Business of the House

Debate between Ben Goldsborough and Alan Campbell

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this matter. As she acknowledges, it has been raised by many Members in the past few weeks and months as well as today. It is clear that these delays are unacceptable; this is not the service that people deserve. The Government acknowledge that resolving this issue is a matter of the utmost urgency. The Cabinet Office will continue to use all the available levers to hold Capita to account and ensure that it delivers on contractual service levels. Should she seek a debate on these matters, we already know that there are enough people in this room who have raised them to have a debate. She could then hear from a Minister about the progress being made.

[Ben Goldsborough (South Norfolk) (Lab)]

The constituents, businesses and residents of Wymondham are sick to the back teeth of not having a mobile phone signal for nearly a month now. The companies have fobbed us off with excuses and have given no information about this happening. Will the Leader of the House help me to secure a meeting with the relevant Minister so that I can raise my serious concerns about mobile phone companies not looking after their customers?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As my hon. Friend will know, we are working with telecom companies to reduce poor mobile signal, particularly in rural areas. We have announced the shared rural network deal, which aims to deliver 4G coverage to 95% of all UK landmass by the end of 2025. I am very sorry to hear of what is happening in his constituency. Should he seek a meeting with the relevant Minister to vent his frustrations, I will help him to arrange that.

Business of the House

Debate between Ben Goldsborough and Alan Campbell

Thursday 5th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As I have said previously, the Government are very committed to tackling this matter wherever it prevails, and the hon. Member may wish to raise it directly with Ministers at Health and Social Care questions. However, if she wishes to speak to Health Ministers, I will endeavour to get her a meeting.

[Ben Goldsborough (South Norfolk) (Lab)]

Residents in Stoke, Holy Cross and Upper Stoke in South Norfolk have been terribly let down by Anglian Water. The company digs up the road every two seconds, which has meant that residents are cut off from the only bus service to Norwich. Can we have a debate in Government time about companies such as Anglian Water, which keep letting down our villages by doing bodge jobs rather than doing the job right the first time?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

That important matter has been raised with me previously. The previous Government should never have allowed the water sector to get into this state, because my hon. Friend’s constituents and all of our constituents deserve better. The water White Paper sets out our major reform plan, which secured £104 billion of investment to rebuild crumbling pipes and sewage works nationwide. I will ensure that Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Ministers hear my hon. Friend’s concerns.

Business of the House

Debate between Ben Goldsborough and Alan Campbell

Thursday 8th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

This Government are committed to improving the accessibility of Britain’s railways. We have confirmed £280 million for Access for All projects over the next four years. I am pleased to hear that development is under way at Mill Hill Broadway. I have been reassured that the DFT will update my hon. Friend and key stakeholders once the review has been completed.

[Ben Goldsborough (South Norfolk) (Lab)]

I have been working closely with local teacher and Labour Wymondham town councillor Lowell Doheny on the pressing issue of youth provision and wellbeing in our growing market town. Can we have a debate in Government time on youth provision, including access to affordable leisure and youth clubs, to explore how best the Labour Government can ensure that youth support keeps pace with expanding market towns?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend will know about the Government’s commitment to the youth strategy going forward. We have heard his concerns. It is not about any particular area; it is about all areas where young people get the support and access they need. I will ensure that his concerns are drawn to the attention of the relevant Minister.