Business of the House

Debate between Lee Barron and Alan Campbell

Thursday 2nd July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join the hon. Gentleman in congratulating the Isle of Man on Tynwald Day, and wish its people every success going forward.

On the issue of frozen state pensions, I cannot respond in any detail now, because it is a pretty complex area and I may well get it wrong. However, I will raise the hon. Gentleman’s concerns with the relevant Ministers, and see whether we can get an update on where we are and what proposals there might be in future. If the hon. Gentleman seeks a debate about this issue—because not just his constituents will be affected, although he takes a particular interest in overseas territories—he may well get an opportunity to put his concerns directly to the relevant Minister.

[Lee Barron (Corby and East Northamptonshire) (Lab)]

Just over 18 months ago, Harshita Brella was murdered in Corby and her body was found in the boot of a car. We are aware that there is an ongoing police investigation, and none of us wants to do anything to prejudice that, but her family feel isolated; recently, they flew over from India to get an update. When they hear nothing, they feel as though nothing is happening, so will the Leader of the House work with Home Office and Foreign Office colleagues to ensure that the family receive monthly updates on what progress is being made in securing justice for Harshita?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important case, and share his horror at this horrific attack—our thoughts remain with Harshita’s friends and family, and I understand the strength of feeling about this case. As my hon. Friend points out, there is an ongoing investigation, but I understand that the Home Office will be writing to him soon to address his concerns. Should he want a further meeting with Home Office representatives, I am sure they would be happy to arrange it.

Business of the House

Debate between Lee Barron and Alan Campbell

Thursday 21st May 2026 Commons Chamber

[Lee Barron (Corby and East Northamptonshire) (Lab)]

Nobody should go to work, never to return home. On Tuesday 13 January 2026, Kenny Campbell Smart went to work at Corby steelworks and never returned home. Now that I have said his name, it will be written down and recorded in Hansard, and his name will live on forever. Today we are joined in the Gallery by Kenny’s wife Sally and his son Kian, who are determined that no other family should go through what they have been through. In the light of this, does the Leader of the House agree with them that we should do all we can to keep people safe at work, and that health and safety is not red tape, bureaucracy or a barrier to growth, but what keeps people safe at work? In the name of Kenny, his community, his workplace and his family, we should strengthen our laws so that this never happens again.

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am sure the whole House will join me in extending our heartfelt condolences to Sally, Kian and all Kenny’s friends and family. My hon. Friend is absolutely right to say that health and safety in the workplace is not an inconvenience. Good health and safety practices save lives, and I will ensure that the relevant Minister writes to him to set out what further action the Government intend to take.

Business of the House

Debate between Lee Barron and Alan Campbell

Thursday 12th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The hon. Gentleman rightly raises the investment that the Department of Health and Social Care intends to put into his local community, but he is right that it relates to more than just that Department because there are issues around transport. I will arrange a meeting for him with the relevant Minister, should he seek one, to see whether we can resolve this.

[Lee Barron (Corby and East Northamptonshire) (Lab)]

Reform-led North Northamptonshire council has just announced that it is increasing school transport costs from £795 to £965 a year. That £170 increase—an increase of over 20%—is unaffordable for families. It comes from a council that promised lower costs for families, that failed to have its books signed off and that has received a groundbreaking real-terms increase in its settlement from this Government. Does the Leader of the House agree that North Northamptonshire council should reverse this unacceptable, uninformed and unaffordable decision?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I do agree with my hon. Friend. I would contrast the record of Reform-led North Northamptonshire council with what the Government are doing to support families through a whole range of actions. The actions of Reform-led councils are consistently brought to my attention in these sessions every week, and never in a positive light. I hope the council has heard my hon. Friend’s contribution—it is further evidence that Reform over-offers and underdelivers.