Business of the House

Anna Gelderd Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am grateful that the hon. Gentleman draws attention to one of the very popular measures in a very popular Budget, and I will take away what he has said. It is important that, when this money lands, the maximum number of people get the maximum amount of benefit.

[Anna Gelderd (South East Cornwall) (Lab)]

A historic American shipwreck off Tregonhawke beach in my constituency, the SS James Eagan Layne, has become a popular diving site and an important part of our local heritage. However, it continues to leak oil during severe storms, affecting a local surf school—a favourite of mine—and other maritime users. Temporary repairs have been carried out, but they have not provided a lasting solution. With responsibility for the wreck unclear, we risk being left in a cycle of pollution. Will the Leader of the House support me in working with the Department for Transport to establish responsibility, secure a permanent solution and explore whether our allies could contribute towards the cost? That would help to protect the seas and to safeguard local businesses and the local Ministry of Defence training facility without the UK taxpayer shouldering the full cost.

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As a coastal MP, I know how important local maritime heritage and the state of our seas are to our residents and to residents further afield. The Government take maritime pollution and the protection of local marine systems very seriously. I will ensure that Ministers in the Department for Transport are aware of my hon. Friend’s concerns; if she wants to have a meeting with them, I will help to arrange one.