Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Charlie Dewhirst

Thursday 15th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As my hon. Friend said, we are looking again at the decision regarding WASPI women. I know that this is an issue of serious concern to many of our constituents, and we want to resolve the matter as soon as we can. The Secretary of State is absolutely committed to updating the House on this decision. I cannot give a date for that, but as soon as a conclusion is reached, I expect that he will want to inform the House.

[Charlie Dewhirst (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con)]

Local rugby clubs such as Bridlington, Driffield and Hornsea do an enormous amount to engage young men and women in sport, and 2026 is Driffield rugby club’s centenary. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating Driffield on its first 100 years? Can I tempt him to don his kit when the Commons and Lords rugby team play Driffield in a charity match for the Injured Players Foundation at Twickenham in March?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to the importance of rugby clubs in our communities; they do a fantastic job. Driffield rugby club’s centenary is absolutely fantastic news. He will see that I am not desperately keen to take up his offer. Should I join the parliamentary team, I would be in danger of dangerous tackles not only from the other side, but probably from our side.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alan Campbell and Charlie Dewhirst

Thursday 27th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will convey my hon. Friend’s views to the House of Bishops and to the Second Church Estates Commissioner.

[Charlie Dewhirst (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con)]

5. What steps the Church of England is taking to increase the number of vicars in rural parishes.

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Church of England remains committed to ministry in all communities across the country, but the deployment of clergy is a responsibility for local diocesan bishops and their leadership teams. The national Church institutions have increased the money available to all dioceses for clergy training by 30% in the next spending period.

[Charlie Dewhirst]

I thank the Leader of the House for that answer, and please can he pass my best wishes on to the Second Church Estates Commissioner? In my area, 26 churches are covered by just five priests, and only three of those priests are paid, so I hope that the Leader of the House will join me in thanking all the regular churchgoers who do so much to ensure the maintenance and upkeep of the beautiful churches right across East Yorkshire. Will he do everything he can to ensure that the Church of England attracts more priests into the fold?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will pass on the hon. Gentleman’s best wishes to the Second Church Estates Commissioner. The position he describes is, I think, not unusual across the country. I certainly join him in thanking regular churchgoers for everything they do for the upkeep of their churches. I will convey his comments to the Second Church Estates Commissioner, and I am sure that she will write to him as soon as possible.