Contributions
695 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Public Office (Accountability) BillAs an Opposition MP myself, I must say that my party and I have been critical of the handover of power that has taken place in the Labour party, but this particular moment, on…14 Jul 2026HANSARDLocal Government ReorganisationThe Liberal Democrat administration on Hertfordshire county council has made huge strides forward in improving special educational needs and disabilities provision. We were…13 Jul 2026HANSARDEngagementsI associate myself and my party with the Deputy Prime Minister’s tribute to Sir George Howarth, and his remarks about the 7/7 bombings and all those who live with the consequences…08 Jul 2026HANSARDEngagementsIt is clear that it is a two-horse race. [ Laughter. ] On a more serious and very sombre note, MI5 has defended in court an agent who they knew to be openly misogynistic and…08 Jul 2026HANSARDBusiness of the HouseThe right hon. Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham)—the Prime Minister in waiting—has said that his approach to devolution would be one of urgency, yet we understand that there…02 Jul 2026HANSARD Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) BillWe Liberal Democrats support all three measures in the Bill. We recognise that the electricity generator levy is intended to encourage legacy renewable generators to move away…01 Jul 2026HANSARD Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) BillI rise to speak to new clauses 1 to 3. New clause 1 would require the Chancellor to publish a report on the use of additional receipts arising from the increase in the electricity…01 Jul 2026HANSARD Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) BillWe Liberal Democrats support the Bill and the three measures in it. We tabled our three new clauses in Committee, and I was grateful that the Minister gave assurances from the…01 Jul 2026HANSARDBusiness RatesIt was recently reported that the newly elected hon. Member for Makerfield had pledged that he would cut business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues by 20% if he became Prime…23 Jun 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsToday is exactly 10 years since the country voted to leave the EU, and thanks to the Conservatives, the post-Brexit red tape has created 2 billion pieces of extra paperwork for…23 Jun 2026HANSARDEast Midland Railway CollisionI extend my thanks to the emergency services, railway staff, the NHS and community volunteers, who showed enormous bravery and humanity. My thoughts are with the family of Shaun…22 Jun 2026HANSARDCost of LivingA few months ago I met farmers in Merthyr Cynog, in Brecon and Radnorshire, who warned me about the growing pressures that they were facing. Since then, Trump’s reckless war with…17 Jun 2026HANSARDEngagementsMay I associate myself and my party with the Deputy Prime Minister’s tribute to Jo Cox? We extend our condolences to her friends and family, and to those of Roy Hattersley as…17 Jun 2026HANSARDEngagementsWe are pleased to hear that the Government are looking at that, but they need to act far quicker. It is now more than five years since the Prime Minister originally set out his…17 Jun 2026HANSARD Costs for MotoristsLike so many Labour Government announcements, the announcement to extend fuel duty relief later this year is too little, too late. When we look around the world, we see other…21 May 2026HANSARD Middle East: Economic ResponseI feel as though we are slightly through the looking glass. For six months, we Liberal Democrats have been calling for an emergency temporary VAT cut for hospitality, leisure and…21 May 2026HANSARDBacking Business to Create Economic GrowthFor too many people, the promise that hard work would help them get on in life is broken. The promise that each generation would do better than the last is broken. The expectation…18 May 2026HANSARDBacking Business to Create Economic GrowthAnd who was responsible for that?18 May 2026HANSARDBacking Business to Create Economic GrowthOn that point, will the right hon. Gentleman give way?18 May 2026HANSARDWork and PensionsI had two separate questions. The first was whether any of the 173 active substances have faced sustained calls to be banned already. I recognise that none are banned, but have…13 May 2026