Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Emma Lewell

Tuesday 13th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I appreciate that the hon. Gentleman has approached this with understanding. In thanking him for that, may I say that there has been extensive debate on these matters, and I am grateful to everyone who has taken part. This is an ongoing situation, but it is important that we get the Bill right. It will be the meaningful Bill that we set out to achieve. It is not in the interests of the Bill to try to resolve the next stage by tomorrow. That is precisely the reason I have decided to move it until the beginning of next week—to give that bit of extra time.

[Emma Lewell (South Shields) (Lab)]

I am sure that the Leader of the House shares my concern that families, including my constituents who have been repeatedly failed by the state, had arranged time off work and booked travel and expensive accommodation to make the journey to London, only to be told that there will now be no debate tomorrow. It is, of course, welcome that the Government are listening, but please can my right hon. Friend use his good offices to ensure that the Government listen to MPs, their constituents and campaigners sooner—before we reach such critical points in legislation—in order to avoid such upheaval?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I can assure my hon. Friend that we have not taken these decisions lightly. Of course we try to ensure that any issues are resolved before they come before this House, which is the reason for this change to business, even at this relatively late stage. I am sorry that my hon. Friend’s constituents have already made travel arrangements; I hope that they can be altered in a suitable way. I understand that the meeting with the Prime Minister that was requested will still take place tomorrow. I am sure that my hon. Friend’s constituents will take an interest in the debate on Monday when we get to it.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Emma Lewell

Thursday 27th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

These are ultimately, as the right hon. Member says, matters to be resolved locally. It is important that public bodies work together where they can, especially where a road may be particularly dangerous. I will draw his remarks to the attention of the Department for Transport to see whether anything can be done to get the action he wants.

[Emma Lewell (South Shields) (Lab)]

Since July, I have been assisting my constituent who is the victim of stalking by a foreign national. After correspondence, proposed legislative amendments and a ministerial meeting, we were promised some support. The situation has recently deteriorated, placing her in danger. Despite numerous attempts to seek help via the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office, nothing has changed. Will my right hon. Friend please use his good offices to intervene and help us?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

These are very serious matters, and the Government take stalking very seriously indeed. I will meet my hon. Friend and see what further we can do.