Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Richard Baker

Thursday 8th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will absolutely join my hon. Friend in recognising the legacy of Colin Brookes, and I extend my sympathies to his family and friends. Grassroots sport is an important part of our local communities. I thank Mr Brookes for his contribution not just to his local football club, but to the wider local community, and for the very positive impact that he had on the lives of people in his local area.

[Richard Baker (Glenrothes and Mid Fife) (Lab)]

Will the Leader of the House allocate time for a debate on tackling child poverty, and not only in the light of the Government’s decision to lift the two-child cap, but to recognise the vital work of the Multibank charity? That charity supports hundreds of children in my constituency, where the first Multibank was established by Gordon Brown and Bob Garmory, who most deservedly received an OBE in the new year’s honours list for his contributions to this amazing initiative.

[Sir Alan Campbell]

First, I congratulate Bob Garmory on his well-deserved OBE, which illustrates how vital the work my hon. Friend refers to really is. There will be ample time to debate child poverty when the legislation to remove the two-child benefit cap is considered by the House. At that time, we may see the disgraceful coalition that has been formed between the official Opposition and the Reform party not just in theory, but in practice. If they had their way, children in poverty would not get that help.

Business of the House

Debate between Alan Campbell and Richard Baker

Thursday 20th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is right to raise this issue; he is not the first to do so today, and he is certainly not the first to do so in the past few weeks. This is an important matter, particularly at this time of year. It is true that there are rules on the use of fireworks, but, as we all know, they are not always kept to. That would be a popular topic for a debate, judging by the number of people who raise it with me.

[Richard Baker (Glenrothes and Mid Fife) (Lab)]

rose—

[Richard Baker]

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating not only the famous and heroic Scottish football team on its qualification for the world cup this week, but the charity Fife Gingerbread in my constituency? It was also successful this week, as it was a finalist in the Centre for Social Justice UK charity awards. It was recognised for its stargazing strategy and brilliant work to tackle child poverty and promote employability for lone parents. Will the Leader of the House consider allocating time for Parliament to debate how we can best support the vital work of third-sector organisations in providing employability programmes?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating the Scottish football team. This is its first time qualifying for the world cup since 1998—in case Members need reminding, that was under a Labour Government too. I will absolutely join him in congratulating Fife Gingerbread on making it to the charity award finals, and I thank it and charities and volunteers across the country for the vital work they do to support families in tackling child poverty.