Business of the House

Debate between Emma Foody and Alan Campbell

Thursday 11th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will certainly find out from the relevant Department what the circumstances might be at the prison. Of course, we would all want the guidelines to state that prisoners have access to books, but I am not sure what the individual circumstances might be at the prison. I am not going to comment any further on that, but I will draw it to the attention of Ministers.

[Emma Foody (Cramlington and Killingworth) (Lab/Co-op)]

Last month, the cold snap in my patch saw local residents on new estates struggling with icy roads and pavements. I took their concerns to developers, and I am pleased to see that grit bins have now been installed. This may all sound trivial, but not to residents on these estates, and it highlights the importance of the consultation that the Government are holding on greater protections for those living on unadopted estates. Will the Leader of the House please ensure that we have time in this place to discuss these matters?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I know that my hon. Friend is a great campaigner for her constituency. I can assure her that these are not trivial matters, and I congratulate her on getting developers to take this matter seriously and to provide residents with the grit bins they want. That is not an easy achievement, and she should be commended for it. As she points out, unadopted roads can cause a range of issues for residents, and we are consulting on how to speed up and simplify the process for the adoption of roads. She may wish to raise the matter in an Adjournment debate, but when the Government have something to say on these matters, we will bring forward our findings.

Business of the House

Debate between Emma Foody and Alan Campbell

Thursday 23rd October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Government believe that rural crime is a huge problem and are determined to act, which is why we set up the rural crime strategy and announced new funding for the national rural crime unit. We published the Government’s response to the call for evidence, which outlines the scope of the secondary legislation needed to implement the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act, on 17 October, and we aim to introduce the secondary legislation in Parliament this year. There will be opportunities for the hon. Gentleman to raise his very valid concerns.

[Emma Foody (Cramlington and Killingworth) (Lab/Co-op)]

Every year thousands gather for safe organised firework displays. However, this time of year also brings dread for many due to antisocial and inconsiderate firework use, as we have heard. It causes misery and distress for animals, and many vulnerable and elderly people. I welcome the earlier comments from the Leader of the House on this issue, but can we have a debate on the regulation of fireworks outside of formal displays to minimise their impact on people and animals, and to ensure that they are sold and used responsibly?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend and constituency neighbour is an excellent advocate for her constituency, and I thank her for raising this issue. As we have already heard, it is of concern not just to our constituents but to Members across the House. Councils and the police have powers to protect the public from misuse and harm, but it is up to this House to make the case as to whether those powers represent the full extent needed. I would ask my hon. Friend to apply for a debate so that those issues can be explored—perhaps in Backbench Business time.