Business of the House

Catherine Atkinson Excerpts

Thursday 15th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for making such a powerful case for the restoration of that flight link. These links are vital for family travel, when there are bereavements, and for business, and I am sure that the airline has today heard from my hon. Friend about the strength of feeling about this subject in the Bangladeshi community in Rochdale and across the region. I certainly hope that it is listening to what he has said.

[Catherine Atkinson (Derby North) (Lab)]

The temporary bridge at Darley Abbey Mills was forced to close before Christmas due to sudden riverbank deterioration. No one is legally liable for the old bridge, and despite not owning it, the council built a temporary one in 2022 and is assessing whether it can be safely reopened. Our East Midlands Mayor has funded work to explore plans for a new bridge, but in the meantime, businesses have lost vital footfall and residents are worried about being cut off entirely if there is flooding. I have had many local meetings, but could the Leader of the House advise me on the best way to seek additional Government support when no one is liable for essential infrastructure, such as Darley Abbey bridge?