Contributions
239 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Fourth sitting)Essentially, I want to talk about the impact that a local government can have when people at a localised level can outline how they feel about human rights records. This…12 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Fifth sitting)I thank hon. Members for all their comments. I agree with Opposition Members that clause 4 needs serious reworking or simply removal from the Bill. As has been mentioned, and as…12 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Fifth sitting)The Minister is being generous with her time. If the councillor in the hypothetical scenario I gave wanted to make a point, would he have to say, “I am Joe Bloggs. I just so…12 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Fourth sitting)We have all spoken about how foreign policy is reserved, but public procurement and the use of taxpayers’ money is a devolved competence. It is completely correct that Northern…12 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Fourth sitting)I thank the Minister for giving way; she is being very generous with her time. She has set out that UK foreign policy is a reserved competency. I am interested to seek clarity and…12 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Fourth sitting)It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir George. Antisemitism is on the rise across the UK and the globe. It is a disgusting stain on society, and something must be…12 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Fourth sitting)I beg to move amendment 22, in clause 1, page 1, line 5, leave out “must not have regard to a territorial consideration” and insert “must not act”. This amendment would remove the…12 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Fourth sitting)Scotland has its own legislative framework under the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, along with associated regulations and guidance. That legislative framework places…12 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Fifth sitting)I beg to move amendment 24, in clause 4, page 3, line 24, at end insert— “(4) Nothing in this section requires any act or omission that conflicts with the rights and freedoms…12 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Fifth sitting)The hon. Member says, “Hear, hear,” yet I imagine that he is about to vote for a clause that restricts free speech. I am somewhat perplexed. This Government have passed…12 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Fifth sitting)Clause 4 is simply unworkable and not practical. During my contribution, I will outline the rationale for my amendment, but I wish to put on record that the SNP will not support…12 Sept 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsYesterday marked a year since the Prime Minister’s predecessor took office, and as you may remember, Madam Deputy Speaker, a lettuce ended up outlasting her. Due to Tory economic…07 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Third sitting)Q Thank you for joining us today. Clause 4 has been referred to as a gagging clause by some. Why can it be seen as so problematic? Richard Hermer: I am firmly of the view that it…07 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Third sitting)It was to ask what impact the Bill will have on the UK’s relationship with those in the occupied territories and with Palestinians here, across all four nations, who wish to…07 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Third sitting)Q Thank you for joining us today. What impact will the Bill have on the UK’s relationship with those in the occupied territories, and with Palestinians across all four nations…07 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Third sitting)Q You said that you had some concerns about the drafting of the Bill. Can you explain them, please? Steven Barrett: Yes. Mr Hermer actually flags them himself, and he is right.…07 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q Thank you so much for joining us today, Andrew. You have spoken about the historical influence of Britain, so I am interested to learn a little bit about what impact you think…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)Q The UK Government have a long-standing position on illegal settlements. Would the Bill stop a public body from taking a stance of not buying and trading goods from illegal…05 Sept 2023HANSARDEconomic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill (Second sitting)That is fine; I will also speak more slowly, just in case it is my accent. I was asking if you could clarify how the Bill will impact the UK’s long-standing position on illegal…05 Sept 2023HANSARD Local Bank Branch ClosuresMy hon. Friend is making an excellent speech, and is being extremely generous with her time. The closure of local bank branches has an impact on Members in all parts of the House,…05 Sept 2023