Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Carolyn Harris

Thursday 23rd April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The previous Government should never have allowed the water sector to get into this state, with record levels of sewage spills and ageing infrastructure, and this Government are determined to put it right both through legislation and by encouraging and resourcing the Environment Agency. I will give consideration to what the hon. Member says about this matter, and she may wish to draw it directly to the attention of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

I understand the concerns about the Environment Agency when such things happen, but a lot of Environment Agency staff are doing a really good and really tough job, day in and day out, and we should send them our support.

[Carolyn Harris (Neath and Swansea East) (Lab)]

In May 2025, the all-party parliamentary group on beauty and wellbeing, which I chair, launched an inquiry into ultraviolet safety in the UK. Over nine months, we have taken evidence from the industry, academics, clinicians and those with lived experience to understand the dangers of overexposure and what more can be done to improve protection and reduce risks. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking all those who contributed and encouraging Ministers, brands and retailers to read our report very carefully when it is launched next month and to consider our very sensible recommendations?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join my hon. Friend in thanking all those who contributed to the inquiry, and I thank the members of the APPG for all their work on this vital issue. I join my hon. Friend in inviting all those in the sector to read the report when it is published, and I will draw her remarks directly to the attention of Ministers.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Carolyn Harris

Thursday 11th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will certainly draw the right hon. Gentleman’s case to the attention of Ministers. It is important to get good value for taxpayers’ money, wherever it is spent. I do not know the date of the original announcement, but if he is comparing this issue with announcements that might have been made and what the previous Government were going to do, I gently say that announcements were made and the money was never there. It is this Government who are trying to put that right.

[Carolyn Harris (Neath and Swansea East) (Lab)]

For the last nine years, the good people of south Wales have supported the “Everyone Deserves” campaign, which provides Christmas hampers and dinners for families across the region. What started on my kitchen table with 100 hampers now reaches families across six constituencies —families who may be struggling with loved ones in hospital or a child in special care, experiencing financial hardship, or living with a debilitating illness. If I promise the Leader of the House that I will not sing my very successful 2024 Christmas single at him, will he join me in thanking everyone who donates time, money and resource to make this event happen? Will he wish the 2,000 families who are supported by the campaign this year a very merry Christmas?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As usual, my hon. Friend pays tribute to the good people of south Wales and to her constituents. Apart from her song, let me pick out an important bit in what she said: this started on her kitchen table. It would not have happened and would not be the scale that it is without her fantastic dedication. It embodies the very best of community spirit, and I praise her and people across her community for making it happen. I am very sad that she is not releasing a Christmas song of her own this year, but there is always next year.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Carolyn Harris

Thursday 13th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will look at the hon. Gentleman’s suggestion, but as he knows, if one thing expands, something else is squeezed. I will look at that, but it might not be as easy as he suggests.

[Carolyn Harris (Neath and Swansea East) (Lab)]

Last week during International Trade Week, my dear and hon. Friend the Member for Newport East (Jessica Morden) and I jointly hosted a regional export trade seminar for businesses from across south Wales. As proud trade envoys, we were delighted to work with the Department for Business and Trade to offer Welsh small and medium-sized enterprises the opportunity to learn more about export opportunities and the support available. Will the Leader of the House join us in thanking DBT colleagues, Ministers and the businesses that attended for their commitment to ensuring that the UK is front and centre of global trade markets?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank colleagues at the Department for Business and Trade for their excellent work and thank the businesses for taking part, because they are the key to growing our economy. I also place on the record my thanks to my hon. Friend and our other trade envoys for their excellent work.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Carolyn Harris

Thursday 30th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am not sure I share the hon. Gentleman’s confidence that the planning Bill amendments will be over as swiftly as he thinks. There is a question of the balance between the time the Government need in this House for legislation and proper scrutiny, and the rights of Backbench Business, of which he knows I am a proud defender, but I will look to see whether there are opportunities for slots that need to be filled. I should have said that he is an excellent stand-in for the hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) and I welcome him to his place.

I also commend the hon. Gentleman for his dedication to his constituency and for again raising this important matter. Our thoughts remain with the future of the Lindsey oil refinery workers at what we understand is a very difficult time for the community. I know he continues to raise this matter with Ministers. I will raise it with Ministers and ensure that he and, where appropriate, the House are updated on any developments.

[Carolyn Harris (Neath and Swansea East) (Lab)]

As we approach the end of World Menopause Month, yesterday saw the launch of the report by the all-party parliamentary group on menopause into the experiences of those from historically marginalised communities. The Government are making huge progress on women’s health, but we must ensure that no woman gets left behind. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking those who contributed to the report, and will he ask Cabinet colleagues to consider its recommendations so that we can improve outcomes for all women?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for her work as chair of the APPG on menopause and thank all those who worked on this important report. Women experiencing the symptoms of menopause have been failed for far too long. The Government are renewing the women’s health strategy to tackle inequalities and improve access to healthcare for women across England. I will ensure that Ministers hear what she has to say, that they see the report, and that, if she wants one, she has a meeting with them to discuss it.