Business of the House
Debate between Alan Campbell and Josh Babarinde(2 weeks ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
I join my hon. Friend in celebrating the incredible work of teaching assistants, and I congratulate the young people on their campaign in support of those who do work that is vital to our education system. The reality is that teaching assistants play a significant role in our children’s education and life chances. I will give some thought to how the campaign can continue, and I thank my hon. Friend for raising it on the Floor of the House. My advice to the children themselves is, “Work with your fantastic MP and see how this campaign can progress.”
Josh Babarinde (Eastbourne) (LD)
Many people on repeat prescriptions rely on NHS 111’s emergency prescription service to get the meds they need if they have unexpectedly run out. However, I have learned through my own experience that if somebody is in a moving vehicle, NHS 111 will not proceed to have a conversation with them until they are stationary. Many residents on long public transport journeys, for example, are therefore delayed in getting the medication they need. To address this issue, will the Leader of the House help me to arrange a meeting with the relevant Health Minister?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Gentleman makes an important point on a matter I was unaware of. As someone who seeks a repeat prescription, I will ensure that I do not do it when I am travelling. That is a new one to me, and I will seek a meeting with a Health Minister so that we can explore it.
Business of the House
Debate between Alan Campbell and Josh Babarinde(4 weeks ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
My hon. Friend knows that I share very much his concern about the state of some coastal towns and his ambition to make them better. He is a tireless campaigner for Blackpool. There is clearly the potential for economic growth, investment and jobs in his constituency with the scheme that he talks about, and the Government want to see all those things in every part of the country, including in coastal areas such as Blackpool. That is another point that probably falls within the parameters of a contribution to the Budget debate, because supporting coastal towns is a very important part of what the Government seek to do.
Josh Babarinde (Eastbourne) (LD)
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, yet it is also the day when leaked Equalities and Human Rights Commission guidance on single-sex services has indicated, shockingly, that people could be challenged on their sex because of
“their appearance, behaviour or concerns by others”
and turned away if
“there is any doubt that they are telling the truth”.
That would unacceptably result in trans and non-binary people—and potentially anyone—being questioned because of how they look, and it would be unworkable for businesses and service providers. Will the Government commit to putting a workable and inclusive proposal before the House so that the Liberal Democrats can protect hard-won rights and dignity?
Sir Alan Campbell
Before I answer, may I wish the hon. Gentleman all the very best wishes? He got engaged this week—indeed, he got engaged in this very Chamber.
The Government respect the court judgment. This is a serious matter, and there are clearly different views on it, but the Government are absolutely committed to bringing forward proposals at the earliest opportunity and giving the House an opportunity to discuss them.