Business of the House
Debate between Alan Campbell and Bradley Thomas(2 weeks ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
I note that 4 November was the eighth anniversary of Mr Johal’s arrest. We continue to raise concerns about his prolonged detention at every opportunity, and we emphasise the need for a prompt, full and just resolution to his case. I will draw my hon. Friend’s comments to the attention of the Foreign Office and ensure that Members are updated on any developments in this case.
Bradley Thomas (Bromsgrove) (Con)
The Severn Area Rescue Association, known as SARA, is a volunteer-led lifeboat and inland search and rescue charity. It does fantastic work in north Worcestershire, along the route of the River Severn, and in the constituencies of many hon. Members. Although I welcome the Government’s announcement in the Budget last week that the requirement for vehicle excise duty will no longer apply to these organisations, will the Leader of the House support me in my endeavours—I have written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs calling on the Government to reintroduce the flood team maintenance grant—to alleviate the pressure on such charities?
Sir Alan Campbell
I pay tribute to the volunteers up and down the country who do such important work, whether on the rivers in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency or along the coast in mine. He has generously referred to the Budget announcement, which is very welcome. I will ensure that he gets a response to the letter that he sent to the Secretary of State, to set out our position.
Business of the House
Debate between Alan Campbell and Bradley Thomas(3 weeks ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
I will take great pleasure in doing so. I have had the honour of knowing Tony Wright. As I said to him recently, his work has improved people’s lives for the better, including the lives of people he will never have met. I am sure that many Members across the House will not only wish Tony the best and thank him for his work, but acknowledge the impressive veterans in their own constituencies who, like Tony, do such fantastic work on behalf of the veteran community—indeed, on behalf of the whole community. These sessions are a good opportunity to highlight that work, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for doing so.
Bradley Thomas (Bromsgrove) (Con)
Far too many children face eating development issues and conditions, and they often feel that they do not get the relevant support from the NHS. Parents feel stigmatised, are told that their children will grow out of it, and often feel that their parenting is being condemned by healthcare professionals. The Feeding Trust in my constituency is doing excellent work to raise awareness of this issue. Will the Leader of the House endorse the representations I have made to the Health Secretary asking that the matter be a front-and-centre priority for the NHS? The Government must ensure a joined-up approach with the Department for Education, schools and the curriculum.
Sir Alan Campbell
The Government recognise what the hon. Gentleman is saying. Indeed, we are taking action and are committed to ensuring that there is provision not just across the community but in schools. The Mental Health Bill will present the hon. Gentleman with an opportunity to raise those concerns. Of course, we also have the NHS 10-year plan. These are difficult issues for parents, and he is absolutely right to raise them on the Floor of the House.
Business of the House
Debate between Alan Campbell and Bradley Thomas(1 month, 3 weeks ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
I thank my hon. Friend for raising an important issue on behalf of Toni. The Government recognise the difficulty that parents and guardians face. It is important that safeguards are in place from the outset to protect vulnerable people. He will have the opportunity to raise this matter with the Minister directly at the next Justice questions, or he may wish to apply for an Adjournment debate.
Bradley Thomas (Bromsgrove) (Con)
With the Government planning to bulldoze all over the green belt—other parties do not fare much better; the Liberal Democrats, in their manifesto, said they wanted to build even more houses—and given that the Conservatives have pledged to protect the green belt, will the Leader of the House explain to my constituents why the Bromsgrove and the villages housing target has increased by a staggering 85% while Birmingham’s has reduced by over 30%? If he cannot, will he grant a debate on this important topic?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Gentleman may seek either a Backbench Business debate or an Adjournment debate to draw attention to the matter of his constituency. I would gently point out that people need somewhere to live, and that arguments against such proposals are often from people who are already have houses in which to live and who do not seem particularly bothered about solving this particular problem—[Interruption.] The hon. Member chunters from a sedentary position. The public services that people need around housing will only be paid for if we get growth in the economy, and housing is an important part of delivering that.