Business of the House

Debate between Peter Swallow and Alan Campbell

Thursday 26th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

It is important that people make their voices heard with their concerns about the far right. It is important that we stand up to the division that the far right seeks to bring not just to our local communities, but to our nation, particularly in the run-up to local elections. It is important that we expose not only that, but—where the far right is present in local government—its record, which is invariably appalling.

[Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)]

The hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) may call me Pothole Pete after this question. Residents in Bracknell Forest are frustrated about potholes, so I welcome the fact that Bracknell Forest council has committed over £7 million to fixing local roads in this year’s budget, backed by millions of pounds of support from this Government. Does the Leader of the House agree that this shows how a Labour council and the Labour Government can work together to address residents’ priorities and deliver better roads across the borough?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Yes, I agree that where councils are doing it right—in this case, a Labour council is doing it right—it is important that their record is out there. As I have said, our record funding settlement over the next four years will enable local authorities to fill millions of additional potholes. This is not just about throwing money at the problem; it is about making sure that the money is spent on fixing roads. Where good local councils, such as my hon. Friend’s, have such a record, I hope residents, if they are going to the polls in May, appreciate that situation.

Business of the House

Debate between Peter Swallow and Alan Campbell

Thursday 26th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly join the hon. Gentleman in hoping that the day is a success. Of course, we want to encourage people to go along and cheer on and support teams, not least because many clubs face difficult financial circumstances, so getting communities behind teams is really important. The only thing that surprises me is that a Member of Parliament has 100 friends.

[Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)]

On the last day before the February recess, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government released a consultation on regional strategic planning, including proposed maps for regions where a mayoral strategic authority has not already been established. I am extremely concerned that that amounts to imposing a devolution area on my region from Whitehall, but I have not yet been able to secure a meeting with the Minister in question to share my concerns. Will the Leader of the House speak to colleagues in MHCLG about arranging that meeting as quickly as possible?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Government were clear in their manifesto that housing need in England cannot be met without planning for growth on a larger than local scale, and that it will be necessary to introduce effective new mechanisms for cross-boundary strategic planning. None the less, I will raise my hon. Friend’s point with the relevant Minister and ensure that he gets a reply and, if appropriate, a meeting.

Business of the House

Debate between Peter Swallow and Alan Campbell

Thursday 22nd January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for championing the work of Hawthorn Housing Co-operative. As we have said, housing is about balance, and co-operative housing undoubtedly has an important role to play in that. We are considering opportunities to establish a formal framework for co-operative housing, and we have provided £20 million in support for community-led housing. If my hon. Friend seeks further detail, he could apply for an Adjournment debate on the matter. If he does, I hope that he will be successful.

[Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)]

Pilgrim Hearts Trust has been lifting homeless and vulnerable people in Bracknell Forest out of poverty, and supporting them in rebuilding their lives, for 25 years. Does my right hon. Friend agree that local charities and organisations like Pilgrim Hearts must be at the heart of our plan to tackle street homelessness, and will he set out what the Government are doing to cut rough sleeping and poverty?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. Charities such as the Pilgrim Hearts Trust are the golden thread that runs through our communities, and I thank Elaine and everyone at Pilgrim Hearts for their 25 years of service to the local community. Homelessness is a moral stain on our society, and this Government will not stand idly by and allow it to continue. We are investing £1 billion to give homeless people the security of a roof over their head, to get them back on track, and to end homelessness for good.

Business of the House

Debate between Peter Swallow and Alan Campbell

Thursday 30th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

It is our duty to never forget all those who gave their lives for our country, especially during this Remembrance period. I am always particularly moved when I pass the memorial in Whitehall to the women who served our country in the world wars. They played a fundamental role in the war effort, and we must honour and mark that. On Armistice Day, there will be a debate in the House, and I hope that my hon. Friend will be able to make the points that she has raised today.

[Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)]

Over the summer, I spoke to almost 1,000 Bracknell Forest residents as part of my campaign on road safety. Last week, I published my findings, with recommendations including more action on off-road bikes, uninsured drivers and headlight dazzle. Will the Leader of the House ask the local transport Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield and Rothwell (Simon Lightwood), to meet me to discuss my report further?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is right to raise road safety. I will ensure that the Minister hears his remarks, and we will see if we can get a meeting for him.