Alan Campbell MP: speeches

Speeches

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  First of all, I join the shadow Leader of the House in paying tribute to Sir John Stanley, who was a committed and long-standing Member of Parliament and a highly respected Minister. He gave 41 years of continuous service to this House and to his constituents. Let me also congratulate one of our senior Doorkeepers, Paul Barwell, on his outstanding 20 years’ service to this House. I know all Members value the excellent support of the Doorkeepers, and I am sure the whole House joins me in thanking Paul for his commitment and service. I join the shadow Leader of the House in sending congratulations to Joe Root on his inaugural test century in Australia. I also send—I hope on behalf of the whole House—our condolences to the friends and family of the legendary Robin Smith, who unfortunately died recently. This House is embracing the Christmas spirit. We have seen the arrival of Christmas trees. I note that at least one came from Kielder forest in Northumberland; as a north-east MP, I am very proud and very grateful for that. On wider matters this week, on World AIDS Day, the HIV action plan was published. It commits to one of the most ambitious public health goals of our time: ending new HIV transmissions in England by 2030. We will tackle the barriers to accessing treatment, such as stigma, discrimination and inequality, backed by the first ever national investment in engagement initiatives. I hope that this weekend Members across the House will be supporting the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses on this year’s Small Business Saturday. Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy. They provide essential services, create jobs and drive growth. The Government are determined to make the UK the best place to start and grow a business, fostering a culture for risk-takers in every community and high street by removing the barriers that had held them back too long. The festive season is a critical time for many small businesses and I hope they are set for a bumper Christmas. To keep communities safe over the busy Christmas period, we announced a further crackdown on town centre crime. Police and local partners will work together to tackle shop theft and street crime across hundreds of our town centres. We also want people to stay well this winter. One of the ways we will be doing that is by rolling out online access to nearly every GP practice, benefiting patients across England. We promised to end the 8 am scramble. This is a massive step towards that ambition, making it easier and faster to get GP appointments. Let me now turn to the questions from the shadow Leader of the House. He mentioned growth in the economy and the Budget. Of course, central to the Budget was our ambition to get growth moving. I gently point out that growth has been moving in the right direction and that we are the second-best performer in that regard in the G7. On the start of Prime Minister’s questions, Mr Speaker has already made very clear his views on this subject. I, too, make it clear in Cabinet, on matters around statements and questions, that it is important that when Ministers come to this place, they are held to account and that they do so within the conventions of this House. As I have said before, in some senses Ministers, including the Prime Minister, cannot really win on this one, because if they do take time to update the House on something important, they are sometimes told, “That was not the right time to do it,” but if they do not tell the House about important events that are going on, they are criticised for that too. I do think there needs to be some balance. With regard to the defence matters that the shadow Leader of the House raised, it is very important that we see investment in drone companies; indeed, there is a very successful and expanding drone company in my constituency. I will draw his concerns to the attention of Defence Ministers. I do not agree with the slant that he put on the Government’s approach to these matters. We take national security very seriously. The Prime Minister takes national security very seriously. He is aware of the current and growing threats, and is determined that our country be ready to step up and meet those threats. I will draw the concerns of the shadow Leader of the House to the attention of Defence Ministers and see whether we can get a statement at the earliest opportunity.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  If such a televised briefing is necessary, it is within the gift of the media to arrange one. I am sure that people from all sorts of situations will wish to contribute and the Government’s voice will be heard too. We take these matters extremely seriously and people are becoming increasingly aware of them, and the more information we can get out there to inform the debate, the better.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  The hon. Gentleman will know that the Government’s position is to ensure that we get the best deal possible, working with our European partners. Many of the areas he talks about, quite frankly, have been hit negatively as a result of decisions which were democratically taken. It is important that we do everything we can to restore and to move on from that. Should he seek a Backbench Business debate, an Adjournment debate or even to contribute to the pre-recess Adjournment debate to raise these matters, I am sure that colleagues from across the House, actually, will share some of his concerns.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I am happy to thank not just Stockport Samaritans, but Samaritans across the country for the fantastic and very difficult work that they do. The question of suicide has been raised frequently in business questions, and it is certainly a key part of the Government’s recently announced men’s health strategy, because, if I am correct, suicide remains the biggest killer of men under 50. I will draw the hon. Lady’s point to the attention of Health Ministers; should she seek a meeting with them further to explore this matter, we will see what we can do.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I pay tribute to the hon. Lady and the APPG for their work. We are serious about the matters that she raises. I will ensure that she gets an opportunity to set them out in person at a meeting with the relevant Minister.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I am happy to do so. There should be no democratic backsliding by Georgia. The UK Government are concerned about what is happening. We want to see that country continue on a trajectory in the direction of democracy. We are working, not just on our own but with European colleagues, to ensure that Georgia adheres to democratic norms. I will ensure that the Foreign Secretary hears the right hon. Gentleman’s concerns, and should there be a need for a statement at some point, I am sure that a Minister will make one.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  The hon. Gentleman makes an important point on a matter I was unaware of. As someone who seeks a repeat prescription, I will ensure that I do not do it when I am travelling. That is a new one to me, and I will seek a meeting with a Health Minister so that we can explore it.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Tackling climate change is a priority for this Government. We are seizing the opportunities of the clean energy economy and will continue to bear down on reducing emissions in a way that does not just secure good jobs but lowers bills. My hon. Friend may wish to seek a Backbench Business debate, because these concerns are not confined to one side of the House, or he may wish to join us at the pre-recess Adjournment debate and make those points more fully.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this matter in the very sensitive way that he always does. The UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all, and we condemn attacks on religious grounds wherever they should happen and for whatever reason. The British high commission in Mozambique, alongside international partners, regularly engages with the relevant authorities and religious leaders to address violence and instability in the region. I encourage him to attend the debate on international human rights in Westminster Hall next week, at which I am sure his wise contribution will be appreciated.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  The business for the week commencing 8 December will include: Monday 8 December—Consideration of Lords message to the Employment Rights Bill, followed by consideration of Lords message to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, followed by consideration of Lords message to the Mental Health Bill [ Lords ] . Tuesday 9 December—Second Reading of the Railways Bill. Wednesday 10 December—Opposition day (14th allotted day). Debate on a motion in the name of the official Opposition. Subject to be announced. Thursday 11 December—General debate on St Andrew’s day and Scottish affairs, followed by general debate on the impact of foreign interference on security, trade and democracy. The subjects of these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee. Friday 12 December—The House will not be sitting. The provisional business for the week commencing 15 December will include: Monday 15 December—Second Reading of the Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill. Tuesday 16 December—Second Reading of the Finance (No. 2) Bill. Wednesday 17 December—Second Reading of the National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill. Thursday 18 December—General debate on matters to be raised before the Christmas Adjournment. The subject of this debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee. The House will rise for the Christmas recess at the conclusion of business on Thursday 18 December 2025 and return on Monday 5 January 2026.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend is doing just that by raising this matter on the Floor of the House, as I am sure she will continue to do—this matter is important to her and many other Members. As she points out, we are taking action to deliver additional driving tests and to prevent learners from being exploited by online bots. I will ensure that the Minister has heard what she said, and that they continue to keep the House updated on these matters.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I pay tribute to the volunteers up and down the country who do such important work, whether on the rivers in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency or along the coast in mine. He has generously referred to the Budget announcement, which is very welcome. I will ensure that he gets a response to the letter that he sent to the Secretary of State, to set out our position.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend for raising this case with me. If he gives the details of the case afterwards, I will certainly raise it with Ministers. Although a holding reply may be sensible at the time, it cannot go on forever, and he needs to get a substantive reply.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important matter and for her commendable work in her constituency. I would be delighted to join her in thanking Nelsonspirit and all the local businesses, charities and schools in Norwich for their dedication to improving sustainability and protecting the local environment. I gently encourage her to attend the Westminster Hall debate next Tuesday on consumer-led flexibility for a just transition, where she may want to raise the matter further.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I will certainly take that point back and find out where the strategy is. It is a really important strategy, and it is important that the Government bring it forward, not least because my postbag is full of people who are genuinely concerned about animal welfare, as I am. If we have said that it will happen before the end of the year, of course that is our ambition. However, I gently say to the hon. Gentleman that it is sometimes more important to get these things absolutely right than to hit an artificial deadline. I will go and find out where the strategy is and raise the matter with Ministers.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend is not the first Member to raise concerns about the Environment Agency, and I imagine that it will have heard her concerns. We are committed to tackling waste crime, which is a blight on local communities and the environment. As she points out, the Environment Agency has a range of powers. Of course, we keep looking to see whether it has sufficient power, but if agencies have powers, they should be prepared to use them. She may wish to raise this at the next Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs questions or in an Adjournment debate.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  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.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I do, of course, join my hon. Friend in congratulating the Hartlepool pupils and staff who organised the events that he refers to. I was pleased to be involved in a number of Parliament Week events myself, and I would encourage all Members across the House to engage with schools in their communities, not just on Parliament Week but throughout the year, to make sure that we engender a better understanding of this place.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this important anniversary. I remember those terrible events very well. The anniversary gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to the fantastic people across the communities of Carlisle and the way they responded to the challenges of the flooding. I join my hon. Friend in celebrating the extraordinary work of North Cumbria Search and Rescue and all those who run those vital services, and not just in her area but across the UK.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Let me pay tribute to the interesting work that South Side Studios does. The Government remain committed to the rejuvenation of our high streets and to tackling vacancy, and we support innovative solutions to this issue, such as meanwhile use and rental auctions. It is a matter for local authorities to consider temporary planning permission, but I hope that my hon. Friend’s local authority has heard about this matter. Once again, she is right to raise these matters—she shows that on this issue, as on many others, she is on the side of her constituents.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend will know that the Employment Rights Bill will return to this House before the recess, and he may wish then to raise this point. Of course, it is important that this House, as the elected House, ultimately gets its way, but the upper House has an important role to play on many matters. We have had debates about these matters in the past, and I am sure that the debate about not just whether we reform the House of Lords, but whether we actually need a second Chamber, will continue into the future.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  First, I am grateful to both the hon. Gentleman and the Chair of the Committee for the update on Backbench Business, and I thank everyone on that Committee. On the constituency matter the hon. Gentleman raises, the Government recognise the importance of regional airports for the communities they serve and the local economy. He outlines the challenge to Humberside airport. We do recognise the potential impact of the Eastern Airways issue on employees and the airport itself, so I thank him for raising the matter. I will raise his concerns with Ministers, and should he seek a meeting to see what can be done to help in that situation, I will arrange that.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  If my memory serves me correctly, the hon. Gentleman is going to have to get used to sleepless nights; he has a few ahead of him, I think. The hon. Gentleman raises an important matter, but the reality is that, due to the strength of our relationship with the United States, we have secured the first and best deal on pharmaceutical products—indeed, it is the lowest rate offered to any country. This deal is a win for patients and for our life sciences sector, and that is an important part of our plan for growth. Better access to innovative medicines is critical to keeping people healthy and treating illness more effectively. We are protecting the NHS and its frontline staff with record investment and reforms to deliver better care. That also means making sure that we have the best deal in place on pharmaceuticals.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I join my hon. Friend in thanking all the volunteers, particularly from the Rotary clubs and the Lions clubs, across the country for all their hard work. It is people like them who make the Christmas season so special. I wish him well in his Santa dash—I am sure he will make a dashing Santa.

• 4 Dec 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  I gently challenge the hon. Lady, because the Government have not ignored warnings about the sector at all. In fact, there were measures in the Budget that are intended to help. There is one important day left, in the final week before the recess, to raise matters about the Budget when we discuss the Finance Bill, so she may wish to raise those issues then. The stages of the Finance Bill will then be debated, probably on the Floor of the House, and she may wish to try to get on to the Committee. However, I gently say to her that although some of the decisions taken in the Budget were difficult, their central intent is to bear down on the cost of living, and the hospitality sector will benefit from people having more money in their pockets.