Business of the House

Debate between Harriett Baldwin and Alan Campbell

Thursday 16th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dame Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)]

Could the Leader of the House make a commitment that the new Chancellor of the Exchequer will come to the House on the first day we are back from recess? The current Chancellor has raised taxes on payrolls, and we have fewer payroll jobs; she has raised taxes on businesses, and businesses have closed; and she has raised taxes on non-doms, and millionaires have fled the country. The reality in the world outside is that, with a new Chancellor, we are going to have a whole summer of speculation about other tax rises in the run-up to the Budget. During that period, hiring and investment decisions are going to be put on hold, so I think the Leader of the House can see how important it is that we hear from the new Chancellor at the earliest opportunity.

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The hon. Lady is assuming that there will be a new Chancellor. As of today, the Chancellor has delivered the highest growth in the G7; I see that the most recent numbers confirm that is happening. We have faced a very challenging situation—one that we inherited and that was made worse by aspects of the international situation—yet inflation has fallen. We have also seen interest rates fall after the dramatic rise following the Truss Budget. I therefore do not agree with the hon. Lady’s analysis. However, she raises an important point. We are looking at a new Administration—the continuation of a Labour Government, but a new Administration—and I would expect that any Secretary of State and the Prime Minister would want to come to this House to set out their view of what will happen going forward.

Business of the House

Debate between Harriett Baldwin and Alan Campbell

Monday 13th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I share my hon. Friend’s hope. This is an important Bill and an important matter. It is, of course, about the victims of Hillsborough and their families, and the campaign that they have needed to wage for far too long, but it is also of profound importance to public service and how we do business in our country. That is why the Bill is of such importance.

[Dame Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)]

Will the Leader of the House confirm that, given that the other place is sitting next week, there is nothing to stop him tabling a business statement to enable this House to sit next week? Given the enormity of the events happening in the Government next week, does he not think that would be a good idea?

Business of the House

Debate between Harriett Baldwin and Alan Campbell

Thursday 29th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Yes, I agree that it is time, and I encourage my hon. Friend to apply for an Adjournment debate so that she can raise these matters directly with the Minister.

[Dame Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)]

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill that we sent to the other place is being scrutinised extensively, and it has been reported this morning that the Parliament Act 1911 may be invoked to force the Bill through to become an Act. Given that it is a private Member’s Bill and was not in the Labour manifesto, can the Leader of the House assure the House that he will not allocate Government time to do that?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I read those reports, as I am sure did other Members of the House. The Government’s position has not changed, and this is not a Government Bill. However, the hon. Lady started off by talking about scrutiny in the House of Lords. They have every right to scrutinise, but I hope that they do so responsibly, because this House made clear its position on the Bill. I hope that progress can be made. When there is what looks like an impasse or a slowdown, people will be looking for a quick route around that—or any route around that, to be honest—but the Government’s position has not changed. Once the Lords have completed their scrutiny, we will if necessary find time in this place to debate those amendments, because the will of this House was very clear. I hope that we will, without having to go down the avenues that have been described, be able to resolve this matter.