Contributions
160 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDBuilding Societies Act 1986 (Amendment) BillI absolutely agree, but the bureaucracy of Government sometimes gets in the way of things happening. The Bill will help level the playing field, enabling building societies to…19 Jan 2024HANSARDBuilding Societies Act 1986 (Amendment) BillI beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. It was a privilege to come out at the top of the private Member’s Bill ballot for this parliamentary Session. It is a…19 Jan 2024HANSARDEngagementsQ2. Some 71% of requests for funding from the community ownership fund aimed at saving libraries, pubs and village halls have been rejected since 2021. It pits communities against…17 Jan 2024HANSARDGaza: Humanitarian SituationIn an earlier answer, the Minister said that the British Government are “forthright” in their condemnation of the atrocities of 7 October, which everyone agrees with. When will…04 Dec 2023HANSARDIsrael and Hamas: Humanitarian PauseI welcome the Minister’s words that the Foreign Secretary is exploring other crossings being opened to get aid into the south. It is essential that that happens. If the…27 Nov 2023HANSARDIsrael and the Occupied Palestinian TerritoriesThe Minister alluded to the horrific scenes at the weekend of babies dying because they cannot be in incubators. The IDF has offered incubators to the hospital, but it is not…14 Nov 2023HANSARD Occupied Palestinian Territories: Humanitarian SituationAgainst the backdrop of a child dying every 10 minutes in Gaza and evidence that water entering as aid through the Rafah crossing is not being allowed into northern Gaza, will the…08 Nov 2023HANSARDDebate on the AddressI would like to send my good wishes to the King on the first occasion of his Gracious Speech. It cannot have been an easy thing to do. We have to remember that it follows the long…07 Nov 2023HANSARDIsrael and GazaThe Prime Minister said in his statement that this was a moment for moral clarity, and I agree with him. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire at the moment: 34 trucks have…23 Oct 2023HANSARDIsrael and GazaI condemn unreservedly the actions of Hamas and the horror that has unfolded in the region, and I ask that the hostages are returned safely as soon as possible. However, from…16 Oct 2023HANSARDSafety of School BuildingsThe debate we are having today is important. It goes to the very heart of what it means to govern and the very purpose of good government, which is to educate and protect our…06 Sept 2023HANSARDViolence in the West BankThis year has seen more Palestinians killed than in any other year, more settlement starts announced than in any other year, more demolitions in East Jerusalem than in any other…04 Jul 2023HANSARD Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) BillIt is an honour to rise to oppose this Bill in the strongest possible terms. I was very disappointed in how the Bill was presented by the Secretary of State, who left his place…03 Jul 2023HANSARDCost of Living2. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the cost of living in Scotland.28 Jun 2023HANSARDCost of LivingOver the winter, too many have had to make the decision whether to heat or eat—in fact, too many could not afford to do either. With food inflation well in excess of 15%, and much…28 Jun 2023HANSARD Private Pension Schemes: RegulationMany dozens of my constituents are affected by the Nissan pension scheme. We have discussed in this debate the role of the ombudsman. The answer the ombudsman has given in this…21 Jun 2023HANSARD Teesworks: Accountability and ScrutinyThis is an important debate. I raised the issue at Prime Minister’s questions a month ago, and I stand here today unsatisfied at this Government’s progress on being transparent…07 Jun 2023HANSARD Teesworks: Accountability and ScrutinyI apologise, Madam Deputy Speaker. As I and many other colleagues have noted, there is a way out of this for the Government. They can commit to the full National Audit Office…07 Jun 2023HANSARD NHS Dentists: South-West EnglandOrder. A lot of people want to take part in the debate so, to try to avoid a formal time limit, I ask Members to keep to an informal five-minute limit.24 May 2023HANSARD Heathrow Airport ExpansionI remind Members to bob so that we have an indication of who wants to speak. I suggest an informal four-minute limit. We should get everybody in if we stick to that.24 May 2023