Business of the House

Tom Rutland Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As a coastal MP, I absolutely understand what my hon. Friend is saying about empty properties, which are a concern everywhere but take on a particular significance in coastal towns. I am delighted about the funding that he has secured for Blackpool; he is a doughty campaigner for that fantastic town. I certainly encourage his constituents to complete the survey, which will help put power back in the hands of local people, who, after all, know best.

[Tom Rutland (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Lab)]

After many months of hard work, we finally have year-round citizen science water testing up and running in Worthing, to test water quality, identify sites of pollution and give sea swimmers confidence as they enjoy our fantastic coast. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking and congratulating Mark and Karl from East Worthing’s Muscle Beach Swimmers Club, Councillors Vicki Wells and Martin McCabe, South Downs Leisure and all those who have been instrumental in bringing forward this fantastic project?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Absolutely. My hon. Friend has been an ardent campaigner on cleaning up our waterways, and I pay tribute to him for that. I join him in congratulating Mark, Karl and everyone involved in the community initiative to which he refers on giving their time in service to cleaning up their local community.