Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Rachel Taylor

Thursday 11th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I know this issue is of serious concern to many women. It has been raised on numerous occasions in the House, and we want to resolve the matter as soon as we can. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has committed to updating the House on any decision as soon as a conclusion is reached.

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

The last Saturday in November in Atherstone is marked by our wonderful Dickens night. It is always brilliant to see my home town so busy. There are stalls, the Christmas lights are switched on, and Santa in his grotto; Arthur Stone, our town mascot, is walking around; and then there is a firework finale. These events would never happen without the hours of work put in by volunteers like Dave and the Dickens night committee. Would the Leader of the House consider joining us next year for Dickens night, and would he make time for a debate on the importance of volunteering?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

What a fantastic festive event! The contribution of volunteers to events like these is invaluable. It has a real impact in bringing communities together, and is in the best of our traditions. I thank everyone volunteering at this festive period for their contribution. I will certainly look at my diary to see whether I am available next year, but I am in danger of making Scrooge look cheerful.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Rachel Taylor

Thursday 27th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

Residents of Water Orton in my constituency have been plagued by HS2 works for years. Dust covering their cars and washing and now a really disgusting fishy smell are just some of the problems they are having to put up with. My constituents have told me that this is affecting their health. I have been raising this issue with HS2 since I was elected. Residents in Water Orton have been put through unacceptable levels of disruption. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the impact of HS2 works on local residents’ health?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am sorry to hear of the case my hon. Friend raises and the impact on her constituents. She is a very strong voice in this place for her constituents and she is right to raise these matters. It is important that impacts are minimised as far as is reasonably practicable. I understand that HS2 is aware of the concerns and is taking action to address them, but of course that needs to be monitored. I will ensure that the relevant Minister hears about these specific concerns.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Rachel Taylor

Thursday 23rd October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

First, any discussion of this issue needs to begin with the simple, important fact that at the heart of this should be remembering the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, so we do that. The question of titles is primarily a question for His Majesty. I know that there has been speculation about legislation, but the palace has been clear that it recognises that there are other matters that this House needs to be getting on with, and we are guided in this by the palace. That does not mean that the House cannot find ways to debate these matters, whether it be the matter of titles or of the finances, which I know are also under question. The right hon. Gentleman has been here long enough to find a way to make that happen.

[Rachel Taylor (North Warwickshire and Bedworth) (Lab)]

It is time to end the taboo around the menopause. Today’s Government announcement that menopause will be included in the 40-plus health check is a huge step in the right direction. It will mean that women across my constituency of North Warwickshire and Bedworth will get the medical support that they need. However, we must go further so that every woman gets the support that she needs in her workplace. Will the Leader of the House support a debate in Government time on how to work across Government to ensure that managers, departments and businesses give all women the support that they need in the workplace in order to thrive?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right: it is time to end the taboo, and I pay tribute to her for her campaigning on this important issue. We are improving menopause support through the Employment Rights Bill, which will require employers to produce an action plan showing what they are doing to support menopausal staff. There was a Westminster Hall debate last week to mark World Menopause Day, and I am sure that there will be further opportunities for Members to discuss these matters.