Business of the House

Bayo Alaba Excerpts

Thursday 5th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I express my deepest sympathy for my hon. Friend’s constituent. The situation described is simply unacceptable. Our draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill will end the feudal leasehold system. I reassure my hon. Friend that the measures he refers to are not the final steps. We intend to take further steps on the regulation of managing agents, and we will set out further details in due course.

[Mr Bayo Alaba (Southend East and Rochford) (Lab)]

I understand that in the United Kingdom, our universities operate as businesses independent from the Government. However, given the unacceptable lack of transparency from the senior leadership team at the University of Essex on the decision to close its Southend campus, can the Leader of the House facilitate a meeting with the Prime Minister, the Department for Education and the University of Essex leadership team to discuss the continuation of the university’s presence in Southend?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I understand the concerns that my hon. Friend raises. Should he wish to have a meeting with the Minister responsible for further education, I will help him to arrange one.