Business of the House

Charlie Dewhirst Excerpts

Thursday 23rd April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly join my hon. Friend and all those in this House in remembering the life and achievements of Tony Worthington. I knew Tony briefly, and I was certainly aware of the extraordinary campaigning he undertook and his success, not least on asbestos. It is not every MP who at the end of their career can claim success in the way that Tony Worthington could. I share the House’s sympathy and send our condolences to Tony’s family at this time. We remember his life, which was a life well lived.

[Charlie Dewhirst (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con)]

I wish you and the whole House a very happy St George’s day, Madam Deputy Speaker. Following the launch of the local media action plan, will the Leader of the House join me in celebrating local newspapers in my constituency such as the Bridlington Echo, the Bridlington Free Press, the Driffield & Wolds Weekly and the Holderness & Hornsea Gazette, and local radio stations including Bridlington Gold Radio, Great Driffield Radio and This is the Coast? Can we have a debate in Government time on the funding for local radio and for local newspapers, to ensure that that £12 million effectively reaches those brilliant independent outlets, so that they can innovate and attract high-quality journalism?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Government are certainly keen to see local newspapers and local radio continue, because they are so important to the lives of our communities. I will draw the hon. Gentleman’s remarks to the attention of the relevant Minister; if he wants to hear from the Minister directly about what more we can do with the fund, then he might seek an Adjournment debate.