Business of the House

Debate between David Burton-Sampson and Alan Campbell

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely will not only congratulate Claire on the work she is doing but thank her for it, because it is so important, and I congratulate Team Charlie on everything they do. As I have said on previous occasions, such work is the golden thread that runs through our communities—it is the best of our communities, and I thank Claire for that.

[David Burton-Sampson (Southend West and Leigh) (Lab)]

Southend recently held its second City Day to celebrate and recognise us officially becoming a city following the tragic murder of Sir David Amess. This year the celebration stretched right across the city, including to Leigh-on-Sea in my constituency—a town filled with heritage and culture, and which I am backing to become UK town of culture 2028. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating Councillors Matt Dent and Daniel Cowan, and the whole team at the city council, on their excellent work in delivering another brilliant City Day?

Business of the House

Debate between David Burton-Sampson and Alan Campbell

Thursday 20th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The right hon. Gentleman raises an important matter. He will know, having been in this House for quite some time, that it is a perennial problem. I will draw it to the attention of the Minister and see whether they might make a statement. The right hon. Gentleman might wish also to seek a debate on that matter.

[David Burton-Sampson (Southend West and Leigh) (Lab)]

At this time of year, the fireworks debate always rages. As a dog owner, I share my constituents’ view that we need legislation to make fireworks safer and more controlled, not just for the sake of animals, but for people too. I recently met the fireworks impact coalition, which is also calling for a review. Will the Leader of the House grant a debate in Government time to discuss this important issue further?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is not the first Member to raise that issue with me—especially over the past few weeks. As he knows, it is not just a question of the run-up to bonfire night; we are approaching end-of-year celebrations as well. Pet owners will once again be worried for their pets. It is important that measures on fireworks are proportionate, but this is such a big topic for MPs that if he were to secure a debate on it, he would find that it was particularly well attended.