Business of the House

Andy MacNae Excerpts

Thursday 8th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Should those issues arise from the investigation that we have just been talking about, I am sure that there will be an opportunity for the hon. Gentleman to raise those concerns. However, the way that resources are deployed is a matter for the Mayor of London and I am sure that he is doing everything that he can to ensure that officers are deployed where they are most needed. It is an unsettling time for the people who are in that situation, but deployment is fundamentally a matter for the Mayor of London.

[Andy MacNae (Rossendale and Darwen) (Lab)]

A happy new year to you, Mr Speaker.

In this new year, I am looking forward to seeing how the policies that this Government have delivered in their first 18 months have a real impact on the day-to-day lives of people in Rossendale and Darwen. Despite much-needed investment, including from the Pride in Place programme, Rossendale remains the only borough in the north with no commuter rail link. The fragmented nature of Lancashire politics has held that back for years, but the local government reorganisation that this Government are delivering now finally gives us the chance to give this project a fresh start. Will the Leader of the House agree to a debate in Government time on how devolution can enable projects, such as the Rawtenstall rail link, to deliver vital transport to local areas?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will deliver on the Government’s commitment to widen and deepen devolution across England and give communities stronger tools to shape their local areas. We are committed to delivering and improving the infrastructure that communities need, as outlined in our 10-year infrastructure strategy. I encourage my hon. Friend to raise this matter at the upcoming Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government oral questions.