Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Kim Johnson

Thursday 27th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I understand the concern of residents, particularly in areas where there is a local plan. The Government have brought forward robust measures to ensure that house building takes place, and I gently remind the hon. Member that people do need places to live. We need more houses, and housing will be one of the engines that drives economic growth. It is a matter of balancing these matters, so I understand her constituents’ concerns, but it is about building the houses where people need to live.

[Kim Johnson (Liverpool Riverside) (Lab)]

Forty-one years ago, 37 Cammell Laird workers were imprisoned for protecting their jobs and protecting shipbuilding on Merseyside, and they are still waiting to clear their names. Last year, the former Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Swindon South (Heidi Alexander), said that her Department would consider and explore options for review and provide an update, but there has been no update, no review and still no justice for these men who were wrongfully criminalised for standing up for their rights in the workplace. Can the Leader of the House set aside Government time for a full debate on the Cammell Laird 37 and ensure that Ministers finally set out what action they will take to deliver exoneration for the Cammell Laird 37?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will draw the matter to the attention of Ministers, because my hon. Friend is right that the people involved deserve an answer, and we will see what Ministers can do to provide that.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Kim Johnson

Thursday 11th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Kim Johnson (Liverpool Riverside) (Lab)]

I think I am the only MP who can say they have two amazing football stadiums and two majestic cathedrals in their constituency. Liverpool Riverside is in the top 10 areas nationally for jobs, economic income and economic value. However, the hospitality sector is still struggling to recover from covid and the rise in national insurance contributions. Will the Leader of the House allow for a debate in Government time to discuss how we can bring the UK closer to EU competitors by reducing VAT and providing the maximum discount for hospitality sites with a rateable value of under £500,000, to stimulate demand, boost competitiveness and keep venues open?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is a doughty campaigner not just for her constituency, but for her city. The Government are always concerned about the state of hospitality and making sure that we encourage investment in hospitality, which is at the centre of many of our constituencies, not least mine. We must ensure that there is not just decent pay and conditions, but respect for the people who work in the sector. I gently say to my hon. Friend that I know the importance of getting the tax situation right, but we need to raise national insurance contributions in order to fill a financial hole. These were not easy decisions, but they were made, and people cannot have it both ways—they cannot have more spending on public services or hospitality support unless we actually raise the money in the first place.