Business of the House
Debate between Michelle Scrogham and Alan Campbell(2 days, 3 hours ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
No, I cannot commit to that, but I am sure the hon. Gentleman can follow up his Bill with a request for a debate where he can continue to campaign on those matters, because they are important for his area and elsewhere. I am sure the Government will want to do everything we can to help.
Michelle Scrogham (Barrow and Furness) (Lab)
The Leader of the House will know how proud I am of the Lionesses, particularly Georgia Stanway, who was born and raised in Barrow and Furness. This Government’s £220 million transformation fund has given us the opportunity to unlock Football Foundation match funding that could bring forward additional all-weather pitches, with one named for Georgia. Unfortunately, delays in Westmorland and Furness council could lead to us losing that match funding, with the deadline expiring on Sunday. Does the Leader of the House agree that the Lib Dem-run council should pull its finger out and get this delivered?
Sir Alan Campbell
I absolutely agree that we should take pride in the success of the Lionesses. The Government are committed to supporting access to grassroots sport, so I encourage my hon. Friend’s local authority to provide the funding that she refers to, ensuring that the pitches are built in Barrow so that the Lionesses of the future will have every opportunity to succeed.
Business of the House
Debate between Michelle Scrogham and Alan Campbell(3 weeks, 2 days ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
The right hon. Gentleman raises an important local matter, and he is right to do so. He is also right to express his opinion that something is happening locally, because as I listened to his question, I reflected on the fact that ambulance wait times are down, and admissions to A&E are up. However, that is cold comfort to people in the right hon. Gentleman’s local trust area facing the issues that he has outlined. An Adjournment debate, in which he can put questions directly to the relevant Minister and get answers, is one way forward; alternatively, if he wants to meet a Minister and make those points to them directly, I will help him to arrange a meeting.
Michelle Scrogham (Barrow and Furness) (Lab)
The Leader of the House knows how proud I am of Barrow and Furness. Since the election, this Government have announced, among other things, £7 million for our local health centres, £19 million for bus routes, £5 million for a brilliant futures fund, £4 million for our university, £20 million from the pride in place fund, and part of £175 million for one of five defence technical colleges, not to mention a £200 million transformation fund. However, we still hear Opposition parties that have no ambition for the area talking it down. Does the Leader of the House agree that we will ensure that all these incredible opportunities are used fully, and that Barrow is too important to fail?
Sir Alan Campbell
As we can hear, my hon. Friend is a staunch advocate for her constituency, and she is absolutely right to highlight the transformational investments that the Government are making in her communities and many others. Every penny of this funding should work hard for our constituents, and I absolutely agree with her that local leaders must use opportunities to their full potential. It is important that all parties locally, and indeed in this House, talk up the local communities where that work is being done.
Business of the House
Debate between Michelle Scrogham and Alan Campbell(6 months ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Gentleman raises a very important matter, and I pay tribute to the Dogs Trust and Trinity Winchester for their fantastic work. He is right to point out that there should be absolutely no barrier in the way of anyone fleeing domestic abuse, whether it be worry about a pet or anything else. The Government are absolutely committed to ensuring that victims in those circumstances get the support that they need, and that nothing stands in the way of their accessing that support.
Michelle Scrogham (Barrow and Furness) (Lab)
Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating Shed One Distillery in my hometown of Ulverston on being selected as a finalist in VisitEngland’s awards for excellence? Does he agree with me that Barrow and Furness, the most beautiful constituency in the country, has much to offer visitors of all ages, and will he visit, to sample the award-winning gin and meet some fantastic tourism businesses?
Sir Alan Campbell
I absolutely join my hon. Friend in congratulating Shed One Distillery and all the nominees for this year’s VisitEngland awards. She may have some competition for the most beautiful constituency, but I thank her for highlighting the vital contribution that tourism makes to our national economy. I too am happy and lucky to have a constituency that is a popular tourist destination, and I would be delighted to take up her offer of a visit, should my diary allow.