Business of the House

David Williams Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The short answer is yes, I will. However, I caution the hon. Gentleman when he talks about money that was committed five or six years ago by the previous Government, because there may have been a commitment but there was rarely any money. The difference is that this Government are making commitments and we are funding them, although he raises an important point.

[David Williams (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab)]

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy in Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove, and we have so many that we can be proud of. That is why I am asking residents to nominate their favourite shops, cafés, pubs and, being a Stokie MP, our oatcake shops, for my small business awards. Will the Leader of the House join me in encouraging residents across Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove to nominate their favourite local businesses for the awards?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I welcome my hon. Friend’s initiative to celebrate local enterprise. Independent shops, cafés and pubs are the backbone of our local economies, and I am pleased to join him in encouraging people across Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove to nominate the local businesses that make a real difference to their neighbourhood.