Contributions
671 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Business of the HouseThis week, we have been discussing civility in public life, yet almost a year ago, I formally reported Rutland Councillor Mark Chatfield to the Liberal Democrats for a year’s…18 Jun 2026 · 2d agoHANSARDInfected Blood Compensation SchemeThe hon. Gentleman has set the point out very powerfully. It is distressing for any of us in this House, and particularly for those of us who cannot imagine our children being put…18 Jun 2026 · 2d agoHANSARDInfected Blood Compensation SchemeI am grateful to my right hon. Friend for giving way and to the hon. Member for Eltham and Chislehurst (Clive Efford) for securing this debate. It is very difficult for any of us…18 Jun 2026 · 2d agoHANSARDNational Security (State Threats) BillWe have tabled 13 amendments, not to frustrate the Bill but to give it the necessary teeth. This Bill is soft where it should be hard, silent where it should speak, and blind…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARDNational Security (State Threats) BillThat is exactly the crux of the point I made in my speech on Second Reading. We should not set a higher threshold, because we will see prosecutions collapse for exactly that…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARDNational Security (State Threats) BillI am not sure that anyone has disputed that Jonathan Hall backs the Bill. I had a lengthy call with him to discuss the gaps in the Bill, which I am sure the hon. Gentleman has not…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARD National Security (State Threats) Bill (Allocation of Time)Let me be clear from the outset that the Opposition support the Bill and want it on the statute book, but we cannot support the manner in which the Government are seeking to pass…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARD National Security (State Threats) BillWe support the ambitions in the Bill, we want the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be designated, and we want the Bill on the statute book, so the Government will find no…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARD National Security (State Threats) BillThe reality is that an individual such as that would not be captured, because they would have diplomatic protections under the Vienna conventions. I admit that I have not been…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARD National Security (State Threats) BillThat is precisely the point that I made in my opening speech. The Government are saying that it is not legitimate to engage with these bodies. Of course they want a carve-out to…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARD National Security (State Threats) BillI have been very clear that we must stand by our Jewish communities. Yesterday, I sat down with the Jewish Leadership Council, the Community Security Trust and representatives of…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARD National Security (State Threats) BillOne of the powers that the Government could look to take—outside this Bill, because it is not within its scope—would be to give the Charity Commission the power to wind up a…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARD National Security (State Threats) BillI welcome the Minister to her place for the first time, and I wish her every success in a vital role in our country and in the Government. Let me end where I began. We support…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARD National Security (State Threats) BillYes, the law specifically covers UK citizens who then travel abroad to commit a crime in support of these proscribed groups. However, it explicitly states that that does not apply…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARDNational Security (State Threats) BillI beg to move amendment 16, page 2, line 12, at end insert— “33AA Conduct relevant to designation (1) For the purposes of section 33A, a body is to be regarded as involved in…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARDNational Security (State Threats) BillThe Minister gives the example of a diplomat, and she is right that our diplomats in Tehran will need to engage with the IRGC—it is nonsense to suggest that they would not be able…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARDNational Security (State Threats) BillI fully recognise the Minister’s point that she is trying to align the provisions with those in the National Security Act, but as per my argument earlier, let us improve the…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARDNational Security (State Threats) BillThe hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to want this. However, there is already a requirement under law for Jonathan Hall, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, to…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARDNational Security (State Threats) BillI beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 2 Offences relating to designated bodies Amendment…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARDNational Security (State Threats) BillThe Bill asks how our country confronts the greatest threat it faces: states that behave like terrorists. We support the Bill, and have today set out its weaknesses—the places…17 Jun 2026 · 3d ago