Business of the House

Sarah Coombes Excerpts

Thursday 12th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The tragic record of the previous Government was a fall in apprenticeships. This Government are committed to reversing that decline, which is why we have a £725 million growth and skills levy. Our reforms will help to deliver 50,000 new apprenticeships. In our first year, we helped over 350,000 people into apprenticeships. Should the hon. Gentleman wish to seek a meeting with a Minister to explore what more can be done, I will arrange it.

[Sarah Coombes (West Bromwich) (Lab)]

This week, there was a mass release of balloons in Birmingham in memory of my friend, Councillor Waseem Zaffar, who passed away suddenly and tragically at the age of 44. There was no prouder Brummie than Waseem: he loved the city, he loved the Villa and he loved representing the people of Lozells. As the cabinet member for transport, he was the driving force behind the city’s clean air zone, and he fought every day against the health inequalities that mean so many Brummies die too young. I will miss Waseem more than I can say. He leaves a hole in the city that will be very difficult to fill. Will the Leader of the House join me in sending deepest condolences to Waseem’s wife Aysha, his four sons and his wider family? Can we have a debate on the health inequalities that Waseem cared so passionately about?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to Waseem Zaffar and his work as a local councillor, particularly on the clean air zone in Birmingham. I know that he will be greatly missed, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to his loved ones at this time. Should my hon. Friend seek a Westminster Hall debate, she will be able not only to pay further tribute, but to explore what further action needs to be taken on these important environmental matters.