Contributions
239 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSocial Security Support for ChildrenWhen I met representatives from Pregnant Then Screwed this week, they told me of their concerns about the plight of women. We have women who want to work and are more than…23 Nov 2022HANSARDEngagementsQ13. It is not trade unions that have run public services to the ground—it is the Tories. It is not asylum seekers fleeing war and famine who are inflaming tensions—it is the…16 Nov 2022HANSARDBankers’ BonusesThe hon. Member is making an excellent speech. In my constituency of Airdrie and Shotts, 68% of people are cutting back on their essential groceries, and 65% are worried about not…08 Nov 2022HANSARDScottish Independence and the Scottish EconomyThe hon. Member made an interesting point about the SNP not wanting a Labour Government. I joined the SNP a week after the referendum. One reason that tipped me over was that I…02 Nov 2022HANSARDScottish Independence and the Scottish EconomyI have to say that I was shocked by the previous speaker’s contribution. In 2014, I campaigned for an independent Scotland as a member of the Labour party. I joined the SNP after…02 Nov 2022HANSARD UkraineThe renewed cruise missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure this morning were appalling, but, tragically, they are now part of Putin’s almost daily arsenal.…31 Oct 2022HANSARD Pension Credit and Cost of Living Support GrantIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Dowd. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow North East (Anne McLaughlin) for securing this important debate. She…26 Oct 2022HANSARDTrade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill (Fourth sitting)The Minister struggled to say the name of the Scottish National party at the start of his speech. I was a modern studies teacher before my election, and I would be more than happy…18 Oct 2022HANSARDTrade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill (Fourth sitting)The SNP has proposed new clauses 1, 2 and 3 because we need impact assessments to fully examine the practicalities of these trade deals in matters of procurement, which is so…18 Oct 2022HANSARDTrade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill (Fourth sitting)Further to that point of order, Mr Twigg. I will not keep the Committee much longer. I echo the thanks to the Clerks and the Doorkeepers, who are the backbone of this place.…18 Oct 2022HANSARDTrade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill (Fourth sitting)Thank you, Mr Twigg. I will start by correcting the record. I made a comment about the Minister visiting Scotland, and said that he may not feel welcome. Of course, he is always…18 Oct 2022HANSARDTrade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill (Fourth sitting)Thank you, Mr Twigg. I thank the Minister for his contribution. He is more than welcome to come to Scotland. I have a distillery in my constituency of Airdrie and Shotts and he is…18 Oct 2022HANSARDTrade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill (Fourth sitting)That invite is on the table. The reality is, of course, that Ministers in the UK Government have not protected geographical indications. The Minister claimed that he could not do…18 Oct 2022HANSARDTrade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill (Fourth sitting)I am very pleased to hear the Minister say that he has been meeting businesses to reassure them, but how many official visits has he made to Scotland to speak to and reassure…18 Oct 2022HANSARDTrade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill (Fourth sitting)I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention; he is completely correct. What people may fail to consider—it is important to remember this—is that the food and drinks industry is…18 Oct 2022HANSARDTrade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill (Fourth sitting)I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. He is correct, because there is real concern that these industries will be threatened by imitation products, which risks undercutting…18 Oct 2022HANSARDTrade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill (Fourth sitting)The UK Government are negotiating trade deals for the first time in more than 30 years, and that is not an easy task. Trade deals in matters of procurement are not just for…18 Oct 2022HANSARDTrade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill (Fourth sitting)I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.18 Oct 2022HANSARDTrade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill (Fourth sitting)I beg to move amendment 2, in clause 4, page 3, line 5, at end insert— “(4) This Act expires on 31 December 2027.”18 Oct 2022HANSARDTrade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill (Fourth sitting)The legislation does not reflect the values that Scotland stands for, and it does not adequately safeguard food and farming standards in Scotland. The powers in the Bill should…18 Oct 2022