Business of the House

Joe Robertson Excerpts

Thursday 26th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am very sorry to hear of the case that my hon. Friend raises. The Government are absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls wherever it happens. There are opportunities to debate these matters, but I will certainly see whether there are further opportunities for my hon. Friend to raise her concerns. I will also draw this case to the attention of Foreign Office Ministers.

[Joe Robertson (Isle of Wight East) (Con)]

The England Beach Soccer association has an agreement with the Football Association, as its delivery partner into FIFA. However, beach soccer is not recognised as a stand-alone sport by Sport England, which means that it cannot benefit from funding, and it does not receive anything from the FA either. It is a growing sport, with 30 years of history behind it, and it is crucial, particularly in coastal areas where no facilities are required other than a beach. Will the Government consider setting aside time for a debate about the importance of open-air sport and about beach soccer finally getting the recognition from Sport England that I think—I am sure other Members agree—it rightfully deserves?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly join the hon. Gentleman in praising those involved in beach soccer, not least because we have some fantastic beaches in my constituency. He may wish to seek an Adjournment debate to raise those important matters, but I will certainly draw them to the attention of the appropriate Minister. If the hon. Gentleman wants a meeting to go through the advantages of supporting beach soccer, he may be able to make his case there.

Business of the House

Joe Robertson Excerpts

Thursday 13th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As I said earlier, we are acutely aware of this issue, which is why we are bringing forward proposals to fundamentally alter the special educational needs and disabilities system, but I will raise my hon. Friend’s concerns with Ministers to see what further action can be taken to assist his constituent.

[Joe Robertson (Isle of Wight East) (Con)]

Will the Leader of the House consider setting aside Government time for a debate on regenerating coastal communities, so that we can properly consider issues facing towns like Sandown on the Isle of Wight, including transport connectivity, pressure on tourism, derelict buildings and declining high streets?

Business of the House

Joe Robertson Excerpts

Thursday 22nd May 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on her campaign and the attention she is getting in bringing her community together to tackle the mobile blackspot in Rochdale and Middleton. I will ensure that she gets a ministerial reply, but as this is the second question, from across the House, relating to mobile blackspots, I suggest that Members get together and get a debate on this important matter.

[Joe Robertson (Isle of Wight East) (Con)]

The Government are implementing their plans for UK transport, including major interventions on rail and buses, but also road and aviation. So far, they have ignored the plight of UK island residents, including mine on the Isle of Wight, where we pay up to £400 to take a car back and forth on a four-mile journey. Will the Government and the Leader of the House do more by allowing a debate in the House in Government time to discuss the cost of transport to and from UK islands?

[Lucy Powell]

I thank the hon. Member for recognising all the work the Government are doing to ensure that our transport infrastructure—trains, rail, aviation—is there into the future and is fit for purpose. I hear what he says about the particular issues faced by his constituents on the Isle of Wight and by those on other isles, and I will ensure that he gets a full ministerial response. I encourage him to apply for an Adjournment debate, because that would be a good topic for one.