Contributions
67 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDLevelling-up AgendaIt is a pleasure to speak on this subject today. I add my congratulations to my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight (Bob Seely) on securing this very important debate. Much…15 Jun 2021HANSARDCovid-19: High Street RecoveryOur splendid market towns in fabulous Somerton and Frome are driven by their high streets. They are the engine room of the local economy and the hub of the community, as I am sure…14 Jun 2021HANSARDCovid-19: High Street RecoveryWhat steps he is taking to help high streets recover from the covid-19 outbreak.14 Jun 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseI join others in wishing many happy returns to Mr Speaker. I hope that he is right now consuming a slice of lunchtime cake. I live in hope that the Government stick to the 21 June…10 Jun 2021HANSARD British CouncilI am grateful to my hon. Friend for his encouraging remarks, because as the former chair of the British Council all-party parliamentary group I saw at first hand just how the…08 Jun 2021HANSARD British Meat and Dairy ProductsI congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for North Devon (Selaine Saxby) on securing this debate. Like her, I am fortunate to represent a large rural west country constituency,…28 Apr 2021HANSARD Covid-19: Social CareIt is a delight to be able to participate in this important and timely debate, and to do so under your chairmanship, Mr Twigg. I thank my right hon. Friend the Member for Ashford…22 Apr 2021HANSARD Covid-19 Support Schemes: Ineligible PeopleIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Rees, and I congratulate the hon. Member for Twickenham (Munira Wilson) on calling this important debate. We must applaud the…09 Dec 2020HANSARD Broadband Roll-out: Devon and SomersetIt is a real pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Neil Parish). As ever, he is dauntless in his defence of and support for our rural communities.…02 Dec 2020HANSARD Productivity: Rural AreasIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Ghani. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for North Cornwall (Scott Mann) for raising this critical issue. For me,…14 Oct 2020HANSARDDigital, Culture, Media and Sport: Support MeasuresIt is a pleasure, once again, to follow the hon. Member for Cardiff West (Kevin Brennan) on this subject, and I congratulate him and my hon. Friend the Member for Solihull (Julian…08 Oct 2020HANSARD Cultural Attractions: Contribution to Local EconomyIn the early 1970s, when I was seven or eight, I was taken to a performance of Bach’s St John Passion because my mum was singing in it. It was electrifying and magical, and it…06 Oct 2020HANSARD United Kingdom Internal Market BillIt is a great pleasure to contribute to a debate with such significant implications. I will be brief; I reckon I can be the first person to break precedent and stick within five…21 Sept 2020HANSARD Economy and Society: Contribution of MusicAbsolutely; my hon. Friend is entirely right. There is some superb work going on around the country, particularly with music hubs, although it can vary from one place to another.…21 Jan 2020HANSARD Economy and Society: Contribution of MusicIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms McDonagh, and to have another opportunity to talk on a subject that is close to my heart. I thank the hon. Member for St…21 Jan 2020HANSARD Environment BillIt is a pleasure to speak on a subject that I hope transcends party politics, to some extent, and on which a consensus, at least on the underlying principles, can be assumed.…28 Oct 2019HANSARDMusic Education in EnglandIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir George, and to take part in this debate. We have heard so many eloquent and passionate speeches, and I congratulate the hon.…17 Jul 2019HANSARDDefence SpendingIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Betts. I join with others in paying tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Anne-Marie Trevelyan) not…16 Jul 2019HANSARDSustainable Energy: SomersetI met a large group of people from Somerset the other day at the Time Is Now rally in Westminster. It is clear that people from every walk of life are keen for the Government to…16 Jul 2019HANSARDSustainable Energy: Somerset5. What steps his Department has taken to develop sustainable energy in rural communities in Somerset.16 Jul 2019