Business of the House

Debate between Anna Gelderd and Alan Campbell

Thursday 23rd April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that matter. As I said previously, Sir David Attenborough has been instrumental in teaching generations about the importance of the natural world. I am sure that the whole House will join me in celebrating the monumental occasion of Sir David’s 100th birthday, and let us give some thought across the House to how best we can mark that.

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

In South East Cornwall we are rightly very proud of Cornwall Air Ambulance, which, along with more than 20 air ambulance charities across the UK, carries out vital lifesaving work, responding to over 130 missions daily and attending some of the most serious incidents, from road traffic collisions to cardiac arrests and major trauma. Cornwall Air Ambulance has raised concerns with me about emergency planning, particularly around fuel resilience and rising costs. Will the Leader of the House support me in securing a meeting with the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that Cornwall Air Ambulance and other air ambulance charities are fully included in national emergency and prioritisation planning, so that they can continue to deliver critical care without disruption?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising the important work of the Cornwall Air Ambulance charity and wholeheartedly join her in commending the vital work of the volunteers who keep these essential services in the sky. I will certainly take up her concerns with my right hon. Friend the Health Secretary to seek the meeting that she wants, but because it may not simply be a matter for the Department of Health and Social Care, let us give some consideration to how else we can resolve this matter at a ministerial level.

Business of the House

Debate between Anna Gelderd and Alan Campbell

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

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

People in South East Cornwall regularly contact me with serious concerns about poor property management practices, such as high service charges and limited accountability from managing agents, including FirstPort. I am also hearing from residents who face new admin fees from housing providers, including £66 for every household just to issue an invoice for grass cutting. Will the Leader of the House ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to provide an update on progress towards improving accountability of managing agents and protecting my residents from unfair charges?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend raises a concerning and serious matter. Our draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill will end the feudal leasehold system. The measures it contains are not the final steps we intend to take regarding the regulation of managing agents, and we will set out further details in due course. However, I will make sure that the relevant Minister hears my hon. Friend’s concerns and gives her the update she seeks.

Business of the House

Debate between Anna Gelderd and Alan Campbell

Thursday 8th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I was pleased to have a meeting with my hon. Friend earlier this week. He once again demonstrates that he is a champion for Cornwall. I am pleased to record that there is some success in the campaigning that has been done by our fantastic MPs in that part of the country. I will be happy to facilitate the meeting that he requests.

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

Meur ras, Madam Deputy Speaker, and happy new year to you and your office.

This year provides an opportunity to secure our vital local and national infrastructure, so I ask the Leader of the House for Government time to be allocated to discuss the impact on local residents and businesses of the Tamar bridge and Torpoint ferry tolls, including the recent proposal to increase the monthly admin fee for TamarTag holders. It has resulted in an extraordinary meeting of those responsible for the crossings to be held next week, following opposition from myself, fellow Labour MPs and other local residents.

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I was pleased to have a meeting with my hon. Friend this week, during which she raised this matter with me and stressed the importance of the Tamar crossings to the communities she serves. The toll levels were set by the operator and the council, and it is for them to assess the impacts for local residents and businesses. Should she apply for a Westminster Hall debate on Tamar bridge, I am sure that it would be well attended and she could highlight her concerns.