end homelessness for good.

[Adam Thompson (Erewash) (Lab)]

On Monday, Ilkeston’s No.1 tourist attraction, the NatWest hole, was cruelly divided in two by a metal pole, which was installed with no explanation. The hole is a beloved part of the fabric of our town, and its defacement caused significant distress to my community. Thankfully, the pole mysteriously vanished a few hours later, but I have written to NatWest to try to understand what happened. Will the Leader of the House consider scheduling a debate on the protected status of local heritage sites and quirky landmarks, so that we can discuss whether Historic England might grant the Ilkeston hole listed status?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for bringing this interesting matter to the House. The UK is full of incredible quirky history, and I will make sure that the relevant Minister has heard his point. I encourage him to seek an Adjournment debate on the issue he raises, and I hope that NatWest has also heard his remarks.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Adam Thompson

Thursday 30th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As ever, the hon. Gentleman raises pertinent issues on behalf of many of our constituents. A Backbench Business or Adjournment debate would allow Members to air those concerns, which I will also draw to the attention of the relevant Department.

[Adam Thompson (Erewash) (Lab)]

This evening, I will join Long Eaton’s Men Walking and Talking group, who meet every Thursday to go for a walk in the park and discuss life and their mental health. The group gives men a safe space to open up about their mental health and provide each other with judgment-free support. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating that group on everything that they do to support my Erewash community?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join my hon. Friend in congratulating the Long Eaton Men Walking and Talking group on its work. May I also say what a fantastic campaigner he is for men’s mental health? Our forthcoming men’s health strategy will set out how we can find the right ways to promote healthy behaviour and improve outcomes for the conditions that hit men harder.