Business of the House

Danny Beales Excerpts

Thursday 10th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)]

I call Danny Beales to ask the last question.

[Danny Beales (Uxbridge and South Ruislip) (Lab)]

I would say you have saved the best to last, Madam Deputy Speaker, but you can be the judge of that.

My predecessor, when he was in this place, famously campaigned for a new fish and chip shop in Uxbridge. Now that he is the leader of the Conservative council, he seems to be closing the fish and chip shop that does exist in Hillingdon, along with the florist, the pharmacy, the hairdresser and the local convenience store. Local shops, whose landlord is the council, are facing a 100% rent increase, backdated for several years, all while repairs have not been done, sometimes for up to nine years. Does the Leader of the House agree that local businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and should be supported by councils? Can we have time for a debate in this place on the importance of local high streets?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right that small businesses are at the heart of our local economy, and our small business plan provides wide-ranging support for SMEs, including action on late payments and access to finance, business support and skills. It is disappointing, but not altogether surprising, to hear that Conservative-led Hillingdon council is letting businesses down in this way. I hope that it has heard his words today.