Business of the House

John Cooper Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this matter. She has done so before, and she is an avid campaigner on this matter. The Government still believe that the current daylight saving arrangements represent the optimal use of the available daylight across the United Kingdom, so we do not have plans to introduce double summer time or make any other such changes. However, I do understand and appreciate my hon. Friend’s desire to help farmers and tourists by turning the clocks back two hours, in contrast to some on the other side of the House, who want to turn the clocks back to 1979.

[John Cooper (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)]

One of the great sports in this place is who has the best constituency. Well, National Geographic magazine’s verdict is in and the only place in the UK to get a mention in its “Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2027” is Dumfries and Galloway. This news is absolutely delightful. VisitScotland has already picked up on it and promoted it on its website. Can the Leader of the House advise me on how I can get VisitBritain, which is financed from this place, to follow suit?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I think we all claim to have the greatest constituency in the land, but I pay genuine tribute to the hon. Gentleman’s constituency because it is a beautiful place. I hope that VisitBritain has heard what he has said today. Let me give it some thought. If he could let me have details of what he intends to do to heighten interest, I will see what we can do to get it to engage more.