Business of the House
Wendy Chamberlain Excerpts(1 week, 6 days ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
I certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating Scarborough RUFC on its success. Not only that club, but rugby clubs across our country are so important in local sports. Very often, they are at the heart of our local communities because, moving beyond the sport they play, they get involved in all sorts of other things, and I thank rugby clubs for everything they do.
Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
First, I am grateful to the Leader of the House for bringing my previous concerns about the management of visa cases in the Home Office to the Department’s attention. However, at the moment I have a very acute issue with immediate support needs. A constituent of mine is in the USA, where his baby was born through surrogacy. Unfortunately, the baby has been very unwell, and he has not yet been able to complete the formalities for a British passport, although they do hold a US one. My constituent’s ESTA—electronic system for travel authorisation—is running out, and he desperately wants to get back to Scotland with his baby, who needs further medical care. In the absence of any remaining Home Office questions, will the Leader of the House advise me who could urgently offer some support to bring this case to a conclusion?
Sir Alan Campbell
If the hon. Lady lets me have the details of that case immediately after this session, I will see what we can do. While I am on my feet, let me wish her well for her run on Sunday.
Modernisation Committee Report: Access to the House of Commons
Wendy Chamberlain Excerpts(2 weeks, 6 days ago)
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Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
I rise to speak, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, both as a member of the Modernisation Committee and, at one point during this inquiry, as a witness. That is also true of the Leader of the House, who gave evidence to the Committee before he became its Chair.
The work we do in this place is complicated, but sometimes it is more complicated than it needs to be, and sometimes we revel in that. I am very conscious that we are having this debate during the final stages of the parliamentary Session and ping-pong, and I as an opposition MP have been leading my colleagues to vote No because we disagree with a Government motion to disagree with a Lords amendment, so we sometimes make this place overly complicated, and the whats and whys of how we do things do not often make sense externally.
I maintain and agree with the shadow Leader of the House, the right hon. Member for Hereford and South Herefordshire (Jesse Norman), and indeed the Leader of the House, that once we are here, we see that while there are definitely things that could be done better or differently, that is absolutely not the case for all things. We must always be aware of the need not to throw the baby out with the bathwater when considering what we should do. I came into Parliament in December 2019, and over the last two Parliaments—in both 2019 and 2024—we have had a huge turnover of legislators, and understanding why things are the way they are, and what needs to be improved, does take time.
I want to make my remarks in line with the three sections of the Modernisation Committee’s report, and I echo others in commending the House Administration for its constructive response. The reality is that in many circumstances, but particularly in relation to accessibility more generally, it knows fine well what the issues are in this place, and it is as keen to ensure that it makes visible progress on those issues as are we on the Committee and parliamentarians more widely.
However, the report summary talked about clear and prompt action, but we need to acknowledge that it will not be quick. I want to mention our experience yesterday. I am the chair of the all-party parliamentary group on PANS PANDAS, a paediatric condition—have I mentioned that I am running the London marathon for it a week on Sunday?—and yesterday some young people came in for a roundtable in advance of the Backbench Business debate we are hoping to have in a few weeks’ time, because it was important to hear directly from those young people about their experience of the condition. However, one of them was using a wheelchair.
My fantastic team in Westminster, Kathryn and Claudia, incorporated a tour into those young people’s experience as part of their day, but the reality was that the one young person in a wheelchair had a completely different experience from everybody else. There is no access to St Stephen’s Hall or the top of the Westminster steps, which meant she could not see that part of the tour. A moveable ramp for the few steps from Central Lobby to St Stephen’s Hall, which could be used when needed, would be an option. The lift on the accessible lift route is really small. The young person yesterday had one of those quite mobile wheelchairs, but I have been doing bus journeys with wheelchair users in my constituency recently, and the technology is advancing significantly, but the necessary space and access are not. There are also very simple things like the fact that the carpet outside the accessible lift has a really deep pile, which makes it difficult to move across.
Among the evidence that the Committee heard, what we heard from people working on the estate, about the difficulties they face, was pretty arresting. There is the Clerk who cannot progress in his career because he is no longer able to sit at the Table in front of you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and therefore his development opportunities are restricted. There is the member of staff for an MP who started on a Speaker’s internship for 12 months—a way of getting people from different backgrounds into Parliament—and was fortunate enough to go on and work for the same MP afterwards, but it took 15 months for the nearest wheelchair accessible toilet to be accessible to him, because he could not open the door before that point.
As a Committee, that was shameful for us to hear and it shows that we have so much more to do. It is important that we remember that Parliament is a place of work and a place of democracy, and when we consider the restoration and renewal proposals—I agree with the shadow Leader of the House—we need to keep accessibility at the forefront, regardless of what our overall opinions on R and R might be.
On procedure and processes, I remember meeting the previous Leader of the House, the right hon. Member for Manchester Central (Lucy Powell), to discuss the Committee when the Government were looking at setting it up. On how I thought about the Committee, the equivalent that I came up with, from my time in the police, was a tasking and co-ordinating group. The remit of the Committee is wide and our make-up is unique, with the Leader of the House as Chair. The decisions on some elements of the work that we have looked at belong to other Committees, so we should be able to task and co-ordinate with them accordingly. It is right that decisions and inquiries on call lists, electronic voting—we had issues with that this week—and proxies are being led and reported on by the Procedure Committee. Our Committee also recently looked at virtual Select Committee appearances.
The evidence we heard from disabled MPs demonstrates that there is absolutely more that can be done to accommodate them. Also—this has been my own experience of late as a Chief Whip—there are practices that we have utilised in the past that in some ways we have forgotten about, such as nodding through. I am not suggesting that we go back to what is depicted in the James Graham play “This House”, but there are accommodations that can and should be made. We should be constantly challenging ourselves in that regard. Certainly, I see it as part of my role as Chief Whip for my group to make those challenges and ask those questions.
On reading the report, I also thought about my own reflections on covid. As I said, I was a new MP in 2019. There is no doubt that there was an impact on how relationships were built here in Parliament as a result of the practices we had during covid. We participated in the Chamber virtually, which gave no opportunity to learn how to intervene, or to just have those conversations in the Tea Room and the Lobby. It was quite easy to become siloed in our parliamentary groups, and I think all of us here know well that this place is at its best when it works in a constructive, cross-party way to make things progress.
The last section is on communicating what the House does. Generally, the recommendations attempt to strike the right balance between the traditions of the House— I say that as a trustee of the History of Parliament Trust—and the need for Parliament and its processes to be understandable to the wider public. There is clearly more to do, but it is important that we continue to assess whether that balance is being struck correctly.
I want to highlight the work of the Education and Engagement Team. I recently attended an event here in Parliament. Sarah Donald, the headteacher of Dairsie primary school in my constituency, is on the UK Parliament teacher ambassador programme, which will give her the opportunity to be an accredited partner of the Education and Engagement Team. That education and understanding of our democracy and how it works is really important. We are currently having Scottish Parliament elections, so knowing the difference between what an MSP can do and MP can do is important. Indeed, last week I visited Busy Bees nursery in Strathkinness to talk on the topic of “People who help us”. It transpires that it is really quite difficult to explain to four-year-olds what the job of an MP is. I have to say that when I visited my child’s nursery school a number of years ago in the unfirm of a police officer, I was much more popular.
To conclude, the Modernisation Committee is an important feature of this current Parliament. We can and should be in a position to continue to review progress and we should continue to do so as this Parliament progresses. I am very pleased that the House Administration has engaged with the report so constructively and I look forward to revisiting this topic in due course.
Business of the House
Wendy Chamberlain Excerpts(2 weeks, 6 days ago)
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Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
I start by wishing my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Bobby Dean) all the best for his parental leave. Sadly, and particularly for his wife, I have no news to update the House with, but I hope to be able to do so in due course.
I draw the House’s attention to the devastating civil war in Sudan, which sadly entered its fourth year yesterday. This is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with over 29 million Sudanese facing acute food insecurity. Earlier in the parliamentary Session, the Prime Minister said in response to a question on Sudan from the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, my right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Ed Davey), that he does
“not think we discuss it enough in this House.”—[Official Report, 30 October 2024; Vol. 755, c. 806.]
Will the Leader of the House act in the spirit of those words and ask the Foreign Secretary to give a statement on the conflict next week and include an update to the House on her discussions at this week’s Berlin conference?
We continue to reel from the news emerging from the Oval Office. I must confess that I did not have the President of the United States labelling the Pope as “weak on crime” on my 2026 bingo card, but given recent events, perhaps I should have done. His latest AI image released last night of him embracing Jesus Christ reminded me of the immortal words of Brenda from Bristol in April 2017: “Not another one!” In all seriousness, Trump’s chaos is having real impacts here in the UK and in my own constituency of North East Fife. His reckless war in the middle east is hitting families up and down the country in the pocket and at the fuel pumps. Will the Leader of the House schedule a debate in Government time on the economic impact of Trump’s war and include a consideration of Liberal Democrat proposals for a 10p fuel duty cut? Other countries are providing that certainty on fuel duty now. Is it not time that the Government did likewise?
Sir Alan Campbell
I join the hon. Member in wishing the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Bobby Dean) well, and we await news with bated breath—at least he might get the nursery finished by the time of the arrival.
The hon. Member makes a serious point about the Sudan civil war. The Government are doing everything we can, not just to help to address the humanitarian situation, but to try to get an end to that war. We have committed £146 million in aid to Sudan and have sanctioned Rapid Support Forces commanders. We are doing everything we can, but I join her in hoping that the conflict ends soon. We are not shy in updating the House on this matter and will continue to do so. I will draw her remarks to the attention of the Foreign Secretary.
I will not comment on the President of the United States’ comments and the effect they are having, because I think we can see that play out not just in the hon. Member’s constituency but elsewhere. The real answer from the Government is that we are absolutely focused on doing everything we can in the national interest to see if we can ensure the ceasefire continues, but also to bring an end to the conflict. She is right to point out that the economic situation is very serious, too—possibly the most serious energy crisis in the last half century. The economic impact may well be beginning to be felt and may continue for some time. Again, there are lots of suggestions about what we might do. The Government are absolutely focused on this. We will not rush to judgment about action that we need to take now—we have already taken some targeted measures, not least on heating oil—but we are absolutely focused on that, and I reassure the House that we will continue to do so.
We are looking at all of that, and I am sure that, again, because we are not shy of doing so, when the opportunity arises, there will be an opportunity for further statements on these matters. I hope the House can come together not just to ensure that we have a firm view going forward in the international situation, but on how we can combat the economic issues that I am afraid are likely to continue for some time.
Business of the House
Wendy Chamberlain Excerpts(1 month, 1 week ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
I thank my hon. Friend for bringing this important matter to the House. The Youth Select Committee is an excellent initiative, and this Government continue to take steps to ensure that young people’s voices can be heard in our democracy, not least in the dependence we placed on the voices of young people when we drew together our national youth strategy. If I may, I will share my hon. Friend’s question with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which works very closely with the Committee. I also recommend that she applies for a Westminster Hall debate, so that all MPs have the opportunity to discuss the report’s recommendations and the good work that I hope is being done in their constituencies to promote the voices of young people.
Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
My office has seen an increase in my constituents coming to me because of an uptick in visa processing delays—visas for which they are often paying an increased fee. I really do worry about the sustainability of the Home Office’s processes, particularly in the light of the immigration reforms that this Government are making. Will the Leader of the House ensure that there is an update from the Department about what it is doing to address those delays?
Sir Alan Campbell
I will draw the hon. Lady’s concerns to the attention of the Department, and ensure either that she gets an update individually or—if appropriate—that the House gets an update.
Business of the House
Wendy Chamberlain Excerpts(1 month, 3 weeks ago)
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Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
It was good that the Government hosted a session on heating oil. In rural constituencies, such as North East Fife, almost 15% of people rely on heating oil, so it is really important that the Government are debating this issue. As the Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, my right hon. Friend the Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael), has said, red diesel is also an issue. The rural impacts of the conflict in Iran go beyond heating oil; fertiliser is another challenge, with reports of a 40% increase in the cost. Given that food security is becoming even more vital, will the Leader of the House ensure that we have a statement from the Environment Secretary on the rural impacts of the conflict?
Sir Alan Campbell
I do not think we have been shy in bringing forward statements on matters that have arisen from the crisis in Iran, and we will continue to do so. The hon. Lady is absolutely right to raise concerns about heating oil and other matters. As she knows, the Energy Minister has asked the Competition and Markets Authority to make sure that consumers are treated fairly, and there is the option of an investigation into unfair practices, if that becomes necessary. The Government are very cognisant of energy prices in general, but also of the price of heating oil and fuel. We will keep that under close watch and, when appropriate, update the House on what we intend to do about it.
Business of the House
Wendy Chamberlain Excerpts(2 months ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
The Government are supporting local authorities to build and maintain walking and cycling infrastructure, with £616 million for Active Travel England from 2026 to 2030. Our investment will enable an additional 30 million journeys on foot and bike every year, helping to revitalise high streets, improve our air quality and support healthier lifestyles. Should my hon. Friend seek a debate on those matters, I am sure that she will find common cause with many Members from across the House.
Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
There are beautiful churches across my constituency, many of which are listed. Following the announcement that the listed places of worship scheme will be closed, I have been contacted by many church communities that are deeply concerned about what that means for them, as the scheme will no longer provide funding for Scotland, and there appears to have been little engagement with the Church of Scotland. Are there Barnett consequential arising from the new scheme, and what conversations have there been with the Scottish Government? Will the new scheme continue to offer a VAT rebate for church repairs, and, if so, will churches in Scotland be eligible? This is causing huge concern, so will the Leader of the House ensure that a Minister from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport comes to update the House?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Lady will know that she and I share a very keen interest in historical churches, which are important parts of our communities, and I understand the concern about the changes she mentions. Better than offering an opportunity for a statement or a debate, I will, if she wishes, arrange for a meeting with a DCMS Minister, so that she can raise those understandable questions directly with them.
Business of the House
Wendy Chamberlain Excerpts(4 months, 2 weeks ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
I absolutely join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to Liz. Fifteen years is a wonderful achievement; clearly, she did a great job. Volunteers like Liz are the absolute backbone of our communities. It is right that they get a mention in this place and that we celebrate the work they do.
Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
The child maintenance system presents a number of challenges for MPs. The fact that the Minister for the CMS is in the other place is one of those challenges, and it means that we have not debated the child maintenance system in Government time for some time. It is also a challenge from a Scottish perspective, because it does not seem to work properly with the Scottish process of sequestration, and there is no power to compel needed information. I have a constituent who is currently owed £40,000, despite the CMS’s involvement over five years. I commend the work of Fife Gingerbread and Fife Young Carers to promote awareness of the fact that, in Scotland, children themselves can apply for child maintenance support, which takes out some of the challenges in the system that we sometimes see. Given the challenges that I have outlined, will the Leader of the House schedule a debate in Government time so that we can talk about something that causes such sadness at Christmas, no matter what side of the parental divide people are on?
Sir Alan Campbell
I will certainly give the hon. Lady’s request due consideration. This is a question not just in Scotland, of course, but across the country, and many of our surgeries will be testaments to that. I will raise her concerns straightaway with the Department for Work and Pensions to see whether we can get an answer on some of those points. However, I gently point out to her that just because a Minister sits in the Lords does not mean that there is not also a responsible Minister in this place; it therefore ought to be the case that any statements can be made, or questions answered, in this place.
Business of the House
Wendy Chamberlain Excerpts(4 months, 3 weeks ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
I know that veterinary costs will be a real concern for many, and I say that as a pet owner. The Government will consider any remedies from the Competition and Markets Authority’s final report next year, but in the meantime if my hon. Friend could secure a debate, I am sure that many hon. Members from across the House would share her concerns.
Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
My constituent fled Ukraine after Russia’s illegal invasion. She is now 89 and disabled after suffering a stroke here in the UK, and is therefore bed-bound and needs specialist care. She recently applied to renew her visa, but the Home Office told her that her existing documents were no longer recognised, she needed a new passport, and it could not take account of her personal circumstances. That meant that she was required to travel to Edinburgh, but the consulate has no disabled access so she could not enter. She tried to give her signature seven times using her left hand, because she can no longer use her right hand, but she has been told that those documents are unlikely to be accepted. She still does not have a renewed visa. Will the Leader of the House help me to get support for my constituent? Does he agree that we need to have a debate in Government time about the seeming lack of compassion from the Home Office in how it deals with such cases?
Sir Alan Campbell
If the hon. Lady gives me details of that case, I will do everything that I can to help her constituent.
Business of the House
Wendy Chamberlain Excerpts(5 months ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for raising this matter, which is raised often during business questions. It is very frustrating that the situation continues. The Government are absolutely clear that we want to see an end to the dispute at the earliest opportunity. I will raise his concerns with the relevant Minister and ensure that the House is updated when the situation changes.
Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
As part of the visa process, academics and researchers coming to our universities from other countries to do research in sensitive fields rightly have to go through extra security checks. This is known as the academic technology approval scheme. I have been supporting a constituent who had to apply for his visa to be extended, and the checks had to be done again. We had the usual delays, but sadly the gentleman’s father died. We tried to get the process expedited, but unfortunately it has been a frustrating process. The ATAS process is run and overseen by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, but everyone we spoke to there said they had never heard of it and referred us back to the Home Office, which has no power over it at all. Will the Leader of the House ensure that there is an urgent review of the oversight of the scheme, including how MPs engage with it, and update the House at his earliest convenience?
Sir Alan Campbell
It is important that we have clarity on these schemes, because the ability of academics to come to this country to work and study is an important part of the life of our higher education institutions. I will draw the issue to the attention of the Foreign Office in order to get to the bottom of it, find out what the accurate picture is and make it aware of the hon. Lady’s concerns.
Business of the House
Wendy Chamberlain Excerpts(6 months, 1 week ago)
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Sir Alan Campbell
It must be a worrying time for residents of high flats. Local authorities and social landlords have a range of existing levers to tackle anti- social behaviour, including eviction. The Government expect them to use those levers responsibly and proportionately —but, importantly, where appropriate, we expect them to be used. This would make a powerful topic for a Westminster Hall debate and I encourage my hon. Friend to apply for one.
Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
Next month, the UK will be co-hosting the Global Fund replenishment summit with South Africa, but it has been reported that the UK will slash its own funding by 20%. It is estimated that such a cut will cause 82,000 more deaths in Africa and cost over £5 billion to its GDP. Will the Government have a debate on the Global Fund replenishment, so that the House can scrutinise these decisions before they are made?
Sir Alan Campbell
The hon. Lady will know why the Government have made some decisions on the question of overseas aid, given the situation that we inherited. However, I understand her concerns, which will be echoed in constituencies across the country.