Business of the House

Debate between Alec Shelbrooke and Alan Campbell

Thursday 25th June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for this well-timed question during Armed Forces Week. I join her in congratulating Donna Louise Armstrong on her years of service to her local community and on her very well deserved British Empire Medal for services to our veterans community. Her friends and family should be very proud of her.

[Sir Alec Shelbrooke (Wetherby and Easingwold) (Con)]

In the past hour and a half, I have received several emails and telephone calls. Let me read one of the emails:

“I am writing this email as I have been reliably informed that bidding has commenced for turning Linton-on-Ouse RAF base into an immigration detention centre. I am deeply concerned as this proposal was put forward four years ago and caused great stress and turmoil to our local community. I would also like to know why the local community was not informed of this decision before the decision was made to use the base for something that was deemed unsuitable years ago.”

May I ask the Leader of the House whether we might have a statement before the end of today’s business so that some of these questions may be put directly to the Minister before we break for the weekend?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

That matter was raised earlier, and I understand Members’ concerns. Let me take this away and see if we can get the assurance that the right hon. Gentleman and others are seeking.