Business of the House

Carolyn Harris Excerpts

Thursday 11th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will certainly draw the right hon. Gentleman’s case to the attention of Ministers. It is important to get good value for taxpayers’ money, wherever it is spent. I do not know the date of the original announcement, but if he is comparing this issue with announcements that might have been made and what the previous Government were going to do, I gently say that announcements were made and the money was never there. It is this Government who are trying to put that right.

[Carolyn Harris (Neath and Swansea East) (Lab)]

For the last nine years, the good people of south Wales have supported the “Everyone Deserves” campaign, which provides Christmas hampers and dinners for families across the region. What started on my kitchen table with 100 hampers now reaches families across six constituencies —families who may be struggling with loved ones in hospital or a child in special care, experiencing financial hardship, or living with a debilitating illness. If I promise the Leader of the House that I will not sing my very successful 2024 Christmas single at him, will he join me in thanking everyone who donates time, money and resource to make this event happen? Will he wish the 2,000 families who are supported by the campaign this year a very merry Christmas?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As usual, my hon. Friend pays tribute to the good people of south Wales and to her constituents. Apart from her song, let me pick out an important bit in what she said: this started on her kitchen table. It would not have happened and would not be the scale that it is without her fantastic dedication. It embodies the very best of community spirit, and I praise her and people across her community for making it happen. I am very sad that she is not releasing a Christmas song of her own this year, but there is always next year.