Business of the House

Euan Stainbank Excerpts

Thursday 18th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank the hon. Gentleman and his Committee for their invaluable work. As he has said, all forms of hatred are completely unacceptable and have no place in our community, and inciting violence and hatred is already illegal in this country. The Prime Minister has made it clear that there is no other interpretation of calls to “internationalise the intifada” than that it is a call for violence against Jewish communities, and they are therefore entirely unacceptable.

Free speech is an important right in this country and always will be, wherever we live, but it cannot extend to inciting hatred or harassing others. When guidance is issued, it is important that it is clear and understandable. I will draw the hon. Gentleman’s comments to the attention of the Home Secretary and ensure that there is clarity going forward on this really important matter.

[Euan Stainbank (Falkirk) (Lab)]

Merry Christmas, Mr Speaker.

The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Falkirk, whether it be the Denny Boys getting everybody into the mood last month with their Ring doorbell edition of “Last Christmas”, the school Christmas fairs—which I know many of my family and friends who are teachers are still enjoying—or the very successful inaugural Falkirk festival of trees, which took place last weekend and the weekend before, thanks in no small part to the Falkirk Delivers team. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking the workers, emergency services and volunteers in Falkirk and across the country who will be working so hard this Christmas so that we can all enjoy a restful Christmas and a peaceful new year?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for bringing such festive news to business questions. I am sure that the whole House will join me in thanking the workers and volunteers in businesses and local organisations in Falkirk for their tireless efforts to bring Christmas spirit to their community. In doing so, of course, we thank similar organisations and individuals in all our constituencies for the fantastic work they do.