Business of the House

Paul Waugh Excerpts

Thursday 16th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly will. My hon. Friend makes a point about the fantastic work that churches and church communities do, which I am sure is echoed around the Chamber. They are absolutely central to our wider communities. I thank Linda and everybody else involved, and I wish them well for the future.

[Paul Waugh (Rochdale) (Lab/Co-op)]

Fireworks play a spectacular and important role in many of our public and private celebrations, but all too often the antisocial and year-round use of loud fireworks causes deep distress to pets, veterans and elderly people in Rochdale, as well as posing a severe wildfire risk on our moorlands. Does the Leader of the House agree that today’s Government proposals to restrict the sale of loud fireworks will finally put an end to this misery for many of our constituents?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Yes, I do. My hon. Friend is absolutely right to mention the particular risks of loud fireworks and, as was raised earlier, the risk of wildfires. As he suggests, we have published a written statement today that announces the launch of a consultation on fireworks legislation. This issue has been raised with me repeatedly, and I know that Members will want to take the opportunity to ensure that the voices of their constituents are heard.

Business of the House

Paul Waugh Excerpts

Thursday 9th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I understand the concerns that the hon. Lady raises. Let me raise that with the relevant Minister and get her an update on how they may be able to do that.

[Paul Waugh (Rochdale) (Lab/Co-op)]

More than a thousand British Jews and British Israelis have written to the Minister for the Middle East, my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr Falconer), to urge a ban on settlement goods and services by the United Kingdom. That is because Netanyahu’s Government are expanding illegal settlements at such a rapid rate that we are effectively seeing the annexation by stealth of the west bank.

Does the Leader of the House agree that while this Labour Government have taken the historic step of recognising the state of Palestine, that is put at risk by Israel’s actions? We need not only to show that we share the anger of the British people over the death and displacement of the Palestinian people, but to stand up to Israel and ensure that a Palestinian state will become a reality, rather than be wiped off the map, which is what Israel proposes at the moment.

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Government’s position remains clear. Settlements are illegal under international law. They undermine international efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in the Middle East and risk doing permanent damage to the prospects of a secure and viable Palestinian state being able to live in peace alongside a secure Israel. We have a debate on this matter this afternoon, and I hope that my hon. Friend will be able to attend it to make his case.

Business of the House

Paul Waugh Excerpts

Thursday 2nd July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am concerned to hear of a business closing, particularly one that has been around for such a long time and which has served a community. I am genuinely sorry to hear that.

Small businesses are at the heart of our local communities and economies, and the Government are committed to supporting them in every way that we can, which is why our small business plan will save businesses time and money, boost access to finance and create new opportunities—but I do understand that for some businesses, there is an alternative scenario. We are also supporting a large number of businesses through a £4.3 billion business rates package.

I understand the hon. Gentleman’s point about national insurance, but the change was made so that we could invest in our public services. He cannot have it both ways; Liberal Democrats constantly talk about the need for more spending on all sorts of things, and yet, when it comes to a difficult decision about voting for the money, they vote the wrong way.

[Paul Waugh (Rochdale) (Lab/Co-op)]

Shabir Ahmed was the ringleader of a disgusting Rochdale grooming gang. He was convicted of serial rapes against young white girls and repeated rapes of a young Asian girl. Today, Shabir Ahmed is being released from prison with a restriction that he should not enter the Rochdale or Oldham boroughs—yet Shabir Ahmed is joint UK-Pakistani national, and he should be deported to Pakistan. Does the Leader of the House agree that the Home Office and the Foreign Office should do everything possible within their power to make sure that people like Ahmed are deported and that their victims never ever have to face them again?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

In short: yes, I do. Our thoughts should be with the victims of these appalling crimes. The perpetrators in grooming gangs and sexual abuse cases must face the full force of the law, whoever they are and wherever they come from—let me be absolutely clear about that. If the individual we are talking about breaches the very strict conditions that have been placed upon him, he will be locked up again immediately—I hope he pays heed to that—but I also know that the Government are exploring every option in this case.

Business of the House

Paul Waugh Excerpts

Thursday 14th May 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am sincerely grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his comments. I do think it is important that we uphold standards wherever we can. As for his reference to not wishing the ultimate job on me, I suspect he has been talking to my wife in that regard, and I can assure him that it is clearly not going to happen, because apart from anything else there is no vacancy.

On the issues the right hon. Gentleman raises, I think we made a good start on animal welfare in the first Session, and there will be further Sessions in which we can bring forward such measures. Depending on the progress made in this second Session, there is also the possibility that other legislation will be brought forward. I am not promising him anything, but there is some flexibility there. There are also other routes that Members can take, not least private Members’ Bills, to address some of the important matters he raises.

[Paul Waugh (Rochdale) (Lab/Co-op)]

On Sunday, there were scenes of wild celebration among the Dale fans at Wembley, as our beloved club staged a fabulous comeback and won the play-off final to return to the English football league. There were also fantastic civic celebrations at Rochdale town hall, where Jimmy McNulty and his lads could see for themselves just how proud we all were of the team’s heroics, grit and togetherness. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the Dale on a fabulous season, and on proving that our club, like our town, never, ever gives up?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question, and I certainly will join him in congratulating Jim McNulty and the Dale team on their successful season. Our local football teams give us pride in local communities. That is why, in the last Session, we delivered the Football Governance Act 2025, which gives fans a greater say in how their beloved clubs are run. I am sure that if my hon. Friend wants to raise this matter, perhaps in a Westminster Hall debate, it would be an opportunity for colleagues from across the House to celebrate the importance of local football in our communities.

Business of the House

Paul Waugh Excerpts

Thursday 16th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Sir David has done wonders in introducing us to, and captivating us with, the natural world. As my hon. Friend will know, we celebrate Earth Day next week, which will also be a great opportunity to better understand our environment and perhaps to appreciate Sir David’s work. I am sure that many Members and communities would welcome the opportunity to celebrate his impressive 100 years and to highlight his many achievements, so I will give my hon. Friend’s suggestion some thought.

[Paul Waugh (Rochdale) (Lab/Co-op)]

Council tax arrears can be devastating for people’s finances and mental health, so I warmly welcome the Government’s changes to the debt collection rules today, which mean that people will not be tipped further into poverty by a single missed payment. In Rochdale and wider Greater Manchester, Jo Barker-Marsh and other anti-poverty campaigners have been exposing how the use of bailiffs in cases of genuine hardship is not just cruel and counterproductive, but a waste of public money. Might we have a debate in Government time to highlight the scandal of aggressive council tax debt collection, and will my right hon. Friend join me in praising the work of Jo, Debt Justice and, of course, Martin Lewis?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join my hon. Friend is welcoming the change. As he rightly points out, it will help to protect vulnerable people in our communities. I join him in thanking Jo, Debt Justice and, indeed, Martin Lewis for their work. I encourage my hon. Friend to apply for an Adjournment debate on the topic so that he can give further consideration to, and hear from Ministers on, those important points.

Business of the House

Paul Waugh Excerpts

Thursday 26th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

That is a very interesting question. It brings together two things that the Government are determined to do: to make sure that we provide the very best support for people suffering from cancer, and to make sure that we support parents, particularly new parents, if this should arise. I do not know the answer to the hon. Member’s question what can be done, but I will bring the matter to the attention of the relevant Minister and see whether the Department is about to bring forward something that might address it.

[Paul Waugh (Rochdale) (Lab/Co-op)]

The latest Department for Education performance tables rank Rochdale sixth-form college as the No. 1 sixth-form college in England. It already scored highly on exam results, but it is now first in England for A-level progress, applied general progress, academic progress and, crucially, progress for disadvantaged students in both A-levels and BTECs. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating all the students and staff at Rochdale sixth-form college on proving that Rochdale students really are a class act?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will, absolutely. I thank my hon. Friend for bringing this to the House. I join him in congratulating everyone at Rochdale sixth-form college, including all the students, on their exceptional, fantastic achievement. Our education reforms will ensure that the country’s education system delivers opportunity for all, and we have invested £800 million extra in further education for 16 to 19-year-olds. I shall certainly draw to the Education Secretary’s attention the success in his constituency, and long may it continue.

Business of the House

Paul Waugh Excerpts

Thursday 19th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Paul Waugh (Rochdale) (Lab/Co-op)]

Last night, there was an emotional farewell for Councillor Ashley Dearnley, who attended his final full council meeting after an incredible 44 years of continuous service. As a Conservative, Ashley could be described as an endangered species within our borough, but his decency, courtesy and integrity and his hard work for Wardle, Shore and West Littleborough have won him widespread respect ever since he was first elected in 1982. Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking Ashley for his services to democracy and wish him well in his retirement?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating Ashley on his remarkable service—44 years of continuous service to his community is an incredible achievement. I thank him, and indeed other councillors who reach such a milestone, whichever party they represent. I understand that Ashley quoted our dear friend Jo Cox in his farewell speech last night, saying that we have

“more in common than that which divides us.”—[Official Report, 3 June 2015; Vol. 596, c. 675.]

That is a lesson that we should all take on board. I thank Ashley for his service and wish him a very happy and peaceful retirement.

Business of the House

Paul Waugh Excerpts

Thursday 12th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

This issue has been raised a number of times this morning and that demonstrates the strength of feeling. I encourage the hon. Lady to seek a debate on these matters to hear from the Minister, or if she wants a meeting with him to explain her concerns, I will help her to facilitate that.

[Paul Waugh (Rochdale) (Lab/Co-op)]

Rochdale’s BASA football club recently returned from its tour of Bangladesh, where members met street children, blind children and autistic children who were helped by the amazing £20,000 that the club had raised for charity. Will the Leader join me in congratulating Doliz Miah, Saj Miah and all the lads at BASA, as well as their sponsors: the Pavilion, Pandora, Panchi, and Amor restaurants?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am delighted to hear about the fundraising success of Rochdale’s Bangladeshi Arts and Sports Association football club. I join my hon. Friend in congratulating the whole team and everyone associated with them, including the sponsors who made it possible.

Business of the House

Paul Waugh Excerpts

Thursday 5th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly join my hon. Friend in commending the vital work of Base 25 and all its staff to support those with SEND. As he is aware, the SEND system is broken. We are determined to reform it, in order to transform the life chances of every child with additional needs, but come what may, community organisations will continue to play a vital role in supporting not only those with SEND, but their families.

[Paul Waugh (Rochdale) (Lab/Co-op)]

Today is World Book Day. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating the winner of my World Book Day competition, Matilda Mann of Littleborough Community primary school, for her brilliant review of “A Box Full of Murders” by Janice Hallett, and congratulate all the local businesses that helped to sponsor hundreds of pounds-worth of books for our local schools?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is right to champion World Book Day. I absolutely join him in congratulating Matilda, and thank all the local businesses that supported the World Book Day competition in his constituency.

Business of the House

Paul Waugh Excerpts

Thursday 12th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I am sure the whole House will join me in wishing Tom Jones the happiest of birthdays. I am sure that he has lived an incredible life, and we wish him well. He was a trade unionist and supporting our party before many Members of this House were born —in fact, before I was born; it is a rare occasion when I can say that. It is really saying something. We genuinely wish him all the very best and a very happy birthday.

[Paul Waugh (Rochdale) (Lab/Co-op)]

Last week, I was honoured to attend the annual apprenticeships awards held by Rochdale’s Hopwood Hall college, which highlight all our brilliant local businesses and talent. Will the Leader of the House join me in congratulating 19-year-old Lily Chandler, who was named apprentice of the year 2026, and 24-year-old Kieran Riseborough, who won the social mobility award? Both are engineering apprentices and are a great credit to our town and borough.

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating Lily and Kieran on their well-deserved awards. It is National Apprenticeship Week, but these hard-earned skills are not just for this week—they are for life. That is why we have backed our guarantee that all 18 to 21-year-olds will have access to training, apprenticeships or help finding work with a record £3 billion apprenticeship budget. I wish Lily and Kieran all the very best for their working life going forward.