Business of the House

Josh Dean Excerpts

Thursday 9th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman’s constituents, as well as residents of Clacton, will also be concerned about the cost of this unnecessary by-election. I hope that they will bear that in mind when they decide to cast their vote. It has been suggested that individuals might come forward and pay the cost of the by-election, which is ludicrous—that simply cannot happen. It is an unnecessary by-election and a waste of money, and I hope that people will think about that when it comes to casting their votes.

[Josh Dean (Hertford and Stortford) (Lab)]

On Armed Forces Day a few weeks ago, our community came out not just to celebrate our armed forces personnel, but to support Ben Hardy. Ben, who is 11 years old, has had 10 operations on his eyes and is severely visually impaired, but that did not stop him putting on an outstanding sensory exhibition, bringing Dunkirk spirit to life for local people through sight, sound, smell and taste. Will the Leader of the House, and indeed the whole House, join me in congratulating Ben and thanking him for his outstanding contribution to our celebrations and all his hard work?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join my hon. Friend in congratulating Ben and his mother Liz on their hard work raising awareness for the Royal British Legion and Moorfields eye hospital. Such events demonstrate the importance of communities coming together to highlight and celebrate the work of our armed forces, and that depends on remarkable individuals like Ben.