Business of the House

Clive Jones Excerpts

Thursday 11th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)]

I want to get as many people in as possible, so could Members please help each other out by keeping questions short?

[Clive Jones (Wokingham) (LD)]

Loneliness and social isolation are sadly common problems among older people. In Wokingham, the Link Visiting Scheme has spent 27 years tackling this problem, matching volunteers with the elderly and running projects to build friendships. This year alone they have helped over 1,000 people. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the Link Visiting Scheme on being awarded charity of the year at the Great British business and community awards?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly will. That is a huge achievement and it is fantastic for the hon. Gentleman’s constituents, but this is also an opportunity to thank volunteers and charities not just in his constituency but across our country who do such fantastic work on loneliness and other matters. These issues come into sharp focus at this time of year, of course, and I pay tribute to the charity.