Business of the House

Ann Davies Excerpts

Thursday 9th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join my hon. Friend in congratulating everyone involved in bringing the re-enactment of the battle of Linlithgow bridge to life. As she rightly points out, volunteer organisations like Linlithgow civic trust play a vital part in our living historical memory, allowing us to connect with our heritage. I pay tribute to them for their work. If she wishes to enlighten the House further, she could do so in the pre-recess Adjournment debate next week.

[Ann Davies (Caerfyrddin) (PC)]

Can I welcome visitors from a very special school in Carmarthenshire, who have come to the House today? Three learners and their support staff have come the whole way from west Wales. Welcome to Westminster!

This Monday, a judicial review passed judgment on a case on land access, amid other matters, brought by a local landowner and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales against a private limited company—an energy company. That followed two court cases last year about landowners—people who had never been in trouble and had never been to court—being forced to give access to land or face legal bills of over £35,000. Why should farmers be forced to pay tens of thousands of pounds to defend their livelihoods? Will the Leader of the House allow a debate in Government time on meaningful community engagement between private limited energy companies and landowners, so that these bully-boy tactics are stopped?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

It sounds like a very concerning situation for the hon. Lady’s constituents. New energy infrastructure is important to ensure energy security, but it should be delivered through robust and proportionate consenting processes. Should she seek a Westminster Hall debate on the subject, I am sure that it would be well attended.