Business of the House

Debate between Maureen Burke and Alan Campbell

Thursday 12th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Government maintain a regular dialogue with Turkey, which is a key NATO ally and strategic partner. The UK calls on Turkey, as a founding member of the Council of Europe, to uphold the rights of all religious groups as enshrined in the Turkish constitution. I will draw the Foreign Secretary’s attention to the hon. Gentleman’s remarks, and he may wish to raise these matters directly in Foreign Office questions shortly after we return from the recess.

[Maureen Burke (Glasgow North East) (Lab)]

I recently attended an event at Oakwood primary school in my constituency, where pupils took part in workshops facilitated by the Children’s Parliament and Save the Children, exploring the impact of poverty. I was so moved that day by the children who recognised that too many of their peers are growing up in hardship and concerned about basic needs such as food and housing. Would the Leader of the House join me in commending the pupils of Oakwood school for their thoughtful contributions, and reaffirm this Government’s commitment to tackling poverty?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely join my hon. Friend in commending the pupils, and indeed the staff, of Oakwood primary school for their thoughtful contributions. The Government are committed to tackling child poverty, which is why we are scrapping the two-child limit and expanding free school meals and breakfast clubs, and we will do even more. The empathy of these students is truly commendable, and I thank them for everything they are doing.

Business of the House

Debate between Maureen Burke and Alan Campbell

Thursday 5th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I do indeed congratulate those involved in the education hub and thank them for all the work they do. I also thank the wider community across the hon. Lady’s fantastic constituency, who have been so welcoming to Ukrainian families, for all they do and wish them well in the future.

[Maureen Burke (Glasgow North East) (Lab)]

Last Tuesday I was delighted to see the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport announce £8.14 million in funding for Scotland through the multi-sport grass- roots facilities programme. I have already heard from organisations in my community that are keen to apply, including East End football academy, which runs weekly football sessions, but it is concerned about the condition of its pitch. Will the Leader of the House consider holding a debate in Government time to discuss the importance of access to good-quality sports facilities, particularly in the country’s poorest areas?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Grassroots sport is vital to our communities and high-quality facilities are vital too—when they work well, they literally change people’s lives for the better. I join my hon. Friend in welcoming the funding announced for Scotland; we are ambitious for sport right across our country, and I hope the SNP Government are equally ambitious in what they do. This would make an excellent topic for a Westminster Hall debate and I encourage my hon. Friend to apply for one.