Robbie Moore
Main Page: Robbie Moore (Conservative - Keighley and Ilkley)Department Debates - View all Robbie Moore's debates with the Leader of the House
(3 weeks, 5 days ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
The service provided by Capita has been, quite frankly, dreadful. Too many pension scheme members still face unacceptable delays after years of dedicated public service. After this matter was raised in the House on several occasions, the Minister for the Cabinet Office provided an update on the action we are taking. If my hon. Friend provides me with the details of individual cases, I will see whether we can raise them with the relevant Departments and get a resolution. I am sure the Cabinet Office will want to keep the matter under review and, when we return in September, not only update the House on the progress made but give assurances about the future.
Robbie Moore (Keighley and Ilkley) (Con)
Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking West Yorkshire fire and rescue for its continued efforts to tackle the wildfire that is currently on Silsden moor? At the height of the incident, 12 fire engines were in attendance. As the risk of wildfires on moorlands increases, may we have a debate in Government time about the Government’s decision to ignore the advice from the National Fire Chiefs Council, scientists and conservationists and to ban the controlled rotational burning of heather, which is resulting in more uncontrolled wildfires, peat degradation and severe impacts on biodiversity?
Sir Alan Campbell
I certainly join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to West Yorkshire fire and rescue service. I fear its services will be called on more in future as climate change has further effect. I will take away and raise with Ministers the hon. Gentleman’s particular points, but let me be clear: we have invested around £100 million for the biggest upgrade of national resilience capabilities in nearly 20 years, to combat the escalating threat of wildfires. We have also made available around £2 billion for fire and rescue authorities in England. It is obviously of concern to the hon. Gentleman’s local communities, though; let us see what more we can do.