Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Ian Sollom

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

In short, yes, I do. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend, who has run a very effective campaign on this issue. I note that Reform-led East Sussex county council has received £21 million from this Labour Government to fill potholes, which is a record amount. Put bluntly, we are doing our bit; it is time that the council matched that ambition. I hope my hon. Friend’s council has heard the concerns she has raised today, and that it gets on and fixes this issue without any further delay.

[Ian Sollom (St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire) (LD)]

On Monday, the Children’s Commissioner—a statutory role created by this House to protect children’s rights—launched a report that declared a state of emergency for children across England. I am disappointed that the Education Secretary has not come to the House to make a statement on that report. Will the Leader of the House ask the Education Secretary to do so, and also schedule Government time for a debate on the Children Commissioner’s recommendations, so that we can discuss them fully?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am aware of the Children’s Commissioner’s report; it is significant, and the Government believe that these matters are important and are doing everything we can to address some of them. The hon. Gentleman asks why there has not been a statement; there has been a great deal of demand for statements over the past 10 days, and it has been a question of prioritisation. However, I will raise this matter with the relevant Minister to see whether they need to come forward with a statement. Alternatively, the hon. Gentleman may want to call for a debate on the subject, either in Westminster Hall or an Adjournment debate at the end of the day, so that other colleagues can join him in putting questions to the Minister.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Ian Sollom

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I need to be careful because I am travelling back to my constituency later today—or that is the plan—but I do join my hon. Friend in congratulating everyone who contributed to making City Day in Southend such a huge success. During these anniversaries, we are reminded of the important work that Sir David Amess did, and we remember him with respect and fondness. I wish all communities well in seeking to be the UK town of culture, including Leigh-on-Sea but also, I should say, North Shields in my own constituency.

[Ian Sollom (St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire) (LD)]

Following on from that, St Neots is the fastest growing town in Cambridgeshire, and our community-led festival has attracted 35,000 people in recent years, demonstrating the extraordinary cultural energy of the town. With the UK town of culture expression of interest deadline falling on 31 March, will the Leader of the House find time when we return from recess for a debate on the competition, so that Members can champion fully their towns before the spring shortlist is announced, and the Government can hear exactly why St Neots should win?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The hon. Gentleman is doing his job, which is to stand up for his constituency. I will certainly look at his suggestion. There is a process under way, and I wish all the best to everyone seeking to get involved.