Contributions
1,962 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Environment BillMy hon. Friend gives an excellent example, and I thank him for that.28 Oct 2019HANSARD Environment BillThat is right. It is important that we look at it right across the piece, from manufacturing down to what happens after we have finished using something. Tellingly, waste recovery…28 Oct 2019HANSARD Environment BillWhat the hon. Lady has said reflects some of my own concerns. I also have concerns about backing everything on to net gain, which has not proved as effective as would have been…28 Oct 2019HANSARDThe Climate EmergencyWe all know that we face a climate and environment emergency. We know that wildlife populations are collapsing, ecosystems are breaking down and temperatures are rising at an…17 Oct 2019HANSARDThe Climate EmergencyWhatever we do to try to protect the environment and solve the climate and ecological emergency, it is incredibly important that we do that on a global level. If we do not, we…17 Oct 2019HANSARDThe Climate EmergencyI agree with my hon. Friend. The matter was mentioned during Labour’s party conference this year, because we are taking this very seriously. My concern is that the Conservative…17 Oct 2019HANSARDThe Climate EmergencyI agree. Air quality is referred to in the Environment Bill, and we will be pushing hard on those areas in Committee. I am particularly concerned about Natural England’s budget.…17 Oct 2019HANSARDThe Climate EmergencyThat is an extremely important point, and we could do that straightaway, but we need a proper, comprehensive transport Bill to tackle things more widely. My team will be going…17 Oct 2019HANSARDFast FashionI welcome the Secretary of State to her place. As we have heard, fast fashion has a negative impact on our environment. The Secretary of State mentioned environmental…25 Jul 2019HANSARDAnimal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill (Second sitting)I thank the Minister for his considered response. He will probably think that I am a bit odd, but I have a copy of the report and the proposed legislation from the Law Commission…23 Jul 2019HANSARDAnimal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill (Second sitting)It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Bailey. The main thing that I want to make clear is the Opposition’s support for the Bill, for which we have waited a long…23 Jul 2019HANSARDAnimal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill (Second sitting)I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. New clause 2 would provide for an assessment of the effectiveness of the Act, and for a report to be laid before Parliament.…23 Jul 2019HANSARDAnimal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill (Second sitting)The right hon. and learned Gentleman makes an extremely important point. One thing that has been quite difficult when looking at the evidence is some of the extraordinary cruelty…23 Jul 2019HANSARDAnimal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill (Second sitting)As I said before, we are pleased to support the Bill and the increase in sentences. It is good finally to see it here and I hope we can get it on the statute book shortly. As I…23 Jul 2019HANSARD Animal Welfare (Sentencing) BillBut if any person directs an animal to do such appalling harm, should not that person bear some responsibility? The Sentencing Council recommends that if a defendant pleads guilty…10 Jul 2019HANSARD Animal Welfare (Sentencing) BillAll animals need to be looked after to the best of human ability and should not be abused. We need the highest standards possible in slaughterhouses and abattoirs. The Opposition…10 Jul 2019HANSARD Animal Welfare (Sentencing) BillToday has been a long time coming. We welcome the Government bringing forward this vital piece of legislation, although we regret that it has taken this long, considering that it…10 Jul 2019HANSARD Animal Welfare (Sentencing) BillI thank the hon. Gentleman for his well-made point, which I think we can all support. It is absolutely right that we should seek to increase the maximum penalty for animal welfare…10 Jul 2019HANSARD Animal Welfare (Sentencing) BillThat is an interesting consideration, and one that will be explored within the legal system. I am sure that we can look into it further in Committee. To give an example, the RSPCA…10 Jul 2019HANSARD Animal Welfare (Sentencing) BillI agree absolutely. There has been huge support for increasing the sentences for animal cruelty, and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has been particularly keen to get the law changed.…10 Jul 2019