Business of the House

Debate between Jacob Collier and Alan Campbell

Thursday 8th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

If my hon. Friend raises her concerns in detail, I will ensure that they are passed on to Ministers. I am also happy to facilitate a further meeting with the relevant Minister to follow up on any visit that might have taken place. Let me re-emphasise what I said a moment ago: Reform-led councils have a responsibility to their local residents. It is their job, as locally elected representatives, to do their very best to address those concerns, not to get in the way.

[Jacob Collier (Burton and Uttoxeter) (Lab)]

Before Christmas, I attended Burton addiction centre’s inspirational celebration of recovery. There, we celebrated hundreds of people who are in recovery—people who had overcome huge battles with addiction to rebuild their lives. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating all those who were there and the staff at the centre, and recognise the importance of residential rehab services?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating the Burton addiction centre on its work and, indeed, the vital addiction services across the country on their work too. This Government are absolutely committed to ensuring that anyone with addiction problems can access the help and support they need. The work in local areas is of such importance going forward.

Business of the House

Debate between Jacob Collier and Alan Campbell

Thursday 20th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that serious point. I absolutely join her in thanking everyone involved in Men Matter Scotland for their input and work, and I note the success of Ian Sproull. She will know, as I am sure the whole House knows, that this week sees England’s first-ever men’s health strategy. I would be delighted to accept her invitation should I find myself in Scotland.

[Jacob Collier (Burton and Uttoxeter) (Lab)]

May I warmly welcome the Government’s commitment to the reform of business rates to boost our high streets? In Uttoxeter, one street faces much higher rates than other parts of the high street, where other businesses are exempt. That is negatively affecting owners such as Joe, who runs Fueled Coffee. Will the Leader of the House find time for a debate on how we can support community businesses such as Fueled before the new system comes into place?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Government are absolutely committed to supporting local businesses and local high streets. That is why we are seeking to protect high streets by creating a fairer business rates system. My hon. Friend will know that at the end of this month, we will mark Small Business Saturday, giving us the opportunity to further celebrate the small businesses in our communities. Should he seek to raise this matter through either a debate of his own or the Budget debate, I am sure it will be a popular topic.