Business of the House

Debate between Danny Beales and Alan Campbell

Thursday 5th March 2026 Commons Chamber

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

This Wednesday marked Holi, a festival celebrated by millions around the world and here in the UK. Last year, I had the privilege of celebrating Holi with Hindu cultural groups in West Drayton and Uxbridge. We threw colourful paint and played traditional games, and children described what the first Holi festival that they celebrated meant to them. They will be celebrating again this Sunday, so will the Leader of the House join me in wishing them and all our constituents a happy Holi? Will he thank them for the contribution that they make to our communities and our country?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly join my hon. Friend and, I am sure, the rest of the House in wishing all our constituents a happy Holi. Festivals such as Holi bring our communities together—something that is more important than ever.

Business of the House

Debate between Danny Beales and Alan Campbell

Thursday 12th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Volunteer and community-led organisations are at the heart of our local communities, and the work that they do brings so much support to those in need. I join my hon. Friend in thanking organisations such as Dementia Heroes in his constituency. Every week, we hear from Members about the work of volunteers across our country, so if he sought a debate on the subject, I am sure that it would be popular.

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

The post office in Uxbridge provides vital services to my constituents. It gives access to banking services, to Government forms for applying for passports or driving licences, and to general postal services. That is why residents were horrified to hear that the post office will close at the end of May, with no replacement in sight, and that when the council approved the redevelopment of the building, it made no provision for a new post office, and placed no conditions on the developer to find a new site for a post office in the town centre. Does the Leader of the House agree that this simply is not good enough, and will he make time for a debate in this place about the vital role of community postal services?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question. It sounds like a very frustrating time for his constituents. He is right about the importance of post offices to town centres, and that is why this Government set minimum access criteria. I understand that an alternative location in Uxbridge is being actively explored, but he may wish to raise this matter at oral questions to the Department for Business and Trade at the beginning of next month and ask the Minister for an update.

Business of the House

Debate between Danny Beales and Alan Campbell

Thursday 4th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The hon. Gentleman will know that the Government’s position is to ensure that we get the best deal possible, working with our European partners. Many of the areas he talks about, quite frankly, have been hit negatively as a result of decisions which were democratically taken. It is important that we do everything we can to restore and to move on from that. Should he seek a Backbench Business debate, an Adjournment debate or even to contribute to the pre-recess Adjournment debate to raise these matters, I am sure that colleagues from across the House, actually, will share some of his concerns.

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

There has been a significant increase in unmanaged houses in multiple occupation in Hillingdon. Despite calls for proper licensing, the Conservative council has taken 15 months just to bring forward a simple consultation. During that time, there has been additional antisocial behaviour, crime and significant community concern. Does the Leader of the House agree that residents deserve better than this? Can we make time in this place for a debate about a proper national regulatory framework for HMOs?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am very sorry to hear of the situation in my hon. Friend’s constituency; such concerns exist in constituencies across the country. Local authorities have powers to ensure that landlords comply with relevant regulations, and the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces reforms to improve regulation of private rented sector properties, including HMOs. We keep the regulation of HMOs under review. Should my hon. Friend seek a debate, he might be able not just to put forward his concerns, but to hear from a Minister on how the Government intend to take matters forward.

Business of the House

Debate between Danny Beales and Alan Campbell

Thursday 23rd October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly will join my hon. Friend in commending the Stirling Observer for the wonderful work it does with the “Give a Gift” appeal and in praising Kaiya for her dedication, ensuring that children in Stirling and Strathallan have a gift to unwrap on Christmas morning. It is a really good example of a local newspaper rallying the community for a brilliant cause.

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

Will the Leader of the House join me in welcoming the announcement that, after a strong local community campaign, Hayes police station front counter will remain open? Can we make time in the House to discuss the importance of police front counters, such as the one that needs to reopen at Uxbridge, and rebuilding neighbourhood policing?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will indeed join my hon. Friend in welcoming the announcement. He has been a doughty campaigner on this issue, and I am sure he will continue his campaign with regard to Uxbridge. We are committed to ensuring communities have a visible police presence, and we are taking action on that through the Crime and Policing Bill, but he may wish to press this further by applying for a debate.

Business of the House

Debate between Danny Beales and Alan Campbell

Thursday 11th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend raises an important matter. I am sure there will be a lot of people across the country, particularly those who were hardest hit by the very fine and dry weather, concerned about what might happen going forward, in both the short and long term. Our flood resilience taskforce is focused on the long-term delivery of our flood resilience strategy and investment. Should she seek a debate, it would allow Ministers to set out our plans.

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

In recent days I have been contacted by many residents concerned about increasing hate crime, racist graffiti, vandalism and even violence against police at protests. Will the Leader of the House join with me in the view that there is no place for hate in Hillingdon or anywhere in the UK, that our diversity is our strength, and that those coming to our community to work in our hospitals, in social care and to set up businesses are very welcome? Will he also make time in this place for a debate about a national cohesion strategy, and local strategies to follow?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely join with my hon. Friend in his remarks. I am proud to say that this country is overwhelmingly inclusive, but it would be wrong to say that we do not face challenges in some communities. The Government are committed to developing a longer-term, more strategic approach to social cohesion. Housing, Communities and Local Government questions will take place once we return from recess. The subject would also make a timely Westminster Hall debate.