Contributions
2,124 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActMay I say that that was dextrously done by the shadow Leader of the House? She makes valid points in her typically reasonable and measured tone. She is right to highlight that…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActSection 58 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861 is the offence of administering drugs or using instruments to procure abortion. I recognise that abortion is a highly…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActThe hon. Lady knows that, as well as having a huge amount of respect for her, I consider her a friend. I listen very carefully to what she says. I reiterate that Parliament was…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActThe hon. Lady makes a clear point about the divergence between the regimes of the two jurisdictions, and she rightly highlights the physical and mental health aspects of what is…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActThe right hon. Gentleman will know that different approaches are taken across Europe—for example, the UK has a 24-week limit; in most European countries that is much lower, at 12,…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActI am grateful to my hon. Friend, who makes an entirely sensible point. It is important that, when women make what is a very difficult decision, they have access to appropriate…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActThis House has debated these issues on a number of occasions, certainly during my time in the House and during the hon. Lady’s time in the House. The Leader of the House is not in…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActI know that the hon. Gentleman has strong and sincerely held views on this subject. In respect of the broader provisions in the 1861 Act, I have to be honest that I do not know…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActMy hon. Friend highlights again that there are sincere and genuinely held views on both sides of this debate. Respect for those divergent views must characterise how we debate…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActMy right hon. Friend will appreciate that I am not going to comment directly on this case and the judgment involved, but I refer him to the answer I gave some moments ago in…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActThe hon. Lady makes a couple of important points. Any legislation or changes to the legislative framework will, of course, be a matter for the House via the usual mechanisms in…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActI am pleased the hon. Lady’s voice held up through her question. I suspect she possibly still knows some of those who are friends with Grace, so I hope that through her I can pass…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActThe hon. Lady highlighted a number of points there. As she rightly highlighted, this matter is devolved in Scotland. I know the Holyrood Parliament will be considering it in due…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActAgain, my hon. Friend’s contribution highlights to the House that there are genuine and sincerely held views on both sides of the debate, with colleagues concerned about the…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActI hope the hon. Lady will appreciate that I cannot comment on a specific case. She may wish to write to me and I will see, depending on circumstances, whether there is anything I…15 Jun 2023HANSARD Abortion: Offences against the Person ActThe hon. Lady will know that on matters such as abortion and assisted dying, it has been a long-standing approach by Governments of both parties—hers as well—that those are…15 Jun 2023HANSARDDraft Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, who typically puts in a plug for his own constituency and the services provided there. I recall that in my last stint in this role, I had the…17 May 2023HANSARDDraft Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023I will, because I was just about to respond to the hon. Gentleman’s point.17 May 2023HANSARDDraft Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023I beg to move, That the Committee has considered the draft Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023. Before I set out the…17 May 2023HANSARDDraft Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s intervention. This is a very narrowly defined set of professions, and the draft order will fulfil a request from some of those professions. As I…17 May 2023