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Speaker’s Statement 2025-10-14
14 October 2025
Lead MP
Mr Speaker
Debate Type
General Debate
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Other Contributors: 17
At a Glance
Mr Speaker raised concerns about speaker’s statement 2025-10-14 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Paid tribute to Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, mentioning his qualities and contributions across the House.
Ed Davey
LD
Kingston and Surbiton
Emphasised Ming’s sporting achievements, legal career, and political leadership, especially on foreign affairs and the opposition to the Iraq war.
The Prime Minister
Keir Starmer
Paid tribute to Lord Campbell's athletic prowess and his role in politics, emphasising his contributions to Scotland and Fife.
Kemi Badenoch
Con
North West Essex
Contributed condolences on behalf of the Conservative Party, highlighting Ming’s cross-party work and integrity.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Acknowledged Lord Campbell's legal advice during debates on the Iraq war and praised his conscientious approach to parliamentary duties.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Joined tributes, mentioning Lord Campbell’s role as a foreign affairs spokesman and his leadership during the Iraq debate.
North East Fife
Represented Lord Campbell's former constituency and noted his high regard among constituents.
North East Fife
Ming Campbell, who first stood for Parliament in Greenock and was elected in North East Fife in 1987, had a long career in politics, law, and sport. He served as Chancellor of the University of St Andrews for 19 years. His influence extended to building local party support and respect across constituencies, even among those who did not vote for him. The speaker reflects on personal meetings with Campbell and his contributions to her political career.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Sir Alec mentions Ming Campbell's significant role in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, where he was highly respected for his leadership and ability to resolve conflicts. He provided sage advice during coalition years and demonstrated quick wit as a KC, illustrating his legal expertise through an anecdote about a defendant charged with causing affray.
Stephen Gethins
SNP
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry
Gethins highlights Ming Campbell's role globally but emphasises his local impact. He succeeded Campbell in the North East Fife constituency and notes how Campbell was highly regarded locally, helping every community within his 99-strong constituency.
Tim Farron
LD
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Farron reflects on Ming Campbell's impact since the early days of his political career. He emphasises Campbell’s legal expertise and role in making human rights law accessible to the public, connecting it with duty and the rule of law. Additionally, Farron shares personal anecdotes about their friendship and mutual support.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Lewis acknowledges Sir Ming Campbell's ability to work collaboratively on issues despite initial disagreements over Trident. He highlights their joint efforts on enhancing defence spending and safeguarding critical services like BBC Monitoring.
Edinburgh West
Jardine notes the personal meeting with Sir Ming Campbell in later years, emphasising his significant influence throughout her political career, hanging over her adult life.
Glasgow Central
Recalled personal encounters with Ming Campbell, highlighting his influence on her political journey and kindness during difficult times.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Extended condolences from Northern Ireland parliamentarians to the Liberal Democrats and tributes to Campbell's reputation across the House as a sincere Unionist, Scot, and respected politician.
Clive Jones
LD
Wokingham
Acknowledged Ming Campbell's achievements in foreign policy and defence matters, his support for new MPs, and his warm character.
Calum Miller
LD
Bicester and Woodstock
Paid tribute to Campbell’s integrity, tenacity, and principled approach to politics, highlighting his role in Scottish liberalism and dedication to international liberal values.
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