Business of the House

Debate between Elaine Stewart and Alan Campbell

Thursday 9th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly make a special case for the Driffield show and everybody involved, and 150 years is a remarkable achievement. As I have said, such shows are an important part of local communities. The Government take food security very seriously, and the hon. Gentleman will have the opportunity next Thursday to highlight the importance of not just Driffield Agricultural Society, but all the other agricultural societies in his constituency.

[Elaine Stewart (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab)]

This month, Ayrshire college won the UK training provider skills champion award at the Enginuity skills awards, for its work in development, engineering and aerospace. Engineering and aerospace remain critical for Ayrshire’s economy, and that national recognition demonstrates the vital role that further education colleges play in developing our young workforce. Colleges across Scotland continue to face financial pressures, despite delivering exactly the kinds of outcomes that Governments want. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the importance of investing in further education colleges across Scotland?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I congratulate Ayrshire college on its well-deserved award. We are committed to creating a skilled workforce that is fit for the future and aligned with local needs, with our £182 million industrial strategy and engineering skills package. Should my hon. Friend wish to apply for a debate on this subject in Westminster Hall, I am sure that it would be well attended; the shadow Leader of the House, for instance, does fantastic work on these issues in his constituency.

Business of the House

Debate between Elaine Stewart and Alan Campbell

Thursday 2nd July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As ever, the hon. Gentleman raises a serious matter. I saw those reports, and what is happening is appalling. The UK stands firmly against these attacks, and at this difficult time we stand firmly with the people and Government of Nigeria and with the families of the children who have been abducted. We continue to work closely with the Government of Nigeria, including through our ongoing security and defence partnership. I will raise the hon. Gentleman’s concerns with the Foreign Office.

[Elaine Stewart (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab)]

Craigmark Burntonians, a club from my home town and the community I am proud to represent, have won the west of Scotland football league division 3. Vital amateur league football plays a great part in our local communities. I would like to thank Steve Clarke, an Ayrshire man, for his outstanding contribution over the past seven years, which included taking Scotland to the world cup, and that is not to forget our fantastic, amazing fans. Does the Minister agree that those achievements highlight the need for a debate on the vital role that football plays in our local communities?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Football at every level, from Sunday league to the world cup, plays an important part in local communities across the United Kingdom. I join my hon. Friend in congratulating Craigmark Burntonians on their success. I recommend, particularly in the light of what is unfolding at the world cup, that she apply for a debate on the importance of football. I am sure it would be well attended.

Business of the House

Debate between Elaine Stewart and Alan Campbell

Thursday 12th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for bringing this matter to the House. I agree that support for the British egg industry is vital. He will know that DEFRA recently held a public consultation on this matter, and the call for views closed last week. We await the outcome of that consultation, but I will ensure that the relevant Minister has heard the right hon. Gentleman’s remarks this morning. Once the outcome of the consultation has been considered, we will help to arrange a statement or debate should one be necessary.

[Elaine Stewart (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab)]

For my constituents who have been affected by the loan charge, the McCann review is a long-anticipated step towards bringing a year of uncertainty to an end. However, some individuals still feel that cases dating back decades remain unsolved and that enforcement has not been applied evenly between scheme promoters and those who use the arrangements. What analysis has been carried out on how the recommendations of the McCann review will affect individuals and businesses currently engaged with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs on loan charge matters?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Government understand the strength of feeling about this issue, which is why we accepted all but one of the independent review’s recommendations and at the Budget made the decision to write off £5,000 from the liabilities of everyone affected by the loan charge. I will ensure that Ministers have heard my hon. Friend’s concerns today.

Business of the House

Debate between Elaine Stewart and Alan Campbell

Thursday 13th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to our emergency services, and we send our sympathies to those affected. If he seeks a Backbench Business debate or an Adjournment debate on the subject, he will be able to raise those points himself, but I gently point out that for the past 14 years, many services, particularly fire services, have been starved of the funding that they need, so he needs to understand that this is not a recent development.

[Elaine Stewart (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab)]

Children in Need has been supporting disadvantaged young people for decades. This support is made possible by hard-working fundraisers up and down the country. Tomorrow night, 17-year-old Eloise from my constituency of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, one of East Ayrshire’s young carers, is throwing herself into a musical theatre challenge on skates, with the cast of “Starlight Express”. She is a brilliant example of community spirit. Will the Leader of the House join me in recognising the incredible contribution of East Ayrshire’s young carers, who balance caring responsibilities with school and everyday life?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am pleased to recognise the incredible contribution of East Ayrshire’s young carers, and young carers across the country, whose vital contribution sometimes goes unseen. I wish Eloise skating success with her musical theatre challenge.