Business of the House

Linsey Farnsworth Excerpts

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

First, as I said in my earlier remarks, our thoughts are with the friends and families of the young people who tragically died, but also with others who are currently unwell. The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right about the importance of the UKHSA. It is monitoring the situation and has launched a targeted vaccination programme, starting with students who are most at risk. They will be contacted directly. I encourage everyone affected to take preventive antibiotics or the vaccine if they are offered them.

The Health Secretary is considering what steps can be taken to improve wider vaccination uptake, not just in respect of this matter, but across the population. The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right in his comments about misinformation or disinformation. I urge everyone to share the public health information that is being disseminated online so that we can spread facts, rather than misinformation. It is an important matter, and I will draw his comments to the attention of the Health Secretary.

[Linsey Farnsworth (Amber Valley) (Lab)]

Denby Pottery has been the heart of Amber Valley since 1809. It provides over 500 jobs and brings in 250,000 visitors a year, but it has sadly had to apply for administration support. While the Prime Minister has already committed to a review of the supercharger scheme, which helps with energy costs, I hope that it will be sped up in the light of the current situation and include the ceramics industry. Today, the #SaveDenby campaign has launched, which asks people to buy Denby pottery, visit the brilliant pottery village in Derbyshire or just simply share the campaign far and wide. With Easter around the corner, might I invite the Leader of the House to consider picking up some Denby pottery, and will he join me in encouraging other Members to do the same and help me save Denby Pottery?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will certainly give that consideration, and I join my hon. Friend in encouraging Members to pick up some Denby pottery. This is a crisis situation for the company, and I know that it will be a difficult period ahead—we should consider doing anything that we can do to help. The Government recognise that energy prices are a significant pressure on UK industry, including ceramics. That is why, as she mentions, we are increasing the discount on energy costs through the British industry supercharger. However, I do know that this will be a worrying time for the employees at Denby Pottery, and I will ensure that Ministers are aware of her concerns as a matter of urgency.

Business of the House

Linsey Farnsworth Excerpts

Thursday 5th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)]

For the final question, I call Linsey Farnsworth.

[Linsey Farnsworth (Amber Valley) (Lab)]

I am glad to end business questions on a joyful note. Just before Christmas, I launched Amber Valley’s business awards, and encouraged people to nominate their favourite local businesses and to shop locally. After hundreds of nominations, the winners are now in: Basilia and 47 Degrees Coffee in Langley Mill; By HeatherMay and Amber’s Beauty in Ripley; and Beth’s Groom Hut in Waingroves. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the winners, and will he update the House on the support given to small businesses and high streets?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is a doughty advocate for the businesses in her constituency. I will absolutely join her in congratulating those winners, whose awards are, I am sure, well deserved. We are committed to small businesses through our small business plan, which will help to save them time and money, and open up new opportunities. Out there in all our constituencies, businesses need our support. I am sure that they can go on to even better things.

Business of the House

Linsey Farnsworth Excerpts

Thursday 15th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I must confess that I am not fully across the matter, so my reaction is this. If the hon. Lady wishes to expand a little on what she has said, she may seek an Adjournment debate or even a Backbench Business debate; otherwise, I will facilitate a meeting with the relevant Minister so that she can explain her concerns and the Minister can explain, if the Government are able to do anything about it, what we are able to do.

[Linsey Farnsworth (Amber Valley) (Lab)]

It is an indisputable fact that Amber Valley has the best pubs in the country. [Interruption.] It is true: they include the Moot Bar in Alfreton, Tom Said in Ripley and the Tip Inn in Loscoe, near Heanor. I welcome the Government support announced for pubs, including the £4.3 billion for businesses as covid-era business rates relief is phased out. However, increases in valuations mean that many pubs still face sharp increases. What assurance can the Leader of the House give directly to publicans, including those in Amber Valley, that there will still be support for the great British pub and that it will be protected as a community hub?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for championing local pubs. Like her, we hugely value the role they play in our communities, which is why in the Budget we put in £4.3 billion of support over three years to help pubs. We recognise, as I said previously, that some pubs are still worried, which is why the Chancellor has commissioned work to examine a pub support package; that work is ongoing. I also note that Alter Ego beer is on the waiting list for Strangers Bar, so perhaps we can all try it sooner rather than later.