Business of the House

Warinder Juss Excerpts

Thursday 5th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend raises an important issue. We are making the tough but fair decisions needed to find a balance between value for money for taxpayers and for students and graduates. We are supporting graduates with the cost of living and protecting lower earners by lifting the threshold this year, but I understand the concerns of my hon. Friend and his constituents, because they will be shared by many of our own constituents. I encourage him to apply for a debate to raise those concerns and hear from Ministers directly.

[Warinder Juss (Wolverhampton West) (Lab)]

Last week, at a City of Wolverhampton council meeting in my constituency, when discussing the removal of face coverings under a public space protection order, a Reform councillor asked a hijab-wearing Labour cabinet member, Obaida Ahmed, whether the order extended to the removal of religious garments like burkas for the identification of criminals—comments that clearly shook Councillor Ahmed. Will the Leader of the House please join me in condemning such disgraceful and divisive questioning, and stand in solidarity with Councillor Ahmed and all those from whichever party who refuse to let prejudice and discrimination undermine efforts to make our communities safer?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend and absolutely condemn the language that he describes. It is incumbent on all elected office holders to consider the language they use. I want to recognise the contribution of those who work tirelessly to ensure that prejudice and discrimination do not undermine efforts to make our communities more inclusive.