Contributions
377 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Peter Mandelson: Government AppointmentThis morning, Sir Olly Robbins appeared before the Foreign Affairs Committee. What I saw was a dedicated public servant who, over 25 years, has held some of the most senior roles…21 Apr 2026HANSARDSecurity VettingThe Prime Minister wants us to focus on process and not his judgment, but this entire sorry episode is the direct result of his decision to make a direct appointment to one of the…20 Apr 2026HANSARDDraft Train Driving Licences and Certificates (Amendment) Regulations 2026It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Mrs Harris. I see a lot of familiar faces from the Railways Bill Committee— I worry that I have become a member of a group I never…20 Apr 2026HANSARDCost of Heating OilI congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for North Norfolk (Steff Aquarone) on securing the debate. Around 15% of households in West Dorset rely on heating oil as their sole…15 Apr 2026HANSARDPolice FederationThe hon. Member says that policing is often a thankless task. On behalf of the House, I pay tribute to and thank him and the many other fantastic police officers, including in…15 Apr 2026HANSARD Ground-mounted Solar Panels: AlternativesMy hon. Friend is 100% right. Wherever possible, we should generate and use on site. The problem so often—I will come to this point in my speech—is that the value of anything that…14 Apr 2026HANSARD Ground-mounted Solar Panels: AlternativesIt is an honour to serve under your chairship, Mr Stringer. I congratulate the hon. and gallant Member for Spelthorne (Lincoln Jopp) on securing this important debate. I confess…14 Apr 2026HANSARD Ground-mounted Solar Panels: AlternativesThe hon. Member for Sleaford and North Hykeham (Dr Johnson) suggests that we should utilise the least useful land going. My understanding, according to the numbers I have looked…14 Apr 2026HANSARD Ground-mounted Solar Panels: AlternativesI can certainly agree with the argument that putting solar on grade 1 land should be avoided wherever possible. The right hon. Gentleman may be interested in the recent report of…14 Apr 2026HANSARDMiddle EastIn his statement, the Prime Minister said that he wanted to double down on NATO. President Trump has attempted to use the threat to withdraw from the NATO alliance to blackmail…13 Apr 2026HANSARDFire Station ClosuresI fully accept that an increase in the precept would be one option available to the Government, but I would also like to challenge the Government on the underlying assumptions in…12 Mar 2026HANSARDFire Station ClosuresI congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Melksham and Devizes (Brian Mathew) on securing this important debate, and I thank him and the Minister for giving me permission to…12 Mar 2026HANSARD Disability Equipment ProvisionI thank the hon. Gentleman for securing this important debate. I agree with absolutely everything he has said. He talks about the problem with access to equipment; I know of one…11 Mar 2026HANSARD UK-based Tech CompaniesIt is an honour to serve under your chairship, Mr Betts. I congratulate the hon. Member for Bromley and Biggin Hill (Peter Fortune) on securing this important debate. I suspect…11 Mar 2026HANSARD UK-based Tech CompaniesI certainly agree that, if we want to become a market or world leader in a particular technology space, it is vital that we channel funding and support into those areas where we…11 Mar 2026HANSARD UK-based Tech CompaniesShortly before the debate, the Minister said he would like to visit Weston-super-Mare and other locations. I invite him to beautiful West Dorset to visit the fibre optics company…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRough Sleeping: Families with ChildrenI appreciate the steer from the Chair and apologise for the late arrival. My hon. Friend talks about the wider structural issues that drive homelessness, one of which is the…11 Mar 2026HANSARDRough Sleeping: Families with ChildrenWill the hon. Gentleman give way?11 Mar 2026HANSARD English RugbyI absolutely agree with the hon. Gentleman; in fact, I would quite happily have a whole other Westminster Hall debate on how we raise the level of the Championship, or the Champ,…10 Mar 2026HANSARD English RugbyYes. Even with the renegotiation and the favourable terms that the Government have provided, they are creating a long-lasting problem for both Prem and Championship clubs. I…10 Mar 2026