Alan Campbell MP: speeches

Speeches

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

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  I thank my hon. Friend for marking this important anniversary. At this time in particular, we must remember all those who serve and have served in our armed forces, and all those who are victims of the devastating impact of war. Anniversaries such as that of the Clydebank blitz remind us of those who have served, those who were wounded and those who were killed.

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

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  My hon. Friend will know that the FOI Act sets out the requirements for public bodies to release that information, so I am disappointed that he needs to bring this matter to the House today. I will ensure that his concerns are raised with the relevant body.

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

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  The tragic record of the previous Government was a fall in apprenticeships. This Government are committed to reversing that decline, which is why we have a £725 million growth and skills levy. Our reforms will help to deliver 50,000 new apprenticeships. In our first year, we helped over 350,000 people into apprenticeships. Should the hon. Gentleman wish to seek a meeting with a Minister to explore what more can be done, I will arrange it.

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

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  I understand public concern when issues such as those arise, and whenever possible, of course the authorities need to listen to residents. Should the hon. Gentleman seek a Westminster Hall debate, I am sure that others will seek to join him in that because there are common concerns in other areas of the country.

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

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  I am sure that this was not an easy decision for the police, but I can understand the distress that it might cause. Even now, I hope that a local solution can be found. The hon. Gentleman raises the question of whether there will be a debate to commemorate St George’s day—let me see what we can do in that regard. Such a debate would give him and others the opportunity to raise issues like this one.

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

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  I absolutely join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to Waseem Zaffar and his work as a local councillor, particularly on the clean air zone in Birmingham. I know that he will be greatly missed, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to his loved ones at this time. Should my hon. Friend seek a Westminster Hall debate, she will be able not only to pay further tribute, but to explore what further action needs to be taken on these important environmental matters.

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

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  My hon. Friend is a strong advocate not just for his constituency but for Cornwall, and I commend him for that. As he said, the Eden Project has been an amazing initiative, contributing to the local community and economy, attracting visitors, creating jobs and generating a £6.8 billion boost to the area since it opened. My door is always open to my hon. Friend to discuss what further action can be taken to champion this cause. If he seeks one, I will also get him a meeting with the relevant Minister.

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

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  Comedy, much like me, brings light and laughter to our lives. It is a talent and an art that I am proud to join my hon. Friend in recognising. I thank everyone who supports the incredible UK comedy scene, including Lu Jackson from CRAFT and Steve Cook from her constituency.

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

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  The performance of Conservative-run West Sussex county council on potholes was raised with me only last week. I am sure that the council will have heard my hon. Friend’s contribution, which I hope will spur it into action.

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

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  We know that people are waiting too long for community health services, and we are committed to cutting waiting lists, including for audiology. We are providing capital investment to upgrade audiology facilities in NHS trusts and expand audiology testing capacity through community diagnostic centres. I have raised my hon. Friend’s concerns with Health Ministers, who I believe wrote to him on the matter earlier this week, but I will ensure that the Department hears his latest question.

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

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  We are committed to strengthening protections for those at risk and to reducing harmful gambling. Levy commissioners are best placed to make decisions on the future of their work. I will ensure that the relevant Minister has heard my hon. Friend’s concerns and that he gets an update, but it will be a Minister from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, because that is the Department responsible for the implementation and oversight of the gambling levy.

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

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  I certainly join my hon. Friend in thanking everyone associated with the Blackpool jobs fair for making it a success, not least my hon. Friend, who is a fantastic fighter for his constituents. It is incredible to hear that over 1,000 roles were secured on the spot. It was the first ever jobs fair for the youth guarantee, and it is good to see so many local employers choosing to back it. We will keep going further, as my hon. Friend has, to ensure that every young person has the chance to earn or learn.

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

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  I am sorry to hear about the loss of the much-loved Parkside community centre, because these are places that provide valuable services and, as I have said before, are the golden thread that ties communities together. My hon. Friend may wish to attend next week’s Westminster Hall debate on social enterprises and community ownership to hear more from the Minister directly.

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

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  We published our road safety strategy in January, which marks a turning point in the Government’s approach. We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, but I will ensure that the relevant Minister has heard my hon. Friend’s contribution. This is also an opportunity to thank everyone involved in getting HMS Dragon ready to embark; I pay tribute to them. I also congratulate the city of Portsmouth, which I understand celebrates its centenary this year.

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

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  Banking is changing, with many customers benefiting from the convenience of managing their finances remotely, but the Government understand the importance for many people of face-to-face banking and are committed to supporting sufficient access for customers. That is why the financial services industry, with Government support, is committed to rolling out 350 banking hubs. That 350 is not an upper limit on how many there will be. There will be 350 by the end of this Parliament, but there is no reason why the process cannot continue. The Government are working closely with the industry on this commitment, including through regular ministerial engagement. As we assess the roll-out of banking hubs, I am sure Ministers will want to bear in mind the need to update the House when appropriate.

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

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  I do not agree that it makes a mockery of the devolution agenda. It is about getting local decisions made on behalf of local people. It is important that we recognise regional and local identity. Should the hon. Gentleman seek a meeting with a Minister, I will help him to arrange it.

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

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  I will raise the matter with the relevant Minister and ensure that the hon. Lady gets an update on the important point she raises, but I gently point out, as I do when housing matters are considered, that it is much better if these things are decided locally and communities can go along with them, because we do need more houses. We need more houses for people to live in and to make sure communities are resilient, but I will ensure that she gets a response to the specific point from the relevant Minister.

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

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  I thank the right hon. Gentleman for bringing this matter to the House. I agree that support for the British egg industry is vital. He will know that DEFRA recently held a public consultation on this matter, and the call for views closed last week. We await the outcome of that consultation, but I will ensure that the relevant Minister has heard the right hon. Gentleman’s remarks this morning. Once the outcome of the consultation has been considered, we will help to arrange a statement or debate should one be necessary.

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

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  As I said previously, the Minister for Energy has asked the CMA to make sure that consumers are being treated fairly, with the option of investigation into unfair practices should they occur. We will not tolerate companies profiteering from this conflict. Should it be necessary, I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Energy Secretary will set out to the House what further action the Government intend to take.

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

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  The hon. Gentleman is absolutely committed to defending freedom of religion and belief for all, and so are this Government. It is our firm belief that every Nigerian should be able to practise their faith or belief in safety, free from fear and persecution. I commend the hon. Gentleman’s dedication in consistently raising these matters in this Chamber. I will share his concern with the Foreign Office after this session.

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

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  Yes, I will arrange that meeting.

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

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  The hon. Gentleman asks why there was not a statement on Monday regarding the launch of the strategy. Monday was particularly busy—there were important statements—and the fact that there was not an oral statement on the strategy is not a reflection on the importance of fraud. However, I will bear in mind what he has said. I am pleased that the hon. Gentleman has pointed out that the Government launched their fraud strategy this week. As he says, fraud is distressing and disruptive, and has long-term effects on victims. I am not as pessimistic as he is about our strategy; it sets out how we will use every tool at our disposal to disrupt and dismantle criminal operations, bring fraudsters to justice and strengthen protection and support for victims; £250 million is being invested over the next three years for that fight. However, I note his request for a statement and an update, and I will bring it to the attention of the relevant Minister.

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

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  The reality is that when the Conservative party was in government, it hollowed out our high streets. We are giving unprecedented new powers to local communities to seize boarded-up shops and revitalise neglected high streets, but I will share my hon. Friend’s concerns with Ministers. Should he seek a meeting, I will facilitate one, or if he wants to hear directly from Ministers in a debate, I encourage him to apply for one.

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

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  I thank the hon. Gentleman, and indeed the whole Committee for its work. I note with particular pleasure that a debate is scheduled on access to banking services, an issue that has been raised in business questions many times. I cannot promise him more time at the moment, but I recognise that it is important to get confirmation of time as early as possible, and I will endeavour to do that. We recognise the long-standing concerns of park home residents about things like commission fees. We have launched a call for evidence, and I encourage the hon. Gentleman’s constituents, and everyone else’s, to contribute to it. I remind the House that park home residents are entitled to free independent legal advice about their rights through the Government-funded Leasehold Advisory Service.

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

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  The business for the week commencing 16 March will include: Monday 16 March—Consideration of an allocation of time motion, followed by all stages of the Grenfell Tower Memorial (Expenditure) Bill. Tuesday 17 March—Consideration of an allocation of time motion, followed by all stages of the Ministerial Salaries (Amendment) Bill. Wednesday 18 March—Opposition day (19th allotted day). Debate on a motion in the name of the official Opposition—subject to be announced. Thursday 19 March—General debate on progress in tackling climate change, followed by a debate on a motion on online harms. The subjects of these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee. Friday 20 March—The House will not be sitting. The provisional business for the week commencing 23 March includes: 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.