Business of the House
Debate between Alan Campbell and Wendy Chamberlain(1 week ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
I know that veterinary costs will be a real concern for many, and I say that as a pet owner. The Government will consider any remedies from the Competition and Markets Authority’s final report next year, but in the meantime if my hon. Friend could secure a debate, I am sure that many hon. Members from across the House would share her concerns.
Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
My constituent fled Ukraine after Russia’s illegal invasion. She is now 89 and disabled after suffering a stroke here in the UK, and is therefore bed-bound and needs specialist care. She recently applied to renew her visa, but the Home Office told her that her existing documents were no longer recognised, she needed a new passport, and it could not take account of her personal circumstances. That meant that she was required to travel to Edinburgh, but the consulate has no disabled access so she could not enter. She tried to give her signature seven times using her left hand, because she can no longer use her right hand, but she has been told that those documents are unlikely to be accepted. She still does not have a renewed visa. Will the Leader of the House help me to get support for my constituent? Does he agree that we need to have a debate in Government time about the seeming lack of compassion from the Home Office in how it deals with such cases?
Sir Alan Campbell
If the hon. Lady gives me details of that case, I will do everything that I can to help her constituent.
Business of the House
Debate between Alan Campbell and Wendy Chamberlain(2 weeks ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for raising this matter, which is raised often during business questions. It is very frustrating that the situation continues. The Government are absolutely clear that we want to see an end to the dispute at the earliest opportunity. I will raise his concerns with the relevant Minister and ensure that the House is updated when the situation changes.
Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
As part of the visa process, academics and researchers coming to our universities from other countries to do research in sensitive fields rightly have to go through extra security checks. This is known as the academic technology approval scheme. I have been supporting a constituent who had to apply for his visa to be extended, and the checks had to be done again. We had the usual delays, but sadly the gentleman’s father died. We tried to get the process expedited, but unfortunately it has been a frustrating process. The ATAS process is run and overseen by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, but everyone we spoke to there said they had never heard of it and referred us back to the Home Office, which has no power over it at all. Will the Leader of the House ensure that there is an urgent review of the oversight of the scheme, including how MPs engage with it, and update the House at his earliest convenience?
Sir Alan Campbell
It is important that we have clarity on these schemes, because the ability of academics to come to this country to work and study is an important part of the life of our higher education institutions. I will draw the issue to the attention of the Foreign Office in order to get to the bottom of it, find out what the accurate picture is and make it aware of the hon. Lady’s concerns.
Business of the House
Debate between Alan Campbell and Wendy Chamberlain(1 month, 3 weeks ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
It must be a worrying time for residents of high flats. Local authorities and social landlords have a range of existing levers to tackle anti- social behaviour, including eviction. The Government expect them to use those levers responsibly and proportionately —but, importantly, where appropriate, we expect them to be used. This would make a powerful topic for a Westminster Hall debate and I encourage my hon. Friend to apply for one.
Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
Next month, the UK will be co-hosting the Global Fund replenishment summit with South Africa, but it has been reported that the UK will slash its own funding by 20%. It is estimated that such a cut will cause 82,000 more deaths in Africa and cost over £5 billion to its GDP. Will the Government have a debate on the Global Fund replenishment, so that the House can scrutinise these decisions before they are made?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Lady will know why the Government have made some decisions on the question of overseas aid, given the situation that we inherited. However, I understand her concerns, which will be echoed in constituencies across the country.