Business of the House

Debate between Robin Swann and Alan Campbell

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that matter, which, as she will know, has been raised by other Members. The procurement process for that contract was undertaken prior to the recent issues with Capita and the civil service pension scheme. Our priority remains to ensure the continuity of service and value for money for the public. However, I acknowledge the Members’ concerns and will ensure that Ministers have heard my hon. Friend’s question.

[Robin Swann (South Antrim) (UUP)]

Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative Society relies on a supply of glass eels to meet its regulatory commitment to be a sustainable eel fishery, but the supply from GB rivers is now being blocked because of EU wildlife trade regulations. That issue has been raised with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem MPs. My concern is the sustainability of eel stocks in Lough Neagh, and our eel fishermen. Will the Leader of the House advise me on how best to get a common-sense, positive resolution to this issue from DEFRA?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The hon. Gentleman raises a matter of great importance to his constituency and that part of Northern Ireland. We had DEFRA questions this morning, but I will ensure that the relevant Minister is aware of the matter, and get the hon. Gentleman an update. Once he has that update, we will decide whether a statement or a debate is the best way forward.

Business of the House

Debate between Robin Swann and Alan Campbell

Thursday 30th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I understand the anxiety felt by my hon. Friend’s constituents, and the need for certainty on their children’s future education. The Under-Secretary of State for Education, my hon. Friend the Member for Whitehaven and Workington (Josh MacAlister), has committed to provide an update on the outcomes of the review of mainstream free school projects later this year. It is a substantial exercise covering 44 projects, and I will ensure that Members are notified as soon as there is a decision.

[Robin Swann (South Antrim) (UUP)]

The Royal Horticultural Society has today launched its report, “Space to Grow”, realising the potential of the community gardening movement. Will the Leader of the House join me in recognising and celebrating the work of Tidy Randalstown in my South Antrim constituency, and look at the opportunity for the Government, along with devolved Governments, to embed the space to grow campaign in legislation and policy?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will. This issue is really important for many communities, and I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising the example from his constituency. Community gardens are important to bring communities together, and often for people’s mental health, so it is great that he has brought the issue to the Floor of the House. I join him in thanking the community gardens movement.

Business of the House

Debate between Robin Swann and Alan Campbell

Thursday 23rd October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will raise that with the Department and ensure that my hon. Friend gets the answer he seeks.

[Robin Swann (South Antrim) (UUP)]

May I join the Leader of the House in his acknowledgment of the start of the poppy appeal? Is he aware that our British Legion in Northern Ireland is now required to have an appointed EU rep to handle compliance for safety issues for products distributed, sold or given for donation during the poppy appeal. Does the Leader of the House agree that that is ridiculous and will he speak to the appropriate Minister so we can have a meeting about it?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am sure that Minister will have heard the hon. Gentleman’s concerns. A meeting might be appropriate or, indeed, he may wish to raise it through an Adjournment debate on the Floor of the House. It is a timely topic.