Business of the House

David Williams Excerpts

Thursday 23rd April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to champion the work of the brilliant community groups in his constituency, and I join him in congratulating Erewash Voluntary Action on securing its funding and continuing to support community engagement. There has been a theme this morning, and indeed in other sessions, about the importance of community volunteers, so I will certainly give some thought to his suggestion that we should find a way of discussing these matters further.

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

I recently walked around Ball Green with Sharon Rospendowski, a local champion who helps to keep the fabric of her community together. Residents in Ball Green and places like Norton share a common concern: they have lost vital services over the years, including Sure Start centres, youth clubs, post offices and local policing—services that kept our communities secure and connected. Despite that, it is people like Sharon who step forward to fight for their communities. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on restoring neighbourhood services and outline how this Government will ensure that places like Norton and Ball Green get the investment they deserve, so that they can rebuild?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise that matter. As I have said many times, these organisations are the golden thread that runs through our communities. Our social cohesion plan sets out our commitment to bring communities together and restore pride in them, and I encourage him to apply for an Adjournment debate so that he can make his case in more detail.

Business of the House

David Williams Excerpts

Thursday 16th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is a tireless advocate for his constituents on a range of issues, and I join him in commending the work of those who have campaigned on this important issue. I understand that his local Labour councillors have been at the forefront of that. As I have said on many occasions, we have delivered Scotland’s biggest devolution settlement since devolution. I hope that the SNP has heard my hon. Friend’s contribution today and will take note, because his constituents deserve better than the serious failures that he has raised.

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

On the doorsteps of Mow Cop, Harriseahead and Newchapel, residents tell me time and again that they are fed up with Reform-led Staffordshire county council ignoring their very real concerns about vehicles speeding through their beautiful villages and putting lives at risk. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on road safety and how we can assure that communities like ours are properly heard when decisions are being taken—or, indeed, not?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

This is not the first time that hon. Members have raised concerns about Reform-led Staffordshire county council, which has clearly overpromised and underdelivered. These business question sessions have made it clear to me that Reform is failing in local government and is seeking—perhaps as an excuse—to divide our local communities. We have published our road safety strategy, but I encourage my hon. Friend to seek a Westminster Hall debate on that particular topic, because his concerns are shared by a number of colleagues, not least on the Labour Benches.

Business of the House

David Williams Excerpts

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

This sounds like a heartbreaking and frustrating situation for my hon. Friend’s constituents, and we wish Sam well. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is updating the local authority tree and woodland strategy toolkit for 2026. The updated toolkit will include more detailed advice on health and safety and on liability, which will help councils to strengthen their approach. I will make sure that the relevant Minister hears my hon. Friend’s contribution today and provides him with an update on our plans.

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

In Stoke-on-Trent, we have had to declare a heritage emergency, which really pains me. Across our towns, we have the most beautiful historic buildings, but they are sitting empty because the restoration costs are so high. That is not down to a lack of local will; it is the result of a funding gap that no one stakeholder can close alone. Will the Leader of the House please make time for a debate to look into how Government Departments, funders and partners can work together to unlock investment and breathe life back into our remarkable buildings before it is too late?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for bringing this matter to the House, because it is vital that we protect our heritage buildings. Earlier this year, we doubled our support for the heritage at risk fund to £15 million, but I know that many people across our communities are still frustrated. It is also a matter of interest across the House, so I urge my hon. Friend to seek a Westminster Hall debate—not only to allow others to share their concerns about their own constituencies, but to hear directly from Ministers.

Business of the House

David Williams Excerpts

Thursday 5th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Child trust funds have helped parents and carers invest in their children’s futures, and we are committed to ensuring that every disabled person has access to the care they need. I will arrange a meeting for my hon. Friend with the relevant Minister so they can hear her concerns at first hand.

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

Families in Kidsgrove are understandably annoyed that the playground at Clough Hall park has only recently reopened, having been cordoned off since last May. I raised the matter with the Conservative-led Newcastle-under-Lyme borough council, as did local councillors, yet it took eight months to bring it back into use. Does the Leader of the House agree that the borough council must start listening to residents because high-quality playgrounds must be available to all regardless of where they live?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Playgrounds are a vital part of our social infrastructure, and the Budget committed £18 million to revamp playgrounds across England. I am sure that the Conservative council in Newcastle-under-Lyme will have heard my hon. Friend’s comments. It is time that it listens to residents, or will it turn out to be just like Reform: over-offering and under-delivering?

Business of the House

David Williams Excerpts

Thursday 8th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

First, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to everyone involved in these horrific events and thank the emergency services for their response. Following the fair funding review consultation, our reforms will ensure that funding is allocated to local authorities and fire and rescue authorities taking into account the different needs of communities across the country. My hon. Friend may wish to attend oral questions to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 12 January to ask Ministers further about this vital work.

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

People living in Goldenhill and Sandyford have an absolutely brilliant residents association led by the remarkable Tom Simpson. I recently visited a Tesco Express store alongside them to hear from staff who were concerned about having to deal with regular shoplifting. Does the Leader of the House agree that while we have taken big steps forward as a Government, we have lots more to do and we must continue to do all that we can to protect and support our retail workers?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend, which is why we are taking the steps we are taking and looking at what further measures we can take. Through the Crime and Policing Bill, we will end the effective immunity granted to those who shoplift goods worth less than £200. We are also supporting a specialist analysis team to crack down on organised gangs that target retailers.

Business of the House

David Williams Excerpts

Thursday 11th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

What a fantastic festive event! The contribution of volunteers to events like these is invaluable. It has a real impact in bringing communities together, and is in the best of our traditions. I thank everyone volunteering at this festive period for their contribution. I will certainly look at my diary to see whether I am available next year, but I am in danger of making Scrooge look cheerful.

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

On Tuesday, the leader of Staffordshire county council, Reform councillor Ian Cooper, finally resigned after an investigation into his social media accounts found he was a top fan of a Facebook page that openly promotes white supremacy. Those views are abhorrent and completely incompatible with public life. They are the opposite of the kind, tolerant people of the county. Will the Leader of the House please make time for a debate on standards in public life to send a clear message that racism has no place in our politics nor in our communities?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I completely agree that racism has no place in our communities or in public life. As elected officials, it is our responsibility to uphold the Nolan principles. There appear to be other issues coming to light with Reform councillors in Staffordshire council. I encourage them to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves.

Business of the House

David Williams Excerpts

Thursday 11th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

With record-breaking crowds at the rugby world cup and tens of thousands of fans packing out the Mall for the Lionesses’ victory parade after their amazing success in the Euros, we are showing ourselves to be true world leaders in women’s sport. I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the organisers, but also in wishing success for the home nations. As he knows, there is a game this weekend between England and Scotland —both home nations—so it is a case of which side to pick.

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

This week, 6 Towns Radio, a community radio station broadcasting to the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme celebrates its 15th birthday. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating Dan Townley, Terry Bossons and all the volunteers at 6 Towns Radio as it celebrates its milestone? Does he agree that community radio has played, and will continue to play, an important role in connecting our communities?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating 6 Towns Radio on its 15th anniversary and community radio right across our country. The Government recognise the importance of community radio and continue to support the sector as part of a diverse media landscape. He may wish to go further than just seeking congratulations for what is happening in his area and consider a Backbench Business debate on the matter, because I am sure that many colleagues would wish to speak in such a debate about their own community radio stations.

Business of the House

David Williams Excerpts

Thursday 4th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

As ever, my hon. Friend raises the issue of connectivity and transport in his Rossendale and Darwen constituency. As a nearby MP, I know all too well the real need for a rail link between Rossendale, Darwen and Manchester, and I look forward to working with him to ensure that this Labour Government deliver on that.

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

Kidsgrove post office has been closed for over six months now, and residents have been left without vital services. The Post Office will not tell residents why it was closed so suddenly or when it may reopen. Does the Leader of the House agree that the Post Office must be more open with residents about what is happening? This has been going on for far too long.

[Lucy Powell]

I join my hon. Friend in that call. When post offices close, especially at short notice, it causes huge consternation in local communities. I call on him and other Members of Parliament to stand up against the Post Office on those decisions and get the best for their constituents.

Business of the House

David Williams Excerpts

Thursday 17th July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

First, may I repeat what I said earlier and acknowledge the outstanding service given to this country by our British service personnel who worked in Northern Ireland over many, many years? As I said earlier, this is a complicated issue, which is now subject to a great deal of legal uncertainty and legal challenge, and that is why we need to get it right—and we are keen to work together to get it right. I can absolutely assure the hon. Member that the Secretary of State takes seriously his obligation makes statements on these kind of matters to this House, and to this House first. He will bring forward those statements as he progresses that dialogue to get these issues right over the coming weeks.

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

In 1942, 57 men and boys were killed in the Sneyd colliery disaster while serving King and country. Their work helped to power our country and the war effort. I recently spoke at a memorial service led by Father Andrew Swift at the Holy Trinity church in Burslem, in my constituency of Stok-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove. Will the Leader of the House join me in paying tribute to Father Swift and all who organised the service memory of those who were killed?

[Lucy Powell]

I thank my hon. Friend for bringing the House’s attention to the Sneyd colliery disaster and the tragedy that unfolded. The aftermath of the disaster saw great acts of generosity and selflessness, bringing people together. I pay tribute to Father Andrew Swift at the Holy Trinity church for putting on the service of remembrance.

Business of the House

David Williams Excerpts

Thursday 26th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. This Government have taken swift action to bring down waiting lists, which are down by almost 200,000 in a year, with 100,000 more patients treated in that time. We are putting extra money into the NHS because reducing waiting lists is critical to our economy and the health of everybody in this country.

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

On my recent visit to Greenways primary academy in Stockton Brook, pupils were busy decorating plates kindly donated by the brilliant Steelite, showing off the artistic flair for which our creative city of Stoke-on-Trent is known.

I learned during my visit that more than 70 children are now attending the school’s brilliant breakfast club, an initiative made possible by this Labour Government. Does the Leader of the House agree it is important that kids have hungry minds that are ready to learn rather than hungry bellies?

[Lucy Powell]

Absolutely. We are proud of the free breakfast clubs that we are introducing. We are also proud that we are extending free school meals to all those on universal credit, because it is critical to every child’s learning that they are not going hungry.