Business of the House

Debate between Alistair Strathern and Alan Campbell

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The North sea is a critical asset and the Government understand the vital role it will play in the future. It is Britain’s greatest asset in building our energy future. It gives Scotland and the rest of Britain the chance to lead in offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen, alongside oil and gas production. It is such an important matter that I will help to facilitate the meeting that the hon. Gentleman asks for.

[Alistair Strathern (Hitchin) (Lab)]

The events in the middle east have shown how exposed we remain to polluting and volatile oil and gas markets. Moving on to clean, domestically secure power is the long-term solution, but in the short term we should not allow gas producers to profiteer while they still far too often set the market price. Analysis by Greenpeace and Stonehaven suggests that we could save millions for households and businesses across the UK by moving gas-powered stations into a regulated asset base. May we have a statement from the Energy Secretary on how we can drive through such important market reforms, so that consumers and businesses across the UK can get much-needed money off their energy bills?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Throughout this conflict, our first priority has been to help households with the cost of living. That underlines our need to focus on clean, homegrown energy. As the role of gas diminishes, we will continue to explore how market and system arrangements can evolve to minimise its impact on consumer bills. We will learn the lessons from the current situation we find ourselves in. I encourage my hon. Friend to raise his specific concerns at Energy Security and Net Zero questions next week.

Business of the House

Debate between Alistair Strathern and Alan Campbell

Thursday 4th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will certainly take that point back and find out where the strategy is. It is a really important strategy, and it is important that the Government bring it forward, not least because my postbag is full of people who are genuinely concerned about animal welfare, as I am. If we have said that it will happen before the end of the year, of course that is our ambition. However, I gently say to the hon. Gentleman that it is sometimes more important to get these things absolutely right than to hit an artificial deadline. I will go and find out where the strategy is and raise the matter with Ministers.

[Alistair Strathern (Hitchin) (Lab)]

The people of the Stotfold Good Neighbour Group have been far more than just good friends for lots of people in their community; they go above and beyond to be a crucial lifeline for many who would otherwise be isolated, helping with trips to the doctor and hospitals and crucial shopping trips. With the group having completed more than 15,000 connections for the town, will the Leader of the House join me in thanking all the volunteers who make it possible? Will he also join me in celebrating the very welcome news that they are being recognised with the King’s award for voluntary service?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely join my hon. Friend in congratulating the Stotfold Good Neighbour Group on receiving the prestigious King’s award for voluntary service, which is the highest award for local volunteering groups in the UK. I have said before, and it remains true, that volunteers are the bedrock of our communities, and I hope that the award gives them well-deserved recognition and appreciation.

Business of the House

Debate between Alistair Strathern and Alan Campbell

Thursday 13th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for the way he raises this matter. I will give a commitment that if we are able to find time for this debate, I will speak to him and those on his Front Bench to ensure that if the House agrees to the motion in that debate, which I suspect it will, it will be one of unity across the House.

[Alistair Strathern (Hitchin) (Lab)]

Last week I had the privilege of visiting Hitchin boys’ school to listen to pupils across the year groups debating how we could do more to protect them from online harm, and I think we could probably learn some things from their thoughtful, considerate and informed approach. The debate was informed by some deep and troubling testimony about the risks they have been exposed to online. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the pupils on having such a fantastic discussion on this important topic, and could we have a debate here about what more the Government can do to protect young people right across the country?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely join my hon. Friend in congratulating the pupils of Hitchin boys’ school, who were discussing a topic of huge importance. The Online Safety Act 2023 provides stronger protection for children, and we have launched a study into the effects of smartphone and social media use on children. My hon. Friend may wish to seek a debate in order to make those points to the whole House.