Business of the House

Debate between Nusrat Ghani and Alan Campbell
Thursday 10th September 2026

(2 weeks, 1 day ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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As I said in my opening remarks, I am very grateful to my hon. Friend, as ever, not just for her question but for her continued contribution on these matters. It is really important that she continues to raise them. I want to place on the record my sincere thanks to the many community groups and charities across the country that offer compassionate, lifesaving support to those affected. I agree with her absolutely that organisations such as the Premier League, in playing a role, draw very welcome attention to what needs to be done, and I thank them very much for that. The Government remain committed to tackling suicide, which is why we announced new mental health hubs and emergency centres. It is important that we try to prevent as many unnecessary deaths as possible. Were she to seek a further debate on these matters, either through the Backbench Business Committee or in Westminster Hall, I expect she will find that many Members share her concerns, as she will have heard from the murmurs across the Chamber just now.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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I join my hon. Friend in congratulating Merv Johnson on his hard work at the Outcasts cricket club. This Government are committed to ensuring that everyone benefits from quality sport and physical activity opportunities in their local area. We are investing at least ÂŁ400 million over the next four years to provide communities with the sports facilities they need, which includes ÂŁ3 million for the England and Wales Cricket Board this financial year.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I call the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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Should the hon. Gentleman wish to seek a Westminster Hall debate on this matter, I am sure that other colleagues would join him to talk about the importance of pubs in their area. It would also allow a Minister to talk about the cut to business rates for pubs that this Prime Minister has already insisted on.

I will certainly give careful thought to the hon. Gentleman’s invitation. Madam Deputy Speaker, this is the second time that we have been invited out together—

Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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Well, “couple” is not necessarily the word that I would use at this point, but it is interesting that people are reading more into this than is the case. I will certainly bear the invitation in mind. I wish all pubs in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency the very best, and it is fantastic that he is having that competition.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker
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I do not think I have ever been publicly invited and dismissed from a date in one sitting. I call Euan Stainbank.

Business of the House

Debate between Nusrat Ghani and Alan Campbell
Thursday 3rd September 2026

(3 weeks, 1 day ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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My right hon. Friend is a great champion of her local community. We have previously talked about the issue of schools in her area. This Government are committed to empowering local leaders to take action and spend money where communities require it, and they are the best judge of how that money should be spent. I will ensure that the relevant Minister has heard her contribution. She may wish to seek a Westminster Hall debate to raise this issue, which I know has been going on for quite some time; alternatively, if she would like to meet a Minister, I will help her to arrange that.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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I am happy to reaffirm the Government’s view on these matters. In terms of comments by a particular councillor, these people’s views—not least Reform councillors’—often become clearer, more noticeable and even more abhorrent once they are elected and we see their true nature. They do not represent the view of right-minded people. Councillors are there to represent the whole community, not just to represent those who may share their abhorrent views.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I call the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee.

Bob Blackman Portrait Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)
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I thank the Leader of the House for announcing the Backbench Business debates for Tuesday 15 September. The business in Westminster Hall that the Backbench Business Committee has agreed will include: on Tuesday 8 September, a debate on the safety of the Jewish community; on Thursday 10 September, debates on reform of the vascular sector and on the contribution of fathers and positive male role models to families and society; and on Tuesday 15 September, a debate on building safety and remediation of residential buildings. When we come back following the conference recess—we are planning ahead—on Tuesday 13 October there will be a debate on the future of the UK coach industry, and on Thursday 15 October there will be debates on support for unpaid carers and on progress towards a smoke-free UK.

I gently ask the Leader of the House to consider what time will be made available in the Chamber for the Backbench Business Committee during the week that we come back. Hopefully, he will be able to announce that next week. That week is Baby Loss Awareness Week. He will recall that the last debate we had on that had protected time, but it was held on a Monday when we came back and started very late in the day. Individuals bravely gave their stories late into the night, which I think we all agree was unacceptable. We would like to programme that debate for the Thursday we come back, if that is possible; obviously, we understand the constraints on the Government.

May I also ask the Leader of the House to use his good offices? The Backbench Business Committee consists of eight members, but we are holding a Labour vacancy following the promotion of the hon. Member for Harlow (Chris Vince), who has not been replaced. I am also aware that two of our members may be taking other parliamentary duties. Indeed, our Liberal Democrat member, the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr Dillon), has not been able to attend because of accidental damage to his leg, which has caused him great difficulty. We have a quorum of four, so that gives me real concern about our ability to meet and make decisions. May I gently ask that the appropriate things are done?

Young people go back to school in the not-too-distant future. It is welcome that those on low incomes will receive free school meals, so during term time there is not an issue, but there is a problem regarding what happens during the school holidays, on which the leader of Harrow council has written to me and to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Previously, under arrangements for Harrow council and, I suspect, many other local authorities across the country, the provision of those free school meals has continued. However, we understand that the rules and regulations around this have changed under the crisis and resilience fund; allegedly, local authorities will now have to decide individually who gets support and who does not. To me and probably most Members of the House, that does not seem acceptable. Provision should be made on a basis such that children who potentially could go hungry over Christmas are not in that position. Could the Leader of the House arrange for a statement to be made on the Floor of the House next week setting out the position, to ensure that children of parents who are low paid are able to secure their necessary food?

Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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I thank the hon. Gentleman for his work and the work of his Committee; I will take away what he says about vacancies on that Committee and make sure that we fill them as quickly as possible, so that he can depend upon having at least a quorum at his meetings. I also thank him for updating the House on the future debate topics. He will know that I refer to that baby loss debate quite a lot, because I recall that situation very well. He will also know that I was extremely concerned about it and have tried since to do everything that we can to ensure that does not happen again, and indeed that other similar topics are given a proper time and a proper place for debate. I will take that point away and see whether we can make sure that happens.

On the issue that the hon. Gentleman raises about children in his patch, he will know that as they return to school, they return with help from this Government. Their parents were helped with the cost of uniforms, free school meals have been extended and there has been help for travel costs. The Government are always looking to help families with cost of living issues. I will take the hon. Gentleman’s question away, because I have heard those concerns from my constituency as well: what happens during term time is great, but what happens for some families outside term time? I will refer the matter to colleagues to see what further help we can provide.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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Let us speed up business questions a little bit, so everybody can get in.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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Let me pay tribute to my right hon. Friend’s work and the diligent way in which he stands up for his constituents. He raises a concerning matter, and I will get the relevant Minister to write to him.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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Sporting a new look, David Reed.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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Let me pay tribute to my hon. Friend, who did a fantastic job as a Minister and is a great champion of her fine city. I join in with her excitement in welcoming the world town crier tournament. Her question is exceptionally timely given that one of the earliest surviving records of town criers in the UK is, in fact, part of the Bayeux tapestry, which was brought home yesterday to such fanfare. I wish all the contestants in her competition the very best of luck.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker
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Is the Leader of the House not going to attempt to town cry now?

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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I hope that Openreach has heard what the hon. Lady has said. I agree absolutely on the importance of data in our modern lives. The Government take the matter very seriously, as they do the matter of resilience, and they are doing some in-depth work on how we can improve the situation. At the appropriate time, I am sure they will want to bring forward any further proposals to the House.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker
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Dr Peter Prinsley, you are not in your normal seat.

Business of the House

Debate between Nusrat Ghani and Alan Campbell
Thursday 4th June 2026

(3 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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I understand my hon. Friend’s frustration on these matters, but I have to say that Ministers, including the Prime Minister, have complied with the Humble Address by providing all the information that they held. I think that is the right thing for them to have done. Following on from that, the Cabinet Office has then published that information, so I just want to correct the record: as far as anyone knows, nothing is being withheld.

My hon. Friend is absolutely right, however, about the duty of candour. She has done a great deal of work—I thank her for it—on the Hillsborough law, at the centre of which is candour. The Bill will be coming forward in due course and she will be able to make her case again then. It is not just candour that everyone in public office should be accountable for; there are ministerial codes and other ways in which people can be held accountable for their actions, and I just want to reassure the House on that matter.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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I join my hon. Friend in sending condolences to all the families of those who have tragically died, including David. As part of the Beat the Heat campaign, the UK Health Security Agency promotes safer choices around where, when and how people swim. As my hon. Friend rightly points out, primary schools are required to provide mandatory swimming instructions. Primary school leavers should be able to swim 25 metres confidently; if there are reasons why that is not happening, I will ask the relevant Department to find out what they are. The number of deaths is tragically high and the issue will affect a number of constituencies, so I urge him and others to attend the Westminster Hall debate next Tuesday, to raise questions directly with the Minister.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I call the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee.

Business of the House

Debate between Nusrat Ghani and Alan Campbell
Thursday 12th February 2026

(7 months, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alan Campbell Portrait The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir Alan Campbell)
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The business for the week commencing 23 February will include:

Monday 23 February—Committee of the whole House and remaining stages of the Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill, followed by Committee of the whole House and remaining stages of the Universal Credit (Removal Of Two Child Limit) Bill.

Tuesday 24 February—Opposition day (18th allotted day). Debate on a motion in the name of the Liberal Democrats, subject to be announced, followed by debate on a motion relating to the charter for Budget responsibility.

Wednesday 25 February—General debate on Ukraine.

Thursday 26 February—General debate on St David’s day and Welsh affairs, followed by general debate on Government support for bereaved children. The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee.

Friday 27 February—The House will not be sitting.

The provisional business for the week commencing 2 March includes:

Monday 2 March—Second Reading of the Representation of the People Bill.

Tuesday 3 March—My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will make her spring forecast statement, followed by consideration of Lords amendments.

Wednesday 4 March—Estimates day (4th allotted day). At 7pm, the House will be asked to agree all outstanding estimates.

Thursday 5 March—Proceedings on the Supply and Appropriation (Anticipation and Adjustments) (No. 2) Bill, followed by general debate on contributions of Commonwealth troops in world war one, followed by debate on a motion on the future of palliative care. The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee.

Friday 6 March—The House will not be sitting.

The House will no doubt be interested in recess dates going forward. Members may wish to know that subject to the progress of business, and further to the dates that have already been announced, the House will rise for the summer recess at the close of business on Thursday 16 July 2026 and return on Tuesday 1 September 2026. The House will rise for the conference recess at the close of business on Tuesday 15 September 2026 and return on Monday 12 October 2026. The House will rise for the Christmas recess at the close of business on Thursday 17 December 2026 and return on Monday 4 January 2027.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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Tuesday 1 September clashes with my birthday, but we can discuss that later. I call the shadow Leader of the House.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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I certainly join my hon. Friend in recognising the vital role that trade unions play in improving lives of people across the country. The Government have worked very closely with trade unions and with businesses to deliver the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation through the landmark Employment Rights Act. The Act is a key pillar of the Government’s plan to make work pay, which will grow the economy, boost wages and reduce insecure work, and improve people’s lives.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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I thank my hon. Friend for raising an issue of such importance, and I am genuinely sorry to hear about the cases that he raises. We are committed to building a national care service based on a high quality of care and greater choice and control. I will ensure that Ministers have heard his concern. If he wants to seek a meeting with Ministers to brief them more fully on what is happening in his part of the world, I will arrange that meeting.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker
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I call the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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I absolutely join my hon. Friend in congratulating Grant McFarlane and everyone else involved in Fèis Phàislig—if I pronounced that correctly.

Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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That is easy for you to say, Madam Deputy Speaker. As I said before, volunteers are the golden thread that runs through our communities and we celebrate them and great Gaelic traditions.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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I do not think there is a need for such a debate, because I am still—I am hesitating here—a member of His Majesty’s Government, as Ministers are members of His Majesty’s Government. That does not mean that, for outward-looking communication purposes, “UK Government” is not an appropriate term. I genuinely do not understand why this is such a difficult concept, but I will certainly bear the hon. Gentleman’s comments in mind.

While we are here, let me commend the hon. Gentleman for following his new leader’s advice on not working from home. It is a shame that many of his colleagues do not do the same—we rarely see them—but he is an assiduous attender of these sessions, and I thank him for that. I would have described him as a flag-bearer for Reform, but I know how excited he gets about flags.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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The Whip on duty has confirmed that the Leader of the House is still the Leader of the House.

Business of the House

Debate between Nusrat Ghani and Alan Campbell
Thursday 29th January 2026

(7 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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This Government have brought forward a young people’s strategy for the first time in more than a decade. A review is also being undertaken into how we can best tackle the difficult issue of bringing down youth unemployment. However, I will draw the matter to the attention of the relevant Secretary of State and see what plans we have to bring forward a debate, or perhaps a statement, so that my hon. Friend can make those points himself.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right to champion the work of Greener Littleover and organisations like it. The work done by volunteer-led initiatives is admirable, and it represents the very best of our communities. I hope that everyone in the House will join me in praising Greener Littleover’s commitment to protecting, enhancing and celebrating local green spaces.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I call the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to Rev. Jim Bennett. His work at both Greenwich and Bexley community hospice and St Augustine’s church has greatly contributed to his community. In paying tribute to Rev. Jim Bennett, let us pay tribute to all the churches and churchmen and women across our country, who play such an important part in our local communities. I wish Rev. Jim Bennett a very long and happy retirement.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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The final question is from the ever-patient Josh Newbury.

Business of the House

Debate between Nusrat Ghani and Alan Campbell
Tuesday 13th January 2026

(8 months, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alan Campbell Portrait The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir Alan Campbell)
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Madam Deputy Speaker, in the light of continuing discussions about tomorrow’s legislation, I am announcing the following changes to business.

The business tomorrow, Wednesday 14 January, will now be a general debate on Ukraine.

The remaining stages of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill will now take place on Monday 19 January.

The business on Thursday 15 January will remain unchanged. There will be a general debate on new towns, followed by a general debate on financial support for small businesses and individuals during the covid-19 pandemic. The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee.

I will announce further business in the usual way on Thursday.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I call the shadow Leader of the House.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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The short answer to the question is that we are not. My hon. Friend has been a very strong advocate on these matters and a great support for families. We understand the significance of the Bill, particularly in the region that she represents and wider still. The Government are absolutely committed to the duty of candour. I know that there have been questions about the application of the duty to, for example, the intelligence services. We have been very clear that the duty will apply to the intelligence services, but there is a careful balance that we must achieve. This is not about the principles of the duty of candour being applied but how the legislation will apply in practice and having the right national security safeguards in place. Nor is it about whether we can get there in the quickest possible time. It is about ensuring that we get to the right place and that we do it in the right way.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker
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I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

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Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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Order. That is understood.

Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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I cannot confirm who will be leading the Ukraine debate tomorrow, but I said a moment ago that the Prime Minister will be meeting the families tomorrow, so that probably answers that part of the hon. Gentleman’s question. In terms of the Chagos legislation that was scheduled for next week, as I have said I am expecting, hoping for and intending there to be minimal disruption, so while we will not get on to that important matter on Monday, it will not be long after that.

Business of the House

Debate between Nusrat Ghani and Alan Campbell
Thursday 30th October 2025

(10 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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My right hon. Friend is a great champion for her local community, and she is right that local people need to be involved in decisions that affect their local community. She has put on record her concerns, but I would encourage her to go even further on this matter, perhaps by applying for an Adjournment debate.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. Many of our constituents will agree with his concerns. He may wish to seek a Backbench Business or Adjournment debate to raise those matters.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I call my parliamentary chess partner, Warinder Juss, who lost to Kazakhstan by six points.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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I will draw the hon. Lady’s comments to Ministers’ attention and ask that they arrange a meeting as soon as possible.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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A tip for Members: look at your question, cross out half of it, and speak for half the length of time.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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I invite my hon. Friend to apply for either a Backbench Business debate or an Adjournment debate on the subject. He is right that everyone has a role to play. Local authorities have a key role to play in using their power to ensure that spaces are kept clean. As part of our pride in place strategy, we plan to bring forward statutory enforcement guidance on things like littering and fly-tipping.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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We need super-short questions. I will try to get everybody in.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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It would not be business questions without a question about the mismanagement of Reform-led Lancashire county council. I congratulate my hon. Friend on raising these matters, and he is of course right to continue the fight for the services that his constituents rely on. As I have said previously, raising these matters in Adjournment debates or in Backbench Business debates shines a light on the record of Reform councils not just in Lancashire, but across the country.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I thank Members for working with me and for speaking at lightning speed. I also thank the Leader of the House, who has got his exercise in for the week.

Privileges

Debate between Nusrat Ghani and Alan Campbell
Wednesday 29th October 2025

(10 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alan Campbell Portrait The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir Alan Campbell)
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I beg to move,

That this House—

agrees with the Committee of Privileges in its First Report of Session 2024–26, Matter referred on 14 July 2025: Omagh Bombing Inquiry;

welcomes the acknowledgement in the Petition from the Secretary of the Inquiry that the Inquiry has taken advice on the application of Article 9 of the Bill of Rights to its proceedings and will be mindful of the privileges of the House;

notes the assurance given by the Inquiry that it will handle material provided to it by the House in accordance with its disclosure protocol;

and accordingly orders that the unpublished transcript of unreported evidence taken by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on 11 November 2009 be provided to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry and that the Inquiry shall have power to disclose or publish it if it thinks fit to do so, after taking relevant advice.

I welcome the consideration by the Committee of Privileges of this matter and its report. If approved, the motion will enable the unpublished transcript of unreported evidence, taken by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in November 2009, to be provided to the Omagh bombing inquiry, and enable the inquiry to publish that evidence if it thinks fit to do so, subject to relevant advice.

I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi) and the hon. Member for North Dorset (Simon Hoare) for raising this issue in the House in July. I also thank the Chair of the Privileges Committee, the hon. Member for South Leicestershire (Alberto Costa), for his Committee’s swift work in considering the matter. I commend in particular his Committee’s sensitivity in handling this subject, as well as its commitment to facilitating the important work of the Omagh bombing inquiry.

In relation to parliamentary privilege, the report highlights important points on the matter of exclusive cognisance and the privileges of this House. Be in no doubt, Madam Deputy Speaker, that the Government support the rights of this House and will act to defend them. I hope that the House will support this motion today, and I commend it to the House.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I call the Chair of the Privileges Committee.

Business of the House

Debate between Nusrat Ghani and Alan Campbell
Thursday 23rd October 2025

(11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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Order. Before the Leader of the House responds, we only have 30 minutes to go, so questions must be short and answers even shorter.

Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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The hon. Lady would not expect me to speculate about what is in the Budget, but there will be adequate time during the debate on it to address the concerns she raises.

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Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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Order. That question was far too long.

Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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The hon. Lady can seek either a Backbench Business or Adjournment debate, because I am sure her concerns are shared by other Members. That way, she can hear an answer to her point from the relevant Minister.

None Portrait Several hon. Members rose—
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Business of the House

Debate between Nusrat Ghani and Alan Campbell
Thursday 16th October 2025

(11 months, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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Order. Before the Leader of the House responds, let me say that many Members wish to contribute, so can I ask that questions are short and that the Leader of the House is on point as well?

Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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So far, 750 schools are offering free breakfast clubs, which puts, on average, £450 a year back into parents’ pockets, and we intend to extend free school meals too. I understand that areas believe this may not be enough, or that other areas are better off. I will draw that to the attention of the Chancellor, but so can the hon. Lady at Treasury questions.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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Again, this issue is not unique to my hon. Friend’s constituency, and though he is a great advocate for his constituency, I am sure others have similar stories. He may seek a Backbench Business debate to raise these matters, because as far as I can remember, we have been discussing these things for quite a long time and we therefore do need to work out what further things can be done.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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Apparently, we have a short question from Jim Shannon.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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Pubs are at the heart of our communities and often serve as vital community assets, and we certainly do not want them to close. We are working with the sector, including through the Hospitality Sector Council, to address the clear challenges faced. I urge my hon. Friend to raise his concerns at Business and Trade questions on 30 October.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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Order. In order for me to get everybody in, the questions will have to be shorter. I call Warinder Juss to show us how it is done.

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Alan Campbell Portrait Sir Alan Campbell
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The Government expect local authorities to engage meaningfully with residents on planning. Planning law requires local planning authorities to notify neighbours regarding planning applications, either by site notice or letter, and to publish information about the application on a website. My hon. Friend may wish to seek a debate on those matters, not just to highlight the concerns of his constituents, for whom he is a great champion, but to see what the Minister’s response will be.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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For the final question, I call Brian Leishman.