Alan Campbell MP: speeches

268 published records · newest first.

Speeches

10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
The right hon. Lady has raised housing matters and is right to do so on behalf of her residents. But there is that tension between the feelings often of local residents and their concern where there is green belt, and the need for additional housing. I will take into consideration what she said about the potential for a debate and see what we can do.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
I hope the owner has heard my hon. Friend’s comments. As a Government, we are committed to banning the use of draconian and outdated remedies for non-payment of rent charges through the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, which we published in draft in January and will be introducing. I will ensure that my hon. Friend has a meeting with the Minister for Housing and Planning so that he can hear more about the progress that we intend to make.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
Should the hon. Gentleman wish to seek a Westminster Hall debate on this matter, I am sure that other colleagues would join him to talk about the importance of pubs in their area. It would also allow a Minister to talk about the cut to business rates for pubs that this Prime Minister has already insisted on. I will certainly give careful thought to the hon. Gentleman’s invitation. Madam Deputy Speaker, this is the second time that we have been invited out together—
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
I join my hon. Friend in congratulating Merv Johnson on his hard work at the Outcasts cricket club. This Government are committed to ensuring that everyone benefits from quality sport and physical activity opportunities in their local area. We are investing at least £400 million over the next four years to provide communities with the sports facilities they need, which includes £3 million for the England and Wales Cricket Board this financial year.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
We recognise the profound, life-changing impact that these harms have on individuals and their families. As my hon. Friend will know, we are carefully considering the Hughes report. She asks for an opportunity to debate it, but first of all I will seek an update from Ministers to see whether we need to make further progress on this really important matter.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
My hon. Friend raises a really important matter. The Government recognise that high-quality education and vocational training are central to rehabilitation and reducing offending. We are expanding vocational opportunities to help prisoners develop the skills needed to secure sustainable employment on their release. My hon. Friend talks about the previous debate that she had on related matters. I would encourage her to seek a Westminster Hall debate to pursue this particular aspect.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
My hon. Friend is right to raise this very serious issue, and I commend him for doing so. I understand the concerns of his constituents. I hope that the Welsh Government have heard his words and that they will take action to address his concerns. He has brought to this House not just a concern about what has happened, but some good ideas about how it can be addressed. I hope that the Welsh Government are listening.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
It is no bad thing when MPs are irritants to the Government, and I commend the hon. Gentleman for the work that he does for his constituents on this important matter. I am disappointed that he did not get a proper reply to the questions that he asked. Let me take that away, take it up with the Minister and see whether we can get him a better reply.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
We have been very clear as a Government that Royal Mail’s service is unacceptable, and the example that my hon. Friend gives simply underlines the unacceptability of its performance. The public expects a well-run postal service. I know that Royal Mail listens closely to these sessions. I hope that it has heard his concerns, because not just has it been the subject of inquiry by the relevant Select Committee, but it is a priority for the relevant Department.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
Yes, I do. I hope that the firms concerned have heard my hon. Friend, and that they think again.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
The business for the week commencing 14 September will include: Monday 14 September—Consideration of an allocation of time motion, followed by all stages of the Sovereign Grant Bill, followed by motions to approve recommendations by the Modernisation Committee and Committee of Privileges and changes to Standing Orders following machinery of government changes, followed by a general debate on Israel and Palestine. Tuesday 15 September—General debate on the potential merits of a full ban on fracking, followed by a general debate on World Sepsis Awareness Month. The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee. The House will rise for the conference recess at the conclusion of business on Tuesday 15 September and return on Monday 12 October. The provisional business for the week commencing 12 October includes: Monday 12 October—General debate on Baby Loss Awareness Week. The subject for this debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee. Tuesday 13 October—Remaining stages of the Courts and Tribunals Bill, followed by consideration of a carry-over motion relating to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. Wednesday 14 October—Opposition day (third allotted day). Debate on a motion in the name of the official Opposition. Subject to be announced. Thursday 15 October—Second Reading of the Highways (Financing) Bill. Friday 16 October—Private Members’ Bills. The provisional business for the week commencing 19 October includes: Monday 19 October—Committee of the whole House of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, day one. Tuesday 20 October—Conclusion of Committee and remaining stages of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. Members may also want to know that, subject to the progress of business, the House will rise for the November recess at the close of business on Wednesday 4 November and return on Tuesday 10 November. The House will rise for the Christmas recess at the close of business on Thursday 17 December, and will now return on Tuesday 5 January 2027. The House will rise for the February recess at the close of business on Thursday 11 February 2027 and return on Monday 22 February. The House will rise for the Easter recess at the close of business on Thursday 25 March and return on Monday 12 April. The House will rise for the May Bank holiday recess at the close of business on Thursday 29 April and return on Tuesday 4 May. The House will rise for the Whitsun recess at the close of business on Thursday 27 May and return on Monday 7 June. The House will rise for the summer recess at the close of business on Thursday 22 July.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
We are committed to supporting young people into work and as, my hon. Friend says, work experience is an important part of providing insights into future potential career paths. As he will know, the Milburn review is looking at how we can tackle some of these issues. We want to ensure that every young person between 16 and 24 has the opportunity to earn and learn, and part-time jobs and work experience are an important part of that. I encourage young people to go along to his job fair, for which I pay tribute to him. I note that Education questions is on Monday, when he might want to raise the matter directly with Ministers.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
I know that the whole House will join me in offering our condolences to Lisa and all of John McNab’s loved ones. I also want to recognise Lisa for taking such a tragic event and seeking to turn it into a force for good. In June 2024 we set out our ambition to halve knife crime in the decade following the election. Overall, knife crime has fallen by 11% and we have taken 63,000 knives off our streets, but I recognise how important this work is and how much more needs to be done. I encourage my hon. Friend to apply for a Westminster Hall debate, to hear from Ministers what further action they intend to take. Unfortunately, this problem continues, which is why we need to stay focused on it.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
I am sad to hear of what happened in the right hon. Gentleman’s constituency; our thoughts are with the family. He is right to point to the scourge of off-road bikes and e-scooters, because there are simply too many incidents of the sort that he describes. If he called for a Westminster Hall debate on these matters, he could hear from the Minister about what we intend to do. We do intend to crack down on them. I absolutely agree with him that, where police forces have the powers, they need to use them. That is probably easier for me to say than it is for them to do, but they need to use the powers. Together, we need to tackle this scourge.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
That is tempting, Madam Deputy Speaker, but I notice that it was only I who was invited and not you—there we are. I pay tribute to all my hon. Friend’s constituents who have selflessly volunteered to keep Hendon tidy. Community action like that is vital. I encourage his constituents to join him in his litter pick next month. The Government are playing their part by taking robust action against fly-tipping, increasing the maximum penalty to £5,000 and giving the council powers to crush the vehicles of suspected fly-tippers, but it is a whole-of-Government and communities effort that will bear down on this intolerable problem.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
The hon. Gentleman raises these issues and highlights some of their complexities in a very reasonable way. The Government are determined to get this right. If he will allow me, I will take away both his requests to the Department, and I will get him the assurance that he seeks on his first question, and an update on his second question.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
I understand the concern that the hon. Gentleman raises. We are committed to making changes, as he knows, and to implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. We have published the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill. The Prime Minister is absolutely determined that we get on with this, and when that happens, the hon. Gentleman will be able to raise his specific constituency concerns.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
This is an important matter. We want to give people who come here in good faith every opportunity to contribute to our country. The Home Office has therefore paused routine visa cancellations for care workers where sponsor revocation is the sole ground for cancellation, so as to give displaced care workers longer to find alternative employment. I understand my hon. Friend’s concerns, and I will make sure that she gets an update from the relevant Minister on where we are.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
As I have said in earlier responses, the news regarding Papyrus is deeply concerning. We are entirely committed to suicide prevention, and to ensuring that high-quality mental health support is available, particularly for young people. I will reach out to the relevant Minister, as I have offered to, including on behalf of my hon. Friend. Ministers may want to give an update to all Members on this, because it is an issue of such importance.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
The Secretary of State came to the House at the earliest opportunity, and making that statement was the right thing to do. The Government are going away to have a look at these matters, because we are keen that we get the best possible local government in this country. When there are further things to say on these matters, I am sure that the Secretary of State will come back and report to the House.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
As I did last week, I pay tribute to Sir Billy Boston, and I know the thoughts of the whole House will be with his loved ones at this time. He was one of the greatest and most popular rugby league players of all time, and his legacy will no doubt continue to inspire future generations of rugby league players.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
My hon. Friend is right to point out that chemistry makes a considerable contribution to our economy. As the House will know, the UK is a world leader in science, due in no small part to the quality of our teachers. On skills, we are committed to ensuring that young people are equipped for the future, including through new technical education pathways for science. If she wishes to look at the matter more broadly, she should perhaps consider applying for an Adjournment debate.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
I thank the deputy shadow Leader of the House for his remarks. Before I turn to his specific questions, may I remind the House that today is World Suicide Prevention Day? When someone takes their own life, the impact on family and friends is devastating and widespread. Today is an opportunity for all of us to unite behind one clear and unambiguous message: suicides are preventable. I want to place on record my sincere thanks to the many community groups and charities across the country that offer compassionate, lifesaving support to those affected. I am very grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaydon and Consett (Liz Twist) for her thoughtful contribution in leading the Westminster Hall debate on this matter on Tuesday. This Government are firmly committed to tackling suicide, and the new mental health hubs and emergency centres announced over the summer represent a crucial step forward in delivering early community-based support. As the deputy shadow Leader of the House said, tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I, too, have seen the site of the attacks, and it is a harrowing reminder. We remember the 2,977 innocent lives lost, including 67 British citizens, and the countless families whose lives were forever changed. We pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery of the first responders—the firefighters, the police officers and the medical personnel—who risked and sacrificed their lives running towards the danger in order to save others. It has been an important week for Government announcements. On Tuesday, the Foreign Secretary set out our response to illegal settlements in the Palestinian territories. The Government have announced targeted sanctions, introducing an important ban on goods originating from illegal settlements and taking action against companies and individuals providing services, infrastructure or finance for settlement expansion. As we have made clear, these settlements are illegal and the occupation of Palestinian territories is unlawful. The Chancellor set out this week how the Government will make Great Britain “Growth Britain” again. We will drive devolution and provide more public leadership and control, and with more investment, more innovation and more jobs, there will be growth in every postcode. Let me now turn to the remarks of the deputy shadow Leader of the House. On the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which I have just announced we will be taking shortly after the conference recess, I have announced two days on the Floor of the House for Committee stage and remaining stages. It is often the case, when matters are dealt with on the Floor of the House, that a Report stage is either unnecessary or there is not a great deal of time, but I will take away what he says. I will also take away his point about ensuring that amendments are timely. We want to go further in Committee, with a substantial package of amendments to safeguard our Operation Banner veterans. None of the protections were included in previous legislation, which instead left our veterans in legal limbo, so although I do take into account what the hon. Gentleman has said, we will take no lessons from the Conservative party. The hon. Gentleman mentioned chatter about an early general election. If there is any such chatter, it is on the Opposition side of the House. I would just say to those on the other side of the House to be careful what they wish for. The Prime Minister, as he has made clear, has no intention of calling an early general election, because there is an important job to do and he is determined to get on with it. I think he has made a fantastic start and he intends to continue doing everything we can to make our country a better place to live and work in again. The hon. Gentleman talked about the situation north of the border and mentioned Scottish education. I remember when Scottish education was the model for education not just in the United Kingdom, but often around the world. All I would say on the matter is that the apparent lack of ambition from the current Government north of the border stands in stark contrast with our ambition for every young person on this side of the border. I am happy to pay tribute to NHS staff in the hon. Gentleman’s area, as I would for NHS staff everywhere, and I agree with him. This Prime Minister and this new Administration are very clear that we believe devolution is the way forward: decisions taken locally where they affect people is the way forward, rather than centralisation. Therefore, I agree with what the hon. Gentleman has said. As far as farming is concerned, obviously I am not going to comment on what might or might not be in the Budget. I simply point out that we are supporting farming, not least with the £65 million extra that we have provided.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
I am sorry that my right hon. Friend has had to give the House such a distressing update. As he asks, I will take this away and raise it with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. I am sure that the Department will not wait for a statement before making its representations to the Chinese authorities.
10 Sept 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source
More
I think everyone in the House will join me in praising Worcestershire Royal hospital and its staff for that initiative. Simple gestures such as these help build trust and bring comfort to patients, and I strongly encourage my hon. Friend to apply for a Westminster Hall or Adjournment debate on how we can modernise the NHS further and improve care.

Published records only — not a full account of an MP’s work. How we work →