Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Laura Kyrke-Smith

Thursday 5th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to raise this terrible case. Simply because the perpetrator is no longer here does not mean that the suffering gets any better for the people who have been affected. I am sure the Metropolitan police will have heard the right hon. Gentleman’s comments this morning, but I will raise the matter with the Home Secretary to see whether further progress can be made.

[Laura Kyrke-Smith (Aylesbury) (Lab)]

Churches are at the heart of our communities, and I have heard from residents who go to St Peter and St Paul’s in Wingrave, St Michael’s in Aston Clinton and St Mary’s in Aylesbury, among others, about the importance of the listed places of worship grant scheme in helping to preserve historic church buildings. Can the Leader of the House therefore confirm whether that funding will be continued? What steps will be taken to protect smaller congregations if so, and can he ensure that this House debates the importance of churches in our communities?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I have said from the Dispatch Box on a number of occasions just how important churches are to local communities, and historic churches, whether in rural or urban areas, have a particular role to play in communities and in our proud history. I will get an update for my hon. Friend from the relevant Department about the future of that programme, because I know it is of importance to many churches and Church organisations across the country.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Laura Kyrke-Smith

Thursday 4th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am happy to do so. There should be no democratic backsliding by Georgia. The UK Government are concerned about what is happening. We want to see that country continue on a trajectory in the direction of democracy. We are working, not just on our own but with European colleagues, to ensure that Georgia adheres to democratic norms. I will ensure that the Foreign Secretary hears the right hon. Gentleman’s concerns, and should there be a need for a statement at some point, I am sure that a Minister will make one.

[Laura Kyrke-Smith (Aylesbury) (Lab)]

In Aylesbury, the average waiting time for a driving test at the local test centre is now 19 weeks. One constituent told me about the substantial financial toll, which can run into the thousands of pounds and places an unreasonable burden on families—that is not to mention the stress. I welcome the Government’s action, including deploying more driving examiners and reducing the ability of bots to book test slots, but driving instructors tell me that the problem is not solved yet. Will the Leader of the House advise me on what more I can do to ensure that we get new drivers on to the roads?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is doing just that by raising this matter on the Floor of the House, as I am sure she will continue to do—this matter is important to her and many other Members. As she points out, we are taking action to deliver additional driving tests and to prevent learners from being exploited by online bots. I will ensure that the Minister has heard what she said, and that they continue to keep the House updated on these matters.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Laura Kyrke-Smith

Thursday 13th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The hon. Gentleman can seek either an Adjournment debate—that is probably the best route —or a Backbench Business debate to raise those matters and have a Minister set out why that decision was made, if what he says is accurate.

[Laura Kyrke-Smith (Aylesbury) (Lab)]

Today marks the start of Transgender Awareness Week. I express my solidarity with and respect for the trans community in Aylesbury. When I met a local LGBTQ+ group recently, we discussed the urgent need to end the harmful practice of conversion therapy. Labour committed to doing so in our manifesto, so will the Leader of the House update me on when that matter will be given parliamentary time?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

We are committed to bringing forward legislation to ban these abusive practices. It was, as my hon. Friend says, and is a key manifesto commitment. I cannot give her an exact time, but when the legislation does come forward, there will be plenty of time for debate on the matters that she raises.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Laura Kyrke-Smith

Thursday 16th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Community groups are the golden thread that run through our communities and hold them together, so the hon. Member should be credited with raising these matters, which are important because community groups often struggle. She should perhaps— I might not be forgiven for saying this—draw this issue to the attention of the Chancellor as we approach the Budget. She also has an opportunity to raise it as a matter for debate, because others may share her concern.

[Laura Kyrke-Smith (Aylesbury) (Lab)]

At my Whitchurch meet and greet, residents raised serious concerns about dangerous and disruptive heavy goods vehicle traffic on Oving Road. One warned me that soon there will be a nasty accident, yet the route remains unrestricted for HGVs. Will the Leader of the House allow time for a debate on the impact of HGV traffic on our villages? Does he agree that local authorities such as Buckinghamshire council should make full use of their powers to restrict or prohibit HGVs where that is possible?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

HGVs can have a negative effect on communities—both on safety and through their environmental impact—particularly in villages, where roads and pavements are often narrow. As my hon. Friend said, local traffic authorities have powers to restrict or prohibit the use of HGVs on any road. If they have the power and there is demand for it in a local area, they should use that power. I think that is a good topic for a Westminster Hall debate.