Contributions
684 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDJury TrialsI am afraid that we hear again the continual argument that the average layperson cannot understand justice. If a defence lawyer or prosecution lawyer cannot make the argument make…07 Jan 2026HANSARDJury TrialsI have yet to make an argument, but I will shortly. Who in this place can honestly say that if they were facing incarceration, they would be happy with just one judge and no jury…07 Jan 2026HANSARDJury TrialsIf the hon. Lady had listened carefully, she would have heard that I did not say that jury trial was an inalienable right. The law says that one has a right to a fair trial.…07 Jan 2026HANSARDJury TrialsJury trials were introduced to bring order and justice to a legal system beset by opportunism, superstition, bias and archaic practices. For eight centuries, they have been the…07 Jan 2026HANSARDJury TrialsMy sincerest apologies, Madam Deputy Speaker. A year of maternity leave does leave one with a few cobwebs. The British people are very clear that they do not want this fundamental…07 Jan 2026HANSARD VenezuelaVenezuelans are relieved to be free of Maduro’s tyranny. However, Venezuela risks remaining a failed state, rather than being a free state, unless the international community…05 Jan 2026HANSARDAgricultural Property Relief and Business Property ReliefThis U-turn comes too late for too many. It is extraordinary to hear Labour MPs saying that their farmers are delighted; mine are sick with relief after 14 months. At the Liaison…05 Jan 2026HANSARDHate CrimeThank you, Mr Speaker, and happy new year. Women are overwhelmingly the victims of hate crimes online, but that is no surprise when companies are promising that the purchase of a…05 Jan 2026HANSARDChina Espionage: Government Security ResponseMy heart goes out to the missing crew member, their ship’s company, and their loved ones at home. Let us all hope for good news. I thank the Minister for advance sight of this…18 Nov 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsLast year, 2,000 acres of farmland in my constituency were approved for solar by the Government, and now a further 2,000 are being eyed up immediately next door. Together, those…18 Nov 2025HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles BillI thank my hon. Friend for setting out the wrongs of the Bill so clearly. A number of veterans called my office yesterday in great distress. One of their concerns is what the Bill…18 Nov 2025HANSARDPoints of OrderOn a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Scrutiny in this House requires timely and meaningful engagement by Ministers with shadow Front Benchers, but, disappointingly for me,…18 Nov 2025HANSARD Official Secrets Act Case: Witness StatementsOn a point of order, Mr Speaker. Until the statement was published last night, some of us had no idea about the details of this case, but the Government appear to be unwilling to…16 Oct 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsResidents of Rutland overwhelmingly want to join Stamford, but the council is pressing ahead with an unwanted Leicestershire merger; residents of South Kesteven do not want to…13 Oct 2025HANSARD Security Update: Official Secrets Act CaseThe integrated review refresh, which stated that the Chinese Communist party posed a threat to our people and our security, was in fact published the very day that these two men…13 Oct 2025HANSARD Official Secrets ActI will be responding in a personal capacity, but may I start by thanking you, Mr Speaker, for the support you have given to us over the past two years? I also place on record my…15 Sept 2025HANSARD Official Secrets ActThank you, Mr Speaker. That is very kind. I shall be returning home to my four-month-old in a couple of hours. On a point of order, Mr Speaker, Government Front Benchers are…15 Sept 2025HANSARDProtection of the ceremonial county of RutlandRutland is a proud and ancient county, recorded in the Domesday book and with a Lord Lieutenant since 1559. We have a strong connection to the monarchy, symbolised by the statue…02 Apr 2025HANSARDFarming and Inheritance TaxThe right hon. Gentleman makes an important point about just how little farmers earn, and yet they are consistently being described by Labour Members as asset-rich. Should farmers…04 Dec 2024HANSARD Employer National Insurance ContributionsNo, I will not give way. It will be how charities end up redirecting their Christmas appeals, so that people give the pennies they have spare to pay the Exchequer, rather than to…04 Dec 2024