Business of the House

Debate between Emma Foody and Alan Campbell

Thursday 27th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As the hon. Lady will know, the Government are committed to bringing forward measures to address those issues. When we do so, there will be ample time to debate the points that she raises.

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

Tomorrow, Tony Wright, my constituent and the founder and chief executive officer of Forward Assist, a local veterans charity, is retiring. Tony is a veteran and trained social worker, and he has provided support and advocacy for veterans across the region and the country for well over a decade. It is no exaggeration to say that the tireless work and research that he has led has changed and saved lives. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking Tony and wishing him all the best in his retirement?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will take great pleasure in doing so. I have had the honour of knowing Tony Wright. As I said to him recently, his work has improved people’s lives for the better, including the lives of people he will never have met. I am sure that many Members across the House will not only wish Tony the best and thank him for his work, but acknowledge the impressive veterans in their own constituencies who, like Tony, do such fantastic work on behalf of the veteran community—indeed, on behalf of the whole community. These sessions are a good opportunity to highlight that work, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for doing so.

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.