Contributions
1,710 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Third sitting)Q The key test in clause 1 for the action of a decision maker is whether it “would cause a reasonable observer of the decision-making process to conclude that the decision was…07 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Third sitting)Q So can we have confidence in it as essentially a term of art that will be easily understood by the courts and is not likely to lead to a series of cases based on whether or not…07 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Third sitting)Q To build on that point, we have heard very strongly from panellists that you do not believe that the exceptions in the schedule to the Bill will protect environmental concerns.…07 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q Secondly, to finish the points you made in a fulsome way on clause 7, for my own clarity. You are saying that you would have greater confidence in the provisions in clause 7 if…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q What I would say is that you would know, as a local authority councillor, that local authorities routinely take legal advice about their actions, certainly if they thought they…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Even though it says “any obligation” on the face of the Bill? Dr Harris: Yes. Dr Mendoza: I have a slightly different response. I am slightly perplexed by the question. What were…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Yes, I think you have addressed that point, but what about the two professors? Professor Tettenborn: I must admit that I am a little more friendly to clause 4. I will tell you…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)I have just one question, about clause 7, which governs the information notices—the mechanism by which the Government can compel information from public bodies to find out if they…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (First sitting)Q I would like to start by putting on record the thanks of Members of the Opposition Front Bench to Councillor Jamieson for his leadership of the Local Government Association. It…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q I want to follow that point through, with all three panellists, if possible. You have all indicated support for the Bill in generality, and in particular for what clause 1 tries…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (First sitting)Q You mentioned legal challenges. Could you say what your anxieties are there? Jon Richards: There is some wording in some bits of the Bill. For instance, it talks about being…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (First sitting)Q Thank you to our witnesses for their time. In opening, you were very clear, Jon Richards, about what your job is and what your job is not, and I think the Committee will have…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q You mentioned the use of regulations for setting the fining regime. That is a common theme of this Bill. It also allows the Secretary of State to vary the schedule that sets out…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q On multiple occasions on the face of the Bill, the Secretary of State has reserved powers to change provisions in the Bill by regulations. Do you think that approach has been…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (First sitting)Q Clause 4 will restrict your ability not only to act, but to talk about whether you would have been inclined to act. That is quite a significant fetter on your free speech. How…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q Professor Tomkins, could you address that point? Professor Tomkins: I will make two quick points about clause 4, if I may. First, in my career I suppose I have worn two hats:…05 Sept 2023HANSARDLevelling UpUp and down the country, communities are struggling with the Tories’ mortgage crisis and the cost of living crisis. Those hit hardest often live in communities that were promised…10 Jul 2023HANSARDBishops in the House of LordsIt is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Mr Davies, and to contribute to this debate on behalf of the Opposition. I congratulate the hon. Member for Edinburgh East (Tommy…06 Jul 2023HANSARDBishops in the House of LordsBy all means—keep going.06 Jul 2023HANSARDBishops in the House of LordsWell, the hon. Gentleman has not yet given me the chance to finish. I tempted him into a flourishing drive, and my slip cordon is, I suspect, better than the one the England team…06 Jul 2023