Business of the House

Victoria Collins Excerpts

Thursday 16th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The DVLA has recruited more staff to the drivers medical casework team and its contact centre to deal with the sustained increase in the volume and complexity of applications, but I understand the frustration of my hon. Friend and his constituents—and of many people across the country, probably. I recommend that he seeks a Westminster Hall debate on this matter when we return in September so that he can make that case and hear from a Minister how the issue will be resolved.

[Victoria Collins (Harpenden and Berkhamsted) (LD)]

Scores of local people in Northchurch have rallied around a local Sri Lankan family. The father, a social care worker, had his visa renewed, but his wife—a teaching assistant—and three kids were originally given 14 days to leave the country. One 16-year-old was appalled and disgusted, and said:

“As a child of the future, I am disheartened that the Home Office has allowed this to go ahead.”

To add insult to injury to the family, who are living in limbo, the Home Office press office has interfered by essentially stopping a press story and adding uncertainty. Does the Leader of the House agree that this is a completely unacceptable situation? Will he help me to get a substantive response from Ministers and, importantly, to secure this family’s place in their community?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am sure that this causes distress not just to the family, but to the community supporting them. It is important that we get a fair system, but it is also important that we have an effective and efficient system that puts people at the centre. If the hon. Lady gives me details of the case, I will take it up with the Home Office and see if we can get the reassurance that she seeks.