Business of the House

Joe Morris Excerpts

Thursday 2nd July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am not in a position to help, because I do not understand either. It seems incongruous given what this Government are seeking to do and, I would have thought, with the intended actions of the new Administration in Wales. It is a great deal of money and the need is there, so I do not understand why it has not happened. I hope that the Welsh Government have listened to the very wise words of my hon. Friend. Let us see what happens. Should she want to hear directly from a Minister about what further we can do from here, I would advise her to seek an Adjournment debate.

[Joe Morris (Hexham) (Lab)]

Last week, Sarah, the head of pastoral services at Hexham Priory school, and the Friends of Hexham Priory school began their 24-hour challenge. They raised more than £28,000 by running and walking laps of Wentworth leisure centre in Hexham for a continuous 24-hour period—in one of the hottest weeks on record, no less. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating them on their actions? Will he support a debate in Government time on support for respite services for the families of children with special educational needs and disabilities in rural areas?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly join my hon. Friend in celebrating the remarkable achievement of Sarah Dodd and the Friends of Hexham Priory school, who raised more than £28,000, particularly since it was during a heatwave. I would be happy to raise my hon. Friend’s request for a meeting with the Department for Education so that he can discuss how respite services for families of children with complex needs can be improved, but he will have noticed that the Secretary of State for Education is on the Front Bench and will have heard his remarks.