Contributions
1,406 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDNational Grid: Energy Mix8. Whether he has had recent discussions with National Grid on diversifying the energy mix of its network.12 Nov 2024HANSARDNational Grid: Energy MixOffshore wind has been a real positive for our energy security and grid independence, but unfortunately not when the wind does not blow. Given the election of a President who…12 Nov 2024HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillI think I will agree with what my right hon. Friend will come on to suggest, but are we being a little unfair on their lordships, since clearly a lot of them did not get the memo…12 Nov 2024HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillI am very much attracted to the argument laid out by the Father of the House. He is right to say that consensus in these sorts of matters is nigh on impossible, as poor Jack Straw…12 Nov 2024HANSARDRural AffairsDoes the Secretary of State understand that a farmer coming towards the end of his career is hardly likely to invest either in improving his land or in the hundreds of thousands…11 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence: 2.5% GDP Spending CommitmentThe last Government extended to state school pupils the undoubted advantage of the combined cadet forces, which had been the almost exclusive prerogative of private school…11 Nov 2024HANSARD Rail PerformanceWhat lessons has the Secretary of State drawn from rail networks in other countries about rail performance and safety, given that many of them are now automated? Will she make…11 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence: 2.5% GDP Spending CommitmentWhy, then, Mr Speaker, did this Government decide, last week of all weeks, to defund combined cadet forces and thus remove the advantages that state school pupils are now enjoying…11 Nov 2024HANSARDSmall Boat CrossingsIf Rwanda was a gimmick, why are Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania looking at similar schemes? Given the number of crossings and deaths in…06 Nov 2024HANSARDBudget ResolutionsGiven the raid on family firms, it is worth pointing out that the art of a good Budget and smart taxation is plucking the goose to get the maximum number of feathers with the…06 Nov 2024HANSARDBudget ResolutionsMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. A Government who are going for growth do not can big infrastructure projects. As the mercury drops, the removal of the winter fuel allowance is…06 Nov 2024HANSARDBudget ResolutionsThe problem with our economy is that, too often, people build small businesses and then sell them off. They do not sit and develop them before potentially handing them on. Can the…06 Nov 2024HANSARDWestern SaharaWith respect, the hon. Gentleman is making the perfect the enemy of the good. Morocco stands as a beacon of solidity and decency in a very troubled region— [ Interruption. ] The…30 Oct 2024HANSARDWestern SaharaI most certainly can. It is pretty plain to all who take an interest in these matters that the Argentine Government have their tail up as a result of the capitulation on the…30 Oct 2024HANSARDWestern SaharaYes, the hon. Gentleman is absolutely correct. Of course, the UK does that through the United Nations and the Tindouf camps, but he makes a good point about Foreign Office advice…30 Oct 2024HANSARDWestern SaharaI am grateful for this opportunity to raise the issue of the Government’s attitude to Western Sahara. For transparency, I am as of this morning co-chair of the all-party…30 Oct 2024HANSARDWestern SaharaThe right hon. Gentleman knows full well that that would require some sort of referendum or vote. The difficulty has always been defining what the electorate would be. That is why…30 Oct 2024HANSARD Israel: UNRWA BanWhether or not UNRWA is compromised, the fact remains that the Knesset, and quite possibly the Israeli Government, believe that it is, and without Israel, no aid gets through.…29 Oct 2024HANSARD International EngagementOn reparations, will the Minister accept that there is a clear difference between the Prime Minister’s commendably robust language before he left for Samoa and the language that…28 Oct 2024HANSARD Middle EastIt is important to acknowledge that Israel is often first on the scene when there is a humanitarian crisis internationally, and is generous, even in countries that do not…28 Oct 2024