Business of the House

Alan Strickland Excerpts

Thursday 18th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely join my hon. Friend in welcoming the Pride in Place funding, which his constituency and many others are receiving. The reality is that the previous Government let down local communities, and the Scottish Government are doing the same, despite the fact that they received the largest funding settlement since devolution. We, on the other hand, are giving constituents not only the investment but the powers that they need to make changes locally so that they can deliver on the real change they want to see in their local communities.

[Alan Strickland (Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor) (Lab)]

My constituents Mellissa and Nikita were left devastated a few months ago when their four-month-old puppy was mauled to death in the streets by XL bullies that had escaped from a nearby house. Nikita, who is just 18, needed hospital treatment for the serious wounds that she sustained in the attack. The family is campaigning to reduce the risk of further attacks like this around the country involving dangerous breeds. Will the Leader of the House help me meet the relevant Minister to discuss how the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is being implemented and whether there is more that the Government, police and other agencies can do to reduce the risk of such incidents happening in future?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am sorry to hear of the case that my hon. Friend raises. I wish the family well, Nikita in particular. We are committed to making sure that the XL bully ban is fully implemented and enforced. Owners of any breed of dog dangerously out of control are breaking the law. I will certainly ensure that my hon. Friend gets the meeting that he asked for.