Business of the House

Brian Leishman Excerpts

Thursday 22nd January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

May I express my sympathies to concerned parents and students? From time to time, similar issues have arisen in my constituency, and I appreciate the concern and uncertainty that they create. My hon. Friend knows that this Government are committed to opportunity for all, and education, which is of vital importance, is central to that. I will ensure that she gets a meeting with a Minister, so that she can follow up on this issue as a matter of urgency.

[Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth) (Lab)]

Councillors across Scotland are preparing budgets and considering options, put forward by officers, that will mean cuts to vital public services. In Grangemouth, local residents are rightly worried about proposals to end maintenance of the beautiful Zetland Park, and for the closure of Grangemouth sports complex, which would removing swimming and leisure facilities. The proposed cuts would be awful for Grangemouth residents of all ages. Will the Leader of the House join me in praising my constituents as they stand up for our communities, and agree that the only thing that should be cut in Grangemouth is the grass at Zetland Park?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I praise the efforts of local people in Grangemouth. As my hon. Friend knows, council funding in Scotland is a devolved matter, but as I have said on a number of occasions, the UK Government delivered the largest spending review settlement in the history of the Scottish Parliament, so there is nowhere for local authorities, and indeed the Scottish Government, to hide on these matters. Residents in Grangemouth should expect that record funding to deliver the services that they need and enjoy, and I wish my hon. Friend and his campaigners luck in their efforts.