Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Michelle Scrogham

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The right hon. Gentleman raises an important local matter, and he is right to do so. He is also right to express his opinion that something is happening locally, because as I listened to his question, I reflected on the fact that ambulance wait times are down, and admissions to A&E are up. However, that is cold comfort to people in the right hon. Gentleman’s local trust area facing the issues that he has outlined. An Adjournment debate, in which he can put questions directly to the relevant Minister and get answers, is one way forward; alternatively, if he wants to meet a Minister and make those points to them directly, I will help him to arrange a meeting.

[Michelle Scrogham (Barrow and Furness) (Lab)]

The Leader of the House knows how proud I am of Barrow and Furness. Since the election, this Government have announced, among other things, £7 million for our local health centres, £19 million for bus routes, £5 million for a brilliant futures fund, £4 million for our university, £20 million from the pride in place fund, and part of £175 million for one of five defence technical colleges, not to mention a £200 million transformation fund. However, we still hear Opposition parties that have no ambition for the area talking it down. Does the Leader of the House agree that we will ensure that all these incredible opportunities are used fully, and that Barrow is too important to fail?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As we can hear, my hon. Friend is a staunch advocate for her constituency, and she is absolutely right to highlight the transformational investments that the Government are making in her communities and many others. Every penny of this funding should work hard for our constituents, and I absolutely agree with her that local leaders must use opportunities to their full potential. It is important that all parties locally, and indeed in this House, talk up the local communities where that work is being done.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Michelle Scrogham

Thursday 14th May 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The hon. Gentleman raises a very important matter, and I pay tribute to the Dogs Trust and Trinity Winchester for their fantastic work. He is right to point out that there should be absolutely no barrier in the way of anyone fleeing domestic abuse, whether it be worry about a pet or anything else. The Government are absolutely committed to ensuring that victims in those circumstances get the support that they need, and that nothing stands in the way of their accessing that support.

[Michelle Scrogham (Barrow and Furness) (Lab)]

Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating Shed One Distillery in my hometown of Ulverston on being selected as a finalist in VisitEngland’s awards for excellence? Does he agree with me that Barrow and Furness, the most beautiful constituency in the country, has much to offer visitors of all ages, and will he visit, to sample the award-winning gin and meet some fantastic tourism businesses?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely join my hon. Friend in congratulating Shed One Distillery and all the nominees for this year’s VisitEngland awards. She may have some competition for the most beautiful constituency, but I thank her for highlighting the vital contribution that tourism makes to our national economy. I too am happy and lucky to have a constituency that is a popular tourist destination, and I would be delighted to take up her offer of a visit, should my diary allow.