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Backbench Business
16 July 2026
Lead MP
Bob Blackman
Ealing Central and Acton
Con
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 37
At a Glance
Bob Blackman raised concerns about backbench business 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:
Bob Blackman
Con
Ealing Central and Acton
Focusses on three key areas that Sir David Amess cared deeply about: education, health care, and community support. Emphasises the importance of high-quality education for all children and more funding towards mental health services within the NHS. Also highlights initiatives aimed at fostering stronger communities.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Commemorates Sir David Amess and Ann Widdecombe, highlights local election successes in Harrow East and neighbouring areas, expresses frustration with increased bureaucracy for all-party parliamentary groups, updates on fire safety and rescue group's work, condemns antisemitism and security concerns, welcomes the Government's designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, raises awareness about religious freedom issues, discusses UK-Azerbaijan relations, supports tobacco and vapes legislation, advocates for ending homelessness, expresses gratitude to 1922 committee officers and his team for their support in dealing with constituent cases.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Wealden
Expressed gratitude towards the late Sir David Amess and his security concerns, thanked her constituency team for their support during challenging times.
Welcomed the £120 million support package for Staffordshire ceramics industry, appreciated the roll-out of free breakfast clubs in schools, acknowledged improvements to air quality and health, emphasised the importance of local farmers and excellent British food production. He also expressed concerns over the reorganisation plans announced by the Secretary of State, stressing that Newcastle-under-Lyme must be at the heart of any changes.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Spoke about issues important to her constituents, highlighted green spaces and their importance to community identity. Criticised the government's relaxation of planning rules affecting the green belt, mentioned numerous development applications in her constituency that threaten food security and agricultural land. Emphasised the need for local businesses to succeed with supportive conditions but criticised the current government for not backing them adequately.
Chris Kane
SNP
Stirling
Mr. Kane highlighted the work of local organisations and volunteers in his constituency, including Fallin Community Voice, Cowie Rural Action Group, Balfron phone box food exchange, PKAVS charity, Tyndrum Infrastructure Group's Changing Places toilet campaign, Quinns' advocacy for more Changing Places toilets, Friends of Plean Country Park, Friends of Kings Park, Bannockburn and Eastern Villages Sports Hub volunteers, Mayfield Centre in St Ninians, the new library in Strathblane, Crawford Hall in Braehead, Action in Mind in Riverside, Recyke-a-bike in Causewayhead, Valley Renewables Group in Carron valley, and Callander Community Development Trust.
North East Fife
Ms. Chamberlain expressed gratitude to staff and MPs for their work. She raised concerns about trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank and urged for diplomatic intervention regarding Umm al-Khair village's demolition orders. She also discussed issues related to energy company obligation 4 scheme failures, rural community challenges, banking access review, and cuts to the Science and Technology Facilities Council budget affecting St Andrews University’s astronomy department.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Wealden
Ms. Ghani expressed interest in visiting North East Fife based on Ms. Chamberlain's invitation.
Mary Glindon
Lab
North Tyneside
Called attention to the importance of civil servants and their pension entitlements, criticised Capita's performance in dealing with pensions backlog, questioned the decision to award Synergy a contract for payroll services, highlighted internal reorganisation issues within government departments, raised concerns over staff restructuring disputes, mentioned Sir David Amess's advocacy on hepatitis C elimination and alcohol harms, commended efforts towards meeting WHO’s target of eliminating hepatitis C by 2030, supported the work of Balance in raising awareness about alcohol-related cancer risks.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Wealden
Reminded colleagues to not mention Members' names directly but only their constituencies
David Davis
Con
Haltemprice and Howden
Discussed the sentencing of Nicola Sturgeon's husband for embezzlement, criticised the Scottish Government's handling of Alex Salmond’s case, accused Nicola Sturgeon of being involved in a cover-up and using her position to suppress justice against Alex Salmond, highlighted legal procedures that were biased against Salmond, called for a judicial inquiry into the entire scandal.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Wealden
Highlighted the broad nature of the debate in keeping with David Amess’s approach
Acknowledged changes made by the Labour Government, including rail fare freezes and enhanced cage phase-out for hens; questioned delays on introducing maximum working temperatures due to climate emergency concerns; highlighted historical debates over workplace temperatures in 1930s; emphasised need for new laws considering current climatic conditions.
Steve Darling
Lab
Torbay
Mr. Darling highlighted the need for investment in Torbay hospital, criticised the lack of delivery on Conservative promises, and expressed concern about the financial challenges faced by the hospitality industry due to national insurance hikes and increased utility bills. He also advocated for a reduction in VAT for the hospitality sector and raised issues related to coastguard recompensation, disability support, and local council engagement.
Sarah Hall
Lab
Great Sankey
Ms. Hall shared the tragic story of her constituent Lucy Harrison, who was unlawfully killed by her father in Texas. She detailed the discrepancies between US and British legal systems regarding the case investigation and called for the Government to press relevant authorities to reconsider Lucy’s case and provide better support to families of constituents murdered abroad.
Ben Spencer
Lab
Petersborough
Mr. Spencer raised concerns about the integrity of DNA testing within the Child Maintenance Service, specifically detailing a case involving Ms Chelsea Millar where DNA samples were tampered with at an unapproved site. He questioned the security of the chain of evidence and called for urgent review and measures to strengthen oversight and safeguards.
Samantha Niblett
Con
South Derbyshire
Constituency work is essential and often goes unnoticed. It involves regular surgeries, campaigns such as securing a new school in Mickleover, helping families access vital medical equipment or appointments, and supporting local organisations like Derbyshire Wish and Derby LGBT+. Despite challenges, the role of an MP is to listen, be honest, and never give up on constituents.
Martin Vickers
Con
Cleethorpes
Coastal communities face isolation and economic struggles. Young people are considering leaving due to lack of job opportunities. The proposed NHS England boundary changes threaten the viability of hospitals in North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire, affecting 300,000 people. He also highlighted the need for direct train services from Grimsby and Cleethorpes to King’s Cross and mentioned a close encounter with an irresponsible cyclist.
Melanie Ward
Con
Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath
Communities are strengthened by solidarity. Paid tribute to the Linton Lane Centre, highlighted the need for a new banking hub in Dalgety Bay, celebrated diversity at Dunnikier primary school, welcomed £515,000 investment in Denfield park for football facilities, thanked Angela Bailey for her work, and expressed gratitude towards parliamentary staff.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Corbyn thanked the staff and constituency workers, corrected inaccuracies about the Labour party's financial status when he left leadership, and called for a change in policy towards Gaza, Palestine, Iran, and Lebanon. He also highlighted issues concerning leasehold properties with unsafe cladding and requested permission for a motor neurone disease sufferer to be visited by his family from Nigeria.
Atkinson praised Sunderland's progress under Labour leadership, mentioned the planned return of the city's airshow, thanked teachers and staff at St Anthony’s girls’ Catholic academy for their dedication, criticised the closure of a homeless drop-in centre despite increased funding from central government, and urged for better management of public spaces during events.
Vickers discussed issues such as off-road bikes and e-bikes causing anti-social behaviour in Stockton West, the need for proper infrastructure to support new housing developments, and thanked a bar manager retiring after 37 years of service.
Adam Thompson
Lab
Erewash
Discussed recent knife crime in Ilkeaston, the ongoing issues with East Midlands Railway due to reduced timetables and ageing train fleet, the importance of supporting grassroots music venues for new artists, and local initiatives such as Bennerley viaduct visitor centre opening. Also acknowledged the efforts of his team and local council colleagues.
Steve Barclay
Con
North East Cambridgeshire
Critiqued the lack of transparency in the restoration and renewal programme for Parliament, noting that despite spending £0.5 billion on preparatory work over five years, there has been no clear budget or timeline set by Members or peers. He emphasised the need for a debate to address this issue.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Highlighted local community achievements in Luton, including the new play park initiative and Pride in Place programme funding improvements across various areas like schools and businesses. She also thanked her team and parliamentary staff for their support.
Rachel Taylor
Con
North Warwickshire
Praised the role of sport in her constituency, highlighting its benefits and community impact. Mentioned specific sports clubs like rugby, cricket, bowls, tennis, darts, football, and parkruns. Emphasised unity through sport as inspired by Jo Cox.
Alison Taylor
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Honoured Sir David Amess's dedication to service and discussed the need for strategic planning in transport, infrastructure, and culture. Highlighted the economic potential of her constituency while expressing concerns over lack of ambition from the SNP government.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Noted time constraints and suggested reducing speaking times to three minutes for remaining contributions.
Julie Minns
SNP
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Addressed the issue of illegal e-bikes, discussing their safety risks, association with criminal activities, fire hazards, and the need for legislation to ban them. Emphasised community safety concerns raised by schoolchildren.
Hayes and Harlington
Discussed issues with Bellway Homes, a developer that has left residents in his constituency living in a nightmare situation due to poor management and unaccountability. Emphasised the need for stronger leasehold reform legislation.
Celebrated Portsmouth's centenary year of city status, highlighting the city’s resilience and contributions over 100 years. Acknowledged local women through the 100 Pompey Belles award and discussed her vision for Portsmouth in the next century.
Pam Cox
Con
Colchester
The MP discusses the impact of closing the University of Essex's Southend campus due to financial pressures in higher education. She expresses concern for job losses and supports the university staff, highlighting the importance of universities for economic and social prosperity.
Bayo Alaba
Lab
Rochford and Southend East
The MP focuses on challenges faced by coastal communities in south-east Essex due to physical isolation. He highlights regeneration efforts and economic benefits from tourism, as well as the potential for growth through improved infrastructure and investment.
Clive Jones
Lab
Walsall North
Expressed concern about the exclusion of some MPs from a call regarding local government reorganisation. Celebrated Sir David Amess's life, highlighting his dedication to public service and advocacy for various causes such as animal welfare, fuel poverty, children with learning disabilities, women with endometriosis, and Southend city status. Quoted former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer in praise of Sir David’s character. Emphasised the importance of respectful political discourse and opposition to extremism that undermines democracy.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Pays tribute to Sir David Amess and Ann Widdecombe. Highlights contributions from Members regarding attractions in their constituencies, such as putting greens in Fife, an air show in Sunderland, and the entertainment zone at Braehead. Campaigns for better public transport links for the Borders and access to NHS services for cross-border communities. Mentions several other speakers' contributions and raises concerns about the new Prime Minister's lack of clear plans.
Alan Campbell
Lab
Tynemouth
Praised the contributions made by MPs, highlighted the importance of remembering Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, emphasised the significance of public safety and respectful discourse. Acknowledged the role of volunteers in local communities and constituency Members of Parliament.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Expressed gratitude to the 32 Members who participated, wished retiring staff a long retirement, hoped for a peaceful recess for all staff. Wished everyone restful and safe summer recess with best wishes for vigorous debate when returning.
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