Business of the House

Debate between Catherine Atkinson and Alan Campbell

Thursday 11th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As the hon. Gentleman points out, the winter crisis has started early this year—not least because of the flu situation—so our hospitals are under enormous pressure. A number of hospitals need capital expenditure; we inherited crumbling public services and, in many cases, a crumbling NHS estate, so that will take some time. However, despite the fact that the hon. Gentleman shares his hospital with the Secretary of State, should he wish to discuss these matters with a Health Minister and see what can be done, I will facilitate that meeting.

[Catherine Atkinson (Derby North) (Lab)]

I put on record my thanks to Mr Speaker for hosting a fantastic celebration of deaf talent and achievement in Speaker’s House last month, with deaf role models including Tasha Ghouri. It was an honour to help organise it when I was chair of the all-party parliamentary group on deafness, supported by charities including the Royal National Institute for Deaf People and SignHealth. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was last week, but every single day must be an opportunity to break down barriers. Does the Leader of the House agree that deafness should never be a barrier to a successful career, and can we have a debate on widening opportunity for disabled people across every sector?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend continues to be a champion for deaf people in this House, and I commend her for that. I absolutely agree that no disability should be a barrier to a successful career. The Government are championing disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. Our Get Britain Working plan will support many people to enter and to stay in work. An Adjournment debate, and perhaps even the pre-recess Adjournment debate, would provide a good opportunity for her to give further detail about this important matter.

Business of the House

Debate between Catherine Atkinson and Alan Campbell

Thursday 13th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As a coastal MP, I absolutely endorse what the hon. Gentleman has said, and if people want to see fantastic regeneration in action, they should come to Whitley Bay. That was the result of the previous Labour Government’s funding and commitment, but the hon. Gentleman’s Government continued it, and it is important that this Government continue it too, as we intend to. This is a really good topic. There are lots of coastal MPs in this place, and I am sure that a debate on the issue, if he sought one from the Backbench Business Committee, would be timely.

[Catherine Atkinson (Derby North) (Lab)]

I was pleased to attend the opening of new mental health facilities at Kingsway hospital in Derby. It marks a huge step forward in the care available for local people, and gives patients greater dignity, privacy, and the support of the surroundings that they need on their journey to recovery. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating all those involved in delivering that fantastic project, and will he find time for a debate on how we can continue to improve mental health provision across the country, particularly for adults requiring acute care?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this matter, which is of absolute importance to the Government in the work that they are doing. I join her in congratulating everyone involved in the project that she mentions, as well as those doing fantastic work in quite difficult circumstances across our country. I am sure that in future there will be a debate in which she can discuss the matter further.

Business of the House

Debate between Catherine Atkinson and Alan Campbell

Thursday 23rd October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As I said earlier, we are determined to bring forward the framework. When that happens, I will make sure the Health Secretary hears the hon. Lady’s call to accompany that with a statement, so that she can hold Ministers to account.

[Catherine Atkinson (Derby North) (Lab)]

It is brilliant that new playgrounds are being built in Derby, including in Stockbrook Park and in Knightsbridge in Mackworth. Stockbrook Park is also home to an incredible local grassroots football club, the Stockbrook Colts, whose play has been stopped because the pitch they play on is unusable and in need of repair. They deserve a ground that matches the effort they put in. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on grassroots football and its importance to our local communities?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Grassroots sports clubs are at the heart of our local communities, and I am genuinely sorry to hear of the issue that my hon. Friend raises on behalf of her constituents; I know she is doing everything she can to support them. She may wish to apply for a Backbench Business debate, to express her concerns and to hear from Ministers about our £400 million investment in grassroots sports facilities across the UK.