Business of the House
Debate between Alan Campbell and Clive Jones(3 days, 20 hours ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend raises an important issue that affects many of our constituents. Antisocial behaviour continues to be a blight on the communities we serve, but the Government are determined to bear down on it. Our Crime and Policing Bill will introduce respect orders and strengthen police powers to tackle antisocial behaviour. He may wish to raise these matters in person at the next Home Office questions.
Clive Jones (Wokingham) (LD)
In Wokingham, there is a real issue with mainstream schools declaring that they cannot meet the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities. Specialist providers are also unavailable, which leaves children effectively out of formal education for many months, if not years. Can we have a debate in Government time on radically and rapidly expanding the availability of specialist provision for children with SEND to ensure that every child has a place at school?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Gentleman raises further evidence that the SEND system is broken. It does not work for parents or children, and it does not really work for the staff of our schools either. We have committed to investing an additional £1 billion in SEND funding, but there is a wider issue, as the Government have recognised, and we will therefore be bringing forward proposals to radically alter the system. The hon. Gentleman asks for a debate; should he secure a Backbench Business or Adjournment debate, I think that would actually help the wider debate.
Business of the House
Debate between Alan Campbell and Clive Jones(1 week, 3 days ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
As usual, my hon. Friend raises an important issue, and I thank her for doing so. As the nights draw in, it is important that we promote campaigns such as GloWeek. Work is under way to deliver an updated strategic framework for road safety. I will make sure that Ministers are made aware of the Child Brain Injury Trust campaign.
Clive Jones (Wokingham) (LD)
It was announced yesterday that family courts will no longer presume that contact with both parents is preferred when domestic violence has occurred. Many in Wokingham, including Kaleidoscopic UK, are concerned that abusive partners will still manipulate courts by claiming that they are the victim. Family courts only get limited mandatory training; that is why residents want an expert to advise the judiciary, case by case, in order to stop abusive practice. Will the Leader of the House allow a debate in Government time on how we can best implement that advisory role into the judiciary to support victims of domestic violence?
Business of the House
Debate between Alan Campbell and Clive Jones(2 weeks, 3 days ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
HGVs can have a negative effect on communities—both on safety and through their environmental impact—particularly in villages, where roads and pavements are often narrow. As my hon. Friend said, local traffic authorities have powers to restrict or prohibit the use of HGVs on any road. If they have the power and there is demand for it in a local area, they should use that power. I think that is a good topic for a Westminster Hall debate.
Clive Jones (Wokingham) (LD)
We know that at times it is hard to see a GP, and the Teenage Cancer Trust has highlighted that 16 to 24-year-olds have to see a GP more often than any other age group—often three times—before getting a referral for cancer diagnosis. Will the Leader of the House allow a debate in Government time on increasing access to GPs as part of the wider national cancer plan, particularly for young people?
Sir Alan Campbell
We were acutely aware of the state of access to GPs when we came into government, and we are doing something about it. We have delivered over 5 million more NHS appointments since July, and we are continuing to push on that; in fact, we have delivered on our manifesto pledge seven months early. We have set out our 10-year plan, backed by extra investment. It is important not just to ensure that there are extra slots for people to be seen, but to think about where they are and where people can get access to information. I know from talking to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care that he is acutely aware of that. If he has not heard what the hon. Member said, I will draw it to his attention.