Business of the House

Mark Sewards Excerpts

Thursday 30th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join my hon. Friend in congratulating his constituents on their important work. The work of the circular economy taskforce is a vital component of our sustainability ambitions. We will ensure that Britain is a world leader in circular innovation and will make us a clean energy superpower, and I will ensure that Ministers keep the House updated.

[Mark Sewards (Leeds South West and Morley) (Lab)]

My knees nearly gave way when I ran the Morley 10 km last month, which is possibly the hilliest race in the UK.

[Rachel Blake]

It’s all the bobbing.

[Mark Sewards]

It’s partly the bobbing, too.

I persevered, and I did so because Morley running club has raised £20,000 for good causes over the past four years. Will the Leader of the House join me in paying tribute to Morley running club, to the firefighters who were raising money for their charity—firefighters in full kit were outpacing me—and perhaps grant a debate on the need to support these running clubs to run more charitable races, but perhaps ones that are less punishing on the knees?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I congratulate Morley running club and the local firefighters on raising money for such a good cause, and I congratulate my hon. Friend on finishing the run himself—for me, I think more than my knees would be giving way. It is a great contribution of community groups and volunteers coming together, and it brings out the best in our local communities.