Business of the House

Tonia Antoniazzi Excerpts

Thursday 15th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for not just his work, but that of his Committee and for his ever-thorough updates. On times and future business, I have heard very much what he said. I understand that some of these matters can be time sensitive. I will do everything I can to give him the early warning he asks for, but I also make him the offer, in the times that we do meet, that perhaps we could look at other opportunities for some of these topics to be discussed, outside of Backbench Business.

The hon. Gentleman raises Bangladesh. We actively engage with the humanitarian situation and support the interim Government on peaceful and credible elections. We have a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, and we continue to stress that to the interim Government of Bangladesh. We condemn all acts of violence, whether they are religious or ethnic-based, and welcome the commitments of the head of the interim Government to the safety of minorities, including where arrests are made. But I will draw the hon. Gentleman’s comments to the attention of the Foreign Secretary and, of course, I am sure that the Department will want to bring forward a statement when it is appropriate.

[Tonia Antoniazzi (Gower) (Lab)]

I will not be the only Member dealing with a large number of child maintenance issues that have been ongoing for years and years. It is frankly intolerable. Could the Leader of the House ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what further steps he is taking to prevent an appeal process being repeatedly used as a delaying tactic, particularly by high-income parents who are non-residents and are under-reporting their incomes?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend raises concerns that I am sure are felt by Members across the House. I will raise her concerns with the Secretary of State, but I also point out that Work and Pensions questions are later this month.