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.