Business of the House

John Slinger Excerpts

Thursday 8th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The hon. Gentleman raises a really important matter. The NHS plan, and the investment that we are putting in, will not just address the issue of where in the NHS people are, but ensure that there are more of them. Let me gently say to him—this also applies to the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Bobby Dean)—that we all support the ends, in that we want more specialists, in cancer care and in everything else, but we also have to support the means. That means voting to put in the money, when it comes to Budgets. The Liberal Democrats cannot have it both ways.

[John Slinger (Rugby) (Lab)]

Back Benchers in this House strengthen the hand of Ministers in tackling injustice, as was shown when the Housing Minister called in the managing director of FirstPort in real time during a debate. Labour Members are holding an informal inquiry into such issues, which are really important. A constituent of mine has seen his FirstPort service charge nearly quadruple in two years. Can there be a debate on the issue in Government time, so that Back Benchers can shine a cleansing light on the malpractice of such companies?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise those concerns on behalf of his constituents, and they will be echoed by a number of colleagues from across the House. The Government are absolutely committed to ensuring that those living in the leasehold sector are protected from abuse and poor service at the hands of unscrupulous managing agents, and we will strengthen regulation of managing agents to drive up the standards of their service. We will publish the draft leasehold and commonhold reform Bill as soon as possible, and alongside that, there will be the opportunity for debate.