Contributions
283 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDGenetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill (First sitting)Q There is an argument for greater transparency in food production, not less. I am struggling with the NFU’s position of leaving it to the market. Markets can do lots of things,…28 Jun 2022HANSARDGenetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill (First sitting)Q I would like to come back to the labelling, which Dr Ferrier touched on. Why is the NFU opposed to this? I have heard the argument about costs being a key issue, but I would…28 Jun 2022HANSARDGenetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill (First sitting)But you are obviously happy that it has been resolved. Professor Dunwell: Yes, but the discussions and the recommendations we have had are proportionate to the scientific debates…28 Jun 2022HANSARDGenetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill (First sitting)Q Professor Dunwell, on gene editing, why, as a scientist, do you believe that the precautionary principle has been resolved and seen through to its conclusion and therefore we…28 Jun 2022HANSARDGenetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill (Second sitting)That is the extreme version, isn’t it? Professor Halford: Everyone pats themselves on the back and says, “We’ve got a great regulatory framework,” but nothing is happening.…28 Jun 2022HANSARDGenetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill (Second sitting)Q I am just trying to get my head around some of the comments that have been made so that I can apply them to the legislation. I think Mr Angus felt that intellectual property…28 Jun 2022HANSARDGenetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill (Second sitting)Why? What does that do? Professor Napier: It is mainly the cost and the uncertainty. If you think about the way GM crops are regulated, for example, in the US it will cost you…28 Jun 2022HANSARDGenetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill (Second sitting)Q So a stable regulatory framework is necessary. I am not trying to be some kind of QC; I am just trying to get to the bottom of this. I guess that profit maximisation in one form…28 Jun 2022HANSARDGenetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill (Second sitting)Q That is an extreme example. Do you not think that there is a happier halfway house in terms of a regulatory framework for gene edited and gene modified materials? Professor…28 Jun 2022HANSARDGenetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill (Second sitting)Q But from our perspective as legislators, the risk is not just the science. History shows us that scientists—Oppenheimer and others—often have brilliant ideas, but it is then…28 Jun 2022HANSARDGenetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill (Second sitting)Q No—I think there is a discussion that will now take place in Committee about the level and type of regulatory framework that we have for these technologies and what the outcome…28 Jun 2022HANSARDDraft Mental Health BillI think the whole House will welcome many of the changes that the Bill represents. I especially welcome the section on black mental health and on the situation of people who are…27 Jun 2022HANSARDFootball Index Collapserose —07 Jun 2022HANSARDFootball Index CollapseI thank my hon. Friend for giving way, and for making such a powerful speech and securing this debate. I wanted to intervene at this point, when my hon. Friend is talking about…07 Jun 2022HANSARDFootball Index CollapseWill my hon. Friend give way?07 Jun 2022HANSARD Public Order BillIt is always an experience to speak after the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent North (Jonathan Gullis)—what kind of experience, I do not think parliamentary etiquette allows to me…23 May 2022HANSARD Public Order BillNo, I will make some progress. The issue of freedom goes to the heart of the Bill. Conservative Members revel in being the so-called party of freedom, but let us interrogate that…23 May 2022HANSARD Public Order BillTrade union money is the cleanest money in British politics. [ Laughter. ] The hon. Gentleman can quote me: it is the cleanest money, because we declare it and because we are…23 May 2022HANSARD Public Order BillThat individual has made their comments, but I guess the question we have to ask is who are the criminals. Are the criminals those individuals who are trying to come together…23 May 2022HANSARDAchieving Economic GrowthUnlike the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, I stand not as a conduit of God but as a heretic shaking my metaphorical fist at the crumbling edifice of…18 May 2022