Alan Campbell MP: speeches

Speeches

• 26 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I pay tribute to everyone involved in the armed forces parliamentary scheme. I know that it has had a profound effect on colleagues over the years, and it is so important in informing Members of this House and ensuring that we are able to debate all armed forces matters with even greater knowledge. I am happy to wish Wing Commander Smith all the very best for the future, and I thank him for everything that he has done.

• 26 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  The Government are committing resources to the alleviation of and protection from flooding, but it is important that we learn from local examples. I happen to think that the Environment Agency has been working full out in many areas over what has been a very wet winter, as I said before, but that does not mean it has got absolutely everything right. If the hon. Gentleman is seeking a meeting with the floods Minister to outline his local concerns and inform that debate, I will arrange that.

• 26 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend raises an important matter. The DVLA is delivering improvements for customers with medical conditions, including diabetes, but there is still a great deal to be done. Such delays can affect the lives of constituents—not just their ability to drive but their livelihoods—so I will ensure that she gets a meeting with the Minister, to outline her concerns.

• 26 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  As ever, my hon. Friend is a strong advocate for her city of Carlisle. She paints a very attractive, and realistic, picture of a fantastic place. She referred to the 50 years of nationalised beer. It is fair to point out that it was a Conservative Government who nationalised the breweries in Carlisle, which I think is interesting—obviously not that interesting. The city of culture competition is a brilliant opportunity for our constituents to show their pride in their cities, as my hon. Friend pointed out. I wish all the applicants good luck, wherever they are, including Carlisle, because it is a fantastic city for all the reasons my hon. Friend listed and more.

• 26 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend for his contribution—he has raised this matter several times on his constituents’ behalf, and is fighting hard against the Lib Dem and independent funding cuts in his area. As he has said, rail plays a crucial role in connecting communities. Pokesdown station sounds like a very important part of that, so I will make sure that the relevant Minister is made aware of the situation, and will arrange a meeting so that my hon. Friend can discuss this matter in more detail.

• 26 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Although I understand the hon. Lady’s concerns, there is a balance to be struck on infrastructure planning, as I have said before. Our changes to the national planning policy framework are forecast to deliver £6.8 billion in growth and the highest level of house building in 40 years, and bring in a new approach to energy infrastructure. I understand the local concerns on these matters, and I will draw them to the attention of the relevant Minister so that the hon. Lady gets a response.

• 26 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important matter. Pakistan’s judicial processes are, of course, a domestic matter, but we urge Pakistan to respect the fundamental freedoms of all its citizens, including Imran Khan. We are concerned by the use of military courts for civilians due to potential issues with transparency. I will ensure that the Foreign Secretary hears my hon. Friend’s concerns and that he gets a response.

• 26 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  The Government have provided huge resource for local authorities to tackle potholes. The hon. Member is right that, given the fact that it has been a wet winter, potholes appear to be prevalent everywhere. It sounds once again as if this Reform council over-offers and underdelivers and, like other Reform councils, is providing poorer services and yet putting council tax up at the same time. I cannot offer him a debate or statement in Government time, but I hope that when electors in his area get the opportunity, they will make their views absolutely clear.

• 26 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  The hon. Gentleman raises concerning matters. I encourage him to seek an Adjournment debate, where he can not only set out his concerns in more detail but get a response from the relevant Minister.

• 26 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  The hon. Gentleman rightly raises a concerning matter, and if he lets me have further details, I will do everything I can to get him the meeting he seeks.

• 26 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I will absolutely join my hon. Friend in encouraging her constituents to consider studying at Lancaster University and the colleges associated with it, as I did myself many—or, shall I say, many, many—years ago. We have conducted the first curriculum review in a decade, which includes high standards for every child in maths and other foundational subjects. The topics my hon. Friend raised will make an excellent topic for an Adjournment debate, should she apply for one.

• 26 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I absolutely join my hon. Friend in condemning the abuse that he describes and offering our support for Tolu. Nobody—no football player and, indeed, not anybody involved in sport—should be put through that. The Government’s stance is unequivocal: we stand for unity, not division. Racism, sexism and any other form of discrimination has no place in our society, which is why we are working closely with the national governing bodies for sport to tackle racism and discrimination. I will ask that my hon. Friend gets the meeting that he seeks so that Ministers can hear his concerns fully and completely.

• 12 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  The UK is home to some of the world’s most respected universities, and we all benefit from the opportunities, knowledge and growth that they create. It is important that we pay attention to access to universities to ensure that people who want to go can go, but it is also important that we put the sector on a secure financial footing. That is why the Government are making tough but fair decisions to find the balance between value for money for taxpayers and students and graduates. We know that the cost of living is important for everyone. We are seeking to support graduates by protecting lower earners by lifting the threshold this year, but we appreciate the concern, not least because it is probably being expressed through our inboxes as I speak. I encourage the hon. Gentleman to attend the Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday 25 February, in which he may want to make his points more fully.

• 12 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend is a doughty campaigner for his constituents, and I am genuinely sorry to hear of the case that he raises. He understands that road closures can greatly impact local communities and businesses, particularly in rural areas. I know that he has raised this matter with the Department for Transport, and I will ensure that he gets a response.

• 12 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Let me say first that I am a huge admirer of Oliver Cromwell— [ Laughter. ] I am, actually. The list of achievements for the hon. Gentleman’s area is considerable, including the fact that it is the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell. The hon. Gentleman invites me down the path of town of culture, which might go down well in his area, but I can assure the House that it will go down terribly badly in North Shields, because I am assured that we intend to mount our own bid. Seriously, though, I wish every town well and commend the Government for bringing forward this initiative. I wish everyone well, because it can help to transform towns, which are the backbone of this country.

• 12 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend raises an important matter. I understand the frustration in his voice, not least because he has raised relevant cases in this area before, as have other Members. The Government recognise the profound financial and psychological impact of SLAPPs on individuals and we are considering all options for reform to ensure that all types of SLAPPs are addressed comprehensively. I will ensure that my hon. Friend gets a response from the Secretary of State for Justice.

• 12 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I will certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating everyone at Turpie & Co on their success at the Guild of Property Professionals awards, and I thank them for joining us for business questions last week. I hope they enjoyed their visit to Parliament—which, given the R&R report that I mentioned earlier, could perhaps also be described as a fixer-upper.

• 12 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I will wholeheartedly join my hon. Friend in sending our sincere thoughts to Graham Murray’s family and loved ones. It is truly devastating to lose a loved one due to a road traffic accident. The Government are working hard, through our road safety strategy, to try to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads. I pay tribute and send our best wishes and thanks to Beckenham rugby club for the part it is playing in this situation and the fantastic role it plays in its local community.

• 12 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend will be aware that the Government have already taken action on some aspects of reform of the Lords. He is not really talking about the Lords and their work per se; it is about the people who enter that place. The Prime Minister has confirmed that we will bring forward legislation to ensure that peerages, for example, can be removed from disgraced peers. We are looking at what other further action can be taken to improve standards in public life. The Government are committed to wider reform of the House of Lords, but as I have said before, when we have tried this previously, there has been no consensus. There are many other priorities that the Government need to get on with. While not forgetting about Lords reform, we have to ensure that the Government do all the other things that they need to do, not least in the next Session facing us.

• 12 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I absolutely join my hon. Friend in commending the pupils, and indeed the staff, of Oakwood primary school for their thoughtful contributions. The Government are committed to tackling child poverty, which is why we are scrapping the two-child limit and expanding free school meals and breakfast clubs, and we will do even more. The empathy of these students is truly commendable, and I thank them for everything they are doing.

• 12 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue on behalf of her constituents. It cuts across borders, even though it is a devolved matter. As she has pointed out, we have made great progress and invested £5.1 billion to remove unsafe cladding. We have given the Scottish Government a record funding settlement, and I agree that they should make best use of it.

• 12 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for bringing that important matter to the House. I know from experience, as I am sure others do, just how important fire services and coverage are for our constituents. As he points out, it is a devolved matter and, as I have said before, this Government have provided the Scottish Government with the biggest funding settlement since devolution began, which they should be taking into account. I hope that those responsible in the Scottish Government have heard the hon. Gentleman’s contribution today because, first and foremost, they should be listening to residents.

• 12 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I will go further than that, and offer the hon. Gentleman the chance to speak to the relevant Minister directly about this matter. I always share concerns where there are job losses as industries come under pressure and face new challenges. If he seeks a meeting, I will ensure he gets one.

• 12 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  First, I am sure that the thoughts of the whole House are with the two children stabbed in the horrific attack at Kingsbury high school in Brent. My heart—and I am sure the hearts of the whole House —goes out to those affected by this tragedy. I also send my condolences to those affected by the horrific attack in Tumbler Ridge in Canada. Again, the thoughts of the whole House will be with the people there as they mourn their family, friends and loved ones. We wish all those injured a speedy recovery. I join the shadow Leader of the House in welcoming the Venerable Andrew Hillier, who has been appointed as the new Speaker’s chaplain. I, too, thank the outgoing chaplain, the Rev. Mark Birch, for the support that he provided to everyone across the community, whether they were people of faith or not. I also want to mark National Apprenticeship Week. Apprenticeships give young people real experience, real prospects and a real route into good careers. The Government are committed to delivering 50,000 more apprenticeships for young people, backed by the growth and skills levy. As it is National Apprenticeship Week, it is appropriate to draw Members’ attention to the ambitions set out in the report on “Delivering restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster”, which was published last week, to support 1,000 apprenticeships and traineeships in addition to the thousands of full-time roles required to deliver the works. If they have not already done so, I encourage Members, whatever their view on the way forward for Parliament, to attend briefings by the R&R client team and to read the report in full. Finally, before I turn to the remarks of the shadow Leader of the House, I wish all Members and you, Madam Deputy Speaker, an enjoyable recess. I hope that Members get some time to spend with their family and their constituents. They should also remember that it is pancake day, and I wish them well in that regard. I very much join the shadow Leader of the House in congratulating Sam Stables and wishing him well. He is a keen farming campaigner. Knowing the shadow Leader of the House’s constituency, Sam will have needed his wellies, whatever their colour, given the amount of water that has fallen in the area. I understand that donations have come in from far and wide, including from the Prince of Wales. Let me say, in supporting Sam, that the Government are stepping up and playing our part. We are supporting farmers’ access to specialist mental health services by funding the farmer welfare grant and, more widely, doing all we can to invest in sustainable farming. I wish Sam all the very best indeed. Let me turn to the shadow Leader of the House’s remarks on what has happened in the last couple of weeks—and let me do so without any deflection or fudge, as he said. First, Matthew Doyle has had the Labour Whip withdrawn. The Labour party has started an investigation, and it is right that that is allowed to take place. I will not enter into speculation about the Cabinet Secretary, but we read what we read. On the wider issue of standards in public life, I agree absolutely with the shadow Leader of the House that there can be no prevarication on these matters. My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister made a statement to the House on Monday setting out the action that we are taking. Since entering government, we have delivered on our manifesto promises to strengthen the role of the independent adviser and set up the Ethics and Integrity Commission. We are also publishing Ministers’ interests, gifts and hospitality more frequently, and changing the process for relevant direct ministerial appointments, including politically appointed diplomatic roles. But we understand that we need to go further, and we are working with the newly established Ethics and Integrity Commission to ensure that we reach the highest possible standards in public life. Let me leave the House with this remark, because it has been a difficult time for us all, not least for the Prime Minister himself. I regard the Prime Minister as a man of integrity and a man of public service. When someone stands up and says that they got it wrong and regret what has happened, we should take that at face value and redouble our efforts to ensure that, going forward, standards in public life are even higher.

• 12 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  What my hon. Friend describes is entirely unacceptable. Although I think the Department that deals with Ofcom will have heard her concerns, I will draw her question to its attention because this appears to be a matter of urgency. On the wider issue of children’s safety, the Government are announcing a consultation on social media, and I hope she will raise some of her concerns through that.