Business of the House

Sarah Pochin Excerpts

Thursday 9th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend refers to tragic cases. I am sure that the whole House sends its sympathies to the friends and family of everyone who has lost their life during the extreme weather—and indeed previously—in water incidents. The National Water Safety Forum brings together a wide range of national groups to provide consistent guidance. There was a Westminster Hall debate on this matter last month, at which I understand it was agreed that a meeting would take place between all responsible Departments to look at what further action should be taken. I will get an update from the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice (Emma Hardy), on what is happening on that.

[Sarah Pochin (Runcorn and Helsby) (Reform)]

Businesses in Runcorn and Helsby are adversely affected—penalised, in fact—by the Merseyflow bridge tolls that make it difficult or impossible for them to compete with companies over the bridge in Widnes, and difficult to recruit from over the bridge. The 10-year funding review is due to happen this year. Will the Leader of the House ask the Transport Secretary to make a statement on how those businesses’ views and needs can be represented in that process?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I understand the concerns that the hon. Lady raises. Let me raise that with the relevant Minister and get her an update on how they may be able to do that.

Business of the House

Sarah Pochin Excerpts

Thursday 21st May 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Government are absolutely committed to improving the accessibility of the railway, including through the Access for All programme, and I am sure that Network Rail will have heard my hon. Friend’s comments. The Railways Bill makes it a legal requirement that the interests of passengers, including those with accessibility needs, are at the heart of decision making on the railway. I am sure that my hon. Friend will want to make her voice heard during proceedings on that Bill.

[Sarah Pochin (Runcorn and Helsby) (Reform)]

During a recent visit to DHL in my constituency, I heard yet again about the growing financial burden of the Merseyflow bridge tolls on those travelling to work. DHL wants to expand its operation in Runcorn and double its workforce, but it is struggling to attract people. The bridge tolls have become a costly barrier to employment and economic growth. Will the Leader of the House agree to a debate on the economic impact of the bridge tolls in communities such as Runcorn and Helsby?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Government are absolutely clear that we want to see the economy grow and companies grow, and nothing should get in the way of that. I will draw the hon. Member’s remarks to the attention of the relevant Transport Minister, but she might also want to seek an Adjournment debate, in which she can hear directly from the Minister.

Business of the House

Sarah Pochin Excerpts

Thursday 8th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Pochin (Runcorn and Helsby) (Reform)]

While Reform UK welcomed the Foreign Secretary’s update to the House on Monday regarding el-Fattah, will the Government give consideration to allocating time for debate on my presentation Bill, introduced yesterday, which addresses the national security risk posed by individuals who are convicted abroad of national security offences? If not, will the Home Secretary at least make a statement to the House on her assessment of the threat posed by this individual, and on whether the Government intend to deprive him of his British citizenship and deport him?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am aware that the hon. Lady has raised this matter. We will study carefully what her Bill says, but the Home Secretary has been clear about how strong the Government’s stance is on these matters. I will raise this matter with the Home Secretary after this session of business questions, and will ensure that the hon. Lady gets an answer.

Business of the House

Sarah Pochin Excerpts

Thursday 13th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Pochin (Runcorn and Helsby) (Reform)]

Given that the town of Runcorn in my constituency is the 16th most deprived town in the country, does the Leader of the House not agree that investing in education and young people’s futures is key to changing that statistic? Therefore, may we have a debate in Government time on new higher education facilities in areas like mine?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Improving educational opportunity, including through further education, is absolutely at the heart of what the Government are about in every constituency, not just the hon. Member’s. She might want not just to raise this issue in Education questions, but to call for a debate of her own so that she can further the case.