Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Elaine Stewart

Thursday 12th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for bringing this matter to the House. I agree that support for the British egg industry is vital. He will know that DEFRA recently held a public consultation on this matter, and the call for views closed last week. We await the outcome of that consultation, but I will ensure that the relevant Minister has heard the right hon. Gentleman’s remarks this morning. Once the outcome of the consultation has been considered, we will help to arrange a statement or debate should one be necessary.

[Elaine Stewart (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab)]

For my constituents who have been affected by the loan charge, the McCann review is a long-anticipated step towards bringing a year of uncertainty to an end. However, some individuals still feel that cases dating back decades remain unsolved and that enforcement has not been applied evenly between scheme promoters and those who use the arrangements. What analysis has been carried out on how the recommendations of the McCann review will affect individuals and businesses currently engaged with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs on loan charge matters?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Government understand the strength of feeling about this issue, which is why we accepted all but one of the independent review’s recommendations and at the Budget made the decision to write off £5,000 from the liabilities of everyone affected by the loan charge. I will ensure that Ministers have heard my hon. Friend’s concerns today.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Elaine Stewart

Thursday 13th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to our emergency services, and we send our sympathies to those affected. If he seeks a Backbench Business debate or an Adjournment debate on the subject, he will be able to raise those points himself, but I gently point out that for the past 14 years, many services, particularly fire services, have been starved of the funding that they need, so he needs to understand that this is not a recent development.

[Elaine Stewart (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab)]

Children in Need has been supporting disadvantaged young people for decades. This support is made possible by hard-working fundraisers up and down the country. Tomorrow night, 17-year-old Eloise from my constituency of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, one of East Ayrshire’s young carers, is throwing herself into a musical theatre challenge on skates, with the cast of “Starlight Express”. She is a brilliant example of community spirit. Will the Leader of the House join me in recognising the incredible contribution of East Ayrshire’s young carers, who balance caring responsibilities with school and everyday life?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am pleased to recognise the incredible contribution of East Ayrshire’s young carers, and young carers across the country, whose vital contribution sometimes goes unseen. I wish Eloise skating success with her musical theatre challenge.