Business of the House

Andrew Rosindell Excerpts

Thursday 12th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As my hon. Friend points out, this is the second time this matter has been raised today, which underlines its importance. Should he seek a debate, I am sure that others would join him in raising these important matters. I will certainly look into the idea of a roundtable before the summit.

[Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (Reform)]

Every year, for St George’s day, my local scouts in Romford have a parade and a service at a local church; in fact, there are two parades in Havering, as this also happens in Hornchurch. This year, however, the police have withdrawn support as they are not prepared to marshal the very short parade on the basis of cost. We pay in huge sums of money for the Metropolitan police and, as with any kind of event, I expect them to be there to look after the safety of the young people celebrating the patron saint of scouting. Will the Leader of the House allow time for a debate on the importance of celebrating St George’s day as part of our great English cultural heritage, as well as the failure of the Metropolitan police to ensure that the London borough of Havering is given the police cover that we deserve and pay for?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am sure that this was not an easy decision for the police, but I can understand the distress that it might cause. Even now, I hope that a local solution can be found. The hon. Gentleman raises the question of whether there will be a debate to commemorate St George’s day—let me see what we can do in that regard. Such a debate would give him and others the opportunity to raise issues like this one.