Alan Campbell MP: speeches

Speeches

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating Ashley on his remarkable service—44 years of continuous service to his community is an incredible achievement. I thank him, and indeed other councillors who reach such a milestone, whichever party they represent. I understand that Ashley quoted our dear friend Jo Cox in his farewell speech last night, saying that we have “more in common than that which divides us.” —[ Official Report , 3 June 2015; Vol. 596, c. 675.] That is a lesson that we should all take on board. I thank Ashley for his service and wish him a very happy and peaceful retirement.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Throughout this conflict, our first priority has been to help households with the cost of living. That underlines our need to focus on clean, homegrown energy. As the role of gas diminishes, we will continue to explore how market and system arrangements can evolve to minimise its impact on consumer bills. We will learn the lessons from the current situation we find ourselves in. I encourage my hon. Friend to raise his specific concerns at Energy Security and Net Zero questions next week.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend for raising that matter, which, as she will know, has been raised by other Members. The procurement process for that contract was undertaken prior to the recent issues with Capita and the civil service pension scheme. Our priority remains to ensure the continuity of service and value for money for the public. However, I acknowledge the Members’ concerns and will ensure that Ministers have heard my hon. Friend’s question.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend for raising this matter. As she acknowledges, it has been raised by many Members in the past few weeks and months as well as today. It is clear that these delays are unacceptable; this is not the service that people deserve. The Government acknowledge that resolving this issue is a matter of the utmost urgency. The Cabinet Office will continue to use all the available levers to hold Capita to account and ensure that it delivers on contractual service levels. Should she seek a debate on these matters, we already know that there are enough people in this room who have raised them to have a debate. She could then hear from a Minister about the progress being made.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I pay tribute to John and, indeed, his colleagues. I am sorry to hear of the devastating fire, but as my hon. Friend said, firefighters acted heroically to save Glasgow Central station and many of the historic buildings that surround it, and they contained the fire. I join her in paying tribute to John and all the crews at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for their work. I also place on the record my congratulations and thanks to my hon. Friend, whose work on behalf of Ukraine’s children was this week recognised, quite rightly, by the Ukrainian Government.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  As ever, the hon. Gentleman raises a serious issue in the responsible way that we have become accustomed to. He knows the UK is committed to defending freedom of religion and belief for all. The persecution of Christians in Pakistan is unacceptable. Protecting freedom of religion or belief is central to the UK Government’s human rights engagement in Pakistan, and we are committed to working with communities and supporting programmes that promote greater tolerance and religious freedoms. I will draw his remarks this morning to the attention of the Foreign Secretary and make sure that he gets an update.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  This sounds like a heartbreaking and frustrating situation for my hon. Friend’s constituents, and we wish Sam well. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is updating the local authority tree and woodland strategy toolkit for 2026. The updated toolkit will include more detailed advice on health and safety and on liability, which will help councils to strengthen their approach. I will make sure that the relevant Minister hears my hon. Friend’s contribution today and provides him with an update on our plans.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  As my hon. Friend deftly points out, there is a fairly narrow tightrope to walk here. We need to ensure that the House of Lords gets its opportunity to scrutinise legislation, whatever it happens to be, in the way that it is constitutionally set up to; but there is a concern, shared by many Members of this House, about the effect that this scrutiny can have, especially when this place feels strongly about an issue. I think he is referring to the assisted dying Bill, which this House passed. As I have said before at business questions, I expect the upper House to take into consideration the fact that we, the elected House, supported it, and other measures.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I will absolutely join the hon. Lady in praising Mr John Mildmay-White on his achievement and considerable initiative. It just goes to show what remarkable people we have in our constituencies.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  First, I join the right hon. Gentleman and the House in sending our deepest condolences to the friends and family of the young people involved. Each and every one of them is a tragedy. On the wider issue about the NHS in the right hon. Gentleman’s area, there is no question of a U-turn. He knows very well, from his former roles in government, the importance of delivering services locally but having a Government setting the strategy and providing the resources. I do not know the detail, other than what he has said, but if he wishes to provide me with that, I will certainly raise it with colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care. In trusts across the country, there are many who, despite this Government putting more money into the NHS, are struggling with the legacy of his Government.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend raises a concerning and serious matter. Our draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill will end the feudal leasehold system. The measures it contains are not the final steps we intend to take regarding the regulation of managing agents, and we will set out further details in due course. However, I will make sure that the relevant Minister hears my hon. Friend’s concerns and gives her the update she seeks.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend raises a very concerning matter. We are working hard to minimise the harmful effects of forever chemicals. I will ensure that the relevant Minister hears her specific concerns and writes to her. Should she seek a meeting, I am happy to arrange that.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  The UK strongly condemns the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision to expand Israeli control over the west bank. We have called on Israel to reverse this decision immediately, and strongly condemn the increase in settler violence against Palestinian civilians. The Government will continue to support the implementation of the Gaza peace plan and the two-state solution. I will bear in mind my hon. Friend’s request for a Minister to come to the House to give an update, but over the past few months, the Government have not been shy in bringing forward statements on this very important matter.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I have many regrets in my life, and that is definitely one of them! I thank my hon. Friend for raising this matter. I will certainly consider a visit at some point in the future, if not when Gareth Gates is there. As I have said, I wish well all communities seeking to be a town of culture, including North Shields in my own constituency—I am remaining neutral in these matters.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  The hon. Lady is right to raise concerns because it is right that MPs get the information that they need on behalf of their constituents. I will take this up with the relevant Minister and seek to get the answers that she wants.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  The business for the week commencing 23 March will include: Monday 23 March—Consideration of Lords amendments to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, followed by consideration of Lords amendments to the National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill. Tuesday 24 March—Opposition day (20th allotted day). Debate on a motion in the name of the official Opposition. Subject to be announced. Wednesday 25 March—Consideration of Lords amendments to the Victims and Courts Bills. Thursday 26 March—Debate on a motion on transport accessibility for disabled people, followed by general debate on support for Gurkha veterans. The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee. The House of Commons will rise for the Easter recess at the conclusion of business on Thursday 26 March and return on Monday 13 April.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I absolutely will not only congratulate Claire on the work she is doing but thank her for it, because it is so important, and I congratulate Team Charlie on everything they do. As I have said on previous occasions, such work is the golden thread that runs through our communities—it is the best of our communities, and I thank Claire for that.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I certainly will. I thank my hon. Friend for raising this matter. It is great news for everyone in Clydebank, and I understand the team are having a great season. It also demonstrates the importance of Pride in Place. This is not just about providing money to invest in communities; it is about communities making the key decisions for themselves. I hope that bronze status will help the club with its future plans and moving up divisions in the Scottish football league.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I absolutely join my hon. Friend in her analysis of the situation. This Government are committed to making our streets safer by delivering 13,000 more neighbourhood policing roles and introducing new respect orders to deter and drive down antisocial behaviour. As for what happens north of the border, I would remind the House that we have delivered Scotland’s largest settlement since devolution. I hope that the SNP has heard my hon. Friend’s contribution and will take action. I encourage her to apply for a Westminster Hall debate on these matters, so that she can set out the failure of the SNP Government in this regard in even more detail.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I am sure that the hon. Lady’s constituent is more than sorry, because this appears to be an unacceptable case. If the hon. Lady gives me the details, I will raise the matter with the Justice Secretary, to see whether there is a need for a statement on tagging and the wider issues.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I will certainly give that consideration, and I join my hon. Friend in encouraging Members to pick up some Denby pottery. This is a crisis situation for the company, and I know that it will be a difficult period ahead—we should consider doing anything that we can do to help. The Government recognise that energy prices are a significant pressure on UK industry, including ceramics. That is why, as she mentions, we are increasing the discount on energy costs through the British industry supercharger. However, I do know that this will be a worrying time for the employees at Denby Pottery, and I will ensure that Ministers are aware of her concerns as a matter of urgency.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend is absolutely right to congratulate Mark Grayling on his retirement. As we all know, the dedication of those who work behind the scenes is vital in supporting Members in their duties, and Mr Grayling’s long service exemplifies that commitment. I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in praising Mark’s excellent work and in wishing him a long and happy retirement.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I will raise the hon. Gentleman’s concerns about which flags are flown and when—he is a doughty campaigner on that matter. I join him in wishing everyone a happy St Patrick’s day, and hope that they partied and enjoyed it. I have to say, his loneliness on the Reform Benches suggests that whenever his new colleagues party, they are somewhere else and he is never invited. But he is always welcome with us.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his clarification on this matter, and I am more than happy to speak to him afterwards about it. On the statements that my hon. Friend condemns, the Prime Minister was absolutely clear yesterday that those statements from the Opposition spokesperson were utterly appalling and will only spread poison and division. Freedom of religion and the right of peaceful expression are fundamental British values, not the opposite. These rights should be respected for everyone, and that applies equally to peaceful prayer, protesting or assembly wherever it happens to be. I join my hon. Friend in wishing well everyone celebrating Eid, wherever they are celebrating it, but with a warning to all parties in this place that if they get into the gutter on these matters, the public will not forgive them.

• 19 Mar 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend rightly draws attention to the fact that the Government have delivered justice for members of the former British Coal pension scheme. I thank him for the role he played in the campaign to persuade the Government to do that. He may wish to raise his question directly with Ministers at Energy Security and Net Zero oral questions next week to see what more could be done. Should he seek a meeting with Ministers on that, I will help him to arrange one.