Welcome to the Backbench Business Committee for the first time in 2026. We have two applications to discuss. The first one is from Andy MacNae. Andy MacNae: We are looking for a 90-minute Westminster Hall debate on sudden unexplained death in childhood. This is one of the least understood causes of deaths in childhood. Every year, around 40 children between the ages of one and 18 die with no explanation. That is more than we see in fires, traffic accidents or drownings, and yet it is barely reported. The impact of those deaths on parents—where a child simply goes to sleep and never wakes up again—is absolutely devastating. Not only do they have the loss of a child, but they have no explanation as to what has happened. It is a very under-researched area, and one where there is a real need for both understanding and acknowledgment of those deaths and of the families that are affected. The debate would give us a chance to talk about the experience of the families that have been impacted as well as the possible areas of research, the areas where focus may bring progress and areas like bereavement pathways, where there is a need for improved practice within the NHS. It could be a very important debate. It is one where we have very strong cross-party support. In an ideal world, we would hold the debate during March, which is the international month for sudden unexplained death awareness. It would be great to have your support.

A 90-minute debate—I assume the answering Department would be Health? Andy MacNae: Yes.

We would therefore have to allocate it on a Tuesday when the Health Secretary or a Health Minister is available. Thank you, Andy, the Clerks will be in touch with you as soon as we are able to allocate you a slot. Peter Prinsley made representations.

Now we move on to Peter Prinsley.

I have come to ask for the Holocaust Memorial Day Backbench Business debate, which I believe has been a regular feature of the parliamentary timetable for some years. Holocaust Memorial Day is 27 January each year, and it commemorates those whose lives were lost, those who suffered and those who survived the Holocaust. The day came about following this House passing an Act in 1999 to introduce a day to learn about and remember the Holocaust. National events have continued ever since, with Parliament playing its role by marking the day with a debate in the House of Commons. So far there have been 16 debates on Holocaust Memorial Day over the years. This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day is of particular significance, as the past year has seen the passing of several Holocaust survivors who dedicated much of their lives to Holocaust education. Just three days ago, we heard the sad news that Eva Schloss, Holocaust survivor and the stepsister of Anne Frank, had passed away aged 96. These annual debates have always been well attended and constructive, with many moving contributions from Members from all sides of the House. I come today to ask that we may do this again next year.

One possibility would be Thursday 29 January, which may well be available subject to the final decision of the Committee. I presume that would be acceptable?

Yes.

These debates are usually very well attended. Do Members have any questions?

I have not, but that is a very constructive suggestion, thank you.

You are very honest, Mary, but it is a valid point. For Chamber debates, it is preferable to have a specific ask. The Clerks will be in touch to confirm that date, Peter.