Business of the House

Brian Leishman Excerpts

Thursday 8th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[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.

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

The legendary Jock Stein famously once said that football without fans is nothing, and of course he was absolutely correct. I invite the Leader of the House to join me in recognising the fantastic Alloa Athletic football memories group, led by John Glencross, which meets up regularly to talk about all things football. The meetings support people living with dementia and some who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation. It is an example of great camaraderie, friendship and community spirit.

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will certainly join my hon. Friend in thanking the Alloa Athletic memories group for all the work it does. I was reflecting the other day on how that part of the world has produced not only so many fantastic footballers, but players who go on to be fantastic managers, so I am sure the group has a lot to talk about.

Business of the House

Brian Leishman Excerpts

Thursday 27th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join my hon. Friend, who is a great champion of education and opportunity for young people in his constituency and his area. He is absolutely right that Reform’s message on the closure of important courses at the Alloa campus is an insult to not only lecturers and teachers, but to the choice that students themselves make. Scotland has a proud tradition and record on education, and it is unfortunate that Reform UK seems determined to undermine it and talk it down.

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

It is Family Business Week. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the Natalie Couper Dance Academy? Whether it is for jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, freestyle, acrobatics or any kind of dance, those who come to the academy are treated like family by Natalie and Korrie. It is fantastic that they are expanding their business again in January 2026, and I loved visiting them and taking part in a dance session—even though Natalie’s granny Maggie said I had two left feet, which was correct.

Business of the House

Brian Leishman Excerpts

Thursday 23rd October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

It is not good enough to explain away such delays by simply saying that they happen and that people should stand in a queue. I think we all sometimes get frustrated at the work that ombudsmen do, though they do important work. I will draw the point to the attention of the appropriate Minister to get a response for the hon. Lady.

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

From his first stage performance in the Alloa town hall with the brilliant Forefront stage school to starring as Orpheus in “Hadestown” at the Lyric theatre in London, what a journey Tillicoultry actor Dylan Wood has been on from the wee county to the west end. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating Dylan on his fantastic theatre run? Does he agree that Dylan is an inspiration to young people across Alloa and Grangemouth to pursue a career in the creative arts?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Absolutely. I also congratulate Dylan; it is really important that people get the opportunity to shine and show their talents, and I wish him well.

Business of the House

Brian Leishman Excerpts

Thursday 16th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)]

For the final question, I call Brian Leishman.

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

As an enthusiastic but error-prone goalkeeper, and having been a golf professional for 23 years, many will say that I have still to find a sport that I am any good at and they will be absolutely correct. Someone from my constituency who is excellent at sport is Ruby Henderson from Sauchie. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating Ruby for winning a silver and bronze medal at last week’s taekwondo youth world championships in Croatia?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As my hon. Friend can see, I never found a sport I was very good at either. Success in sport is fantastic, particularly for young people. It is such an important part of growing confidence and giving pride. I am sure that Ruby’s family and friends and the whole community are extraordinarily proud of that achievement.