Business of the House

Debate between Johanna Baxter and Alan Campbell

Thursday 11th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to those dads and we wish them well. Men’s mental health is at the forefront of the Government’s health strategy, and the role of fathers is considered as well. Perhaps he will get an opportunity to raise the issue in an Adjournment debate or in the pre-recess Adjournment debate.

[Johanna Baxter (Paisley and Renfrewshire South) (Lab)]

Some 60% of UK households enjoy the company of a pet, but the cost of caring for their health has increased exponentially in recent years. Since 2015, vet fees for household pets have soared by 63%, far outpacing inflation. The Competition and Markets Authority recently published its provisional findings into the veterinary services sector, proposing much-needed remedies to tackle the eye-watering rise in costs. Will the Leader of the House support a debate in Government time on the cost of living pressures on pet owners and what measures might be put in place to ensure that essential pet care remains affordable for families across the UK?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I know that veterinary costs will be a real concern for many, and I say that as a pet owner. The Government will consider any remedies from the Competition and Markets Authority’s final report next year, but in the meantime if my hon. Friend could secure a debate, I am sure that many hon. Members from across the House would share her concerns.

Business of the House

Debate between Johanna Baxter and Alan Campbell

Thursday 16th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this important matter. The Government believe that the SEND system is broken; it does not work for children and their carers. As part of our plan for change, we are committed to creating a new system that truly supports every child and we will set out our approach in the forthcoming schools White Paper. I understand from my own constituency how people at the forefront of this find it hard to know why they have to wait. We have announced £1 billion in extra funding to help schools with the additional costs they face, including for SEND provision, and I encourage whichever authority has the power to spend that money to do so wisely and quickly.

[Johanna Baxter (Paisley and Renfrewshire South) (Lab)]

Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the great town of Paisley in my constituency on being shortlisted for the Scotland Loves Local town of the year award? Will he go further and throw his full support behind Paisley’s nomination as the best local town in Scotland?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

There is a certain risk to that, but I will do it. I certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating Paisley, and wish it the best of luck. She raises the important point about pride in communities and I am sure that her constituents are proud. I hope that that is recognised, and that she is a proud champion for Paisley.