Business of the House

Debate between Amanda Martin and Alan Campbell

Thursday 18th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I hope that the operators have heard the right hon. Gentleman’s words, because this is an issue not just in his constituency, but elsewhere. The Government have attempted to tackle it, and we have done some really good things, but it continues to be an issue in some places. I will write to him after taking it up with the Transport Secretary—I think the Home Secretary will also have some responsibility for these matters—and get back to him.

[Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)]

I wish you and all the House staff a very merry Christmas, Mr Speaker.

I thank constituents for raising concerns about playgrounds in Stamshaw, Hilsea and Baffins that lack age-appropriate equipment and proper access for disabled children, which contribute to antisocial behaviour in those playgrounds. Will the Leader of the House make time for the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to update the House on how councils can access the £18 million that was announced in the Budget to refurbish playgrounds and on how sites can be prioritised, so that families in Pompey can once again enjoy safe places to play?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for her assiduous campaigning on behalf of her constituents, and join her in recognising the important part that playgrounds play in our social infrastructure. I will draw her request to the attention of Ministers and ensure that she gets a reply on the matter of how to access funding.

Business of the House

Debate between Amanda Martin and Alan Campbell

Thursday 13th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will draw that to the attention of the Secretary of State, but as the hon. Gentleman knows, there is a balance, which the Government want to achieve, between protecting nature and making sure that we have the houses this country needs.

[Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)]

During Remembrance Week we rightly honour the service and sacrifice of our armed forces and their families. Children from armed forces families often face unique challenges in education and mobility, yet data on their outcomes and experiences remains limited. There is a need for better recognition of service children in education policy, for improved national data collection and for sustained funding for the professionals supporting them. Will the Leader of the House allocate time for a debate on ensuring that service children receive whole-person, whole-journey support and evidence-based investment to help them thrive?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Children of armed forces families do face unique challenges. The Government are aware of this and recognise that we can do better by them than has been done in the past. This would be a good subject for a debate so that Members across the House can share experiences and Ministers can learn more about the way forward.