Contributions
579 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill (First sitting)Q You say that the Bill, although plainly not enough in itself, could be a first step “towards recreating a culture of robust and completely open debate without which a university…07 Sept 2021HANSARD Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill (First sitting)Q Dr Ahmed, in your evidence you say that there are several threats to free speech in higher education. You talk about two: self-censorship and regulation. Could you unpack those…07 Sept 2021HANSARD AfghanistanI thank the Government for proposing a bespoke refugee scheme focusing on the most vulnerable in Afghanistan. I am glad that, as the Home Secretary said today, it will include…18 Aug 2021HANSARD Summer AdjournmentOne aspect of my role as the Prime Minister’s special envoy for freedom of religion or belief is to represent the UK on the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance,…22 Jul 2021HANSARDSandbach CemeteryI rise to present a petition on behalf of residents of Sandbach in my constituency. It asks for provision for the existing Sandbach cemetery to be extended. I have met a number of…14 Jul 2021HANSARD Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) BillI strongly support this much-needed Bill. Over recent years, I have been very concerned to hear of numerous restrictions on freedom of speech in academic settings. A doctorate…12 Jul 2021HANSARD Police, Crime, Sentencing and Court BillI speak to oppose new clauses 55 and 42, which I urge colleagues to vote against. New clause 55 is truly shocking on many counts. It would legalise abortions in this country right…05 Jul 2021HANSARDBusiness of the HouseWe recently celebrated UK National Marriage Week. As we come out of lockdown and welcome back larger weddings, may we have a debate about marriage, recognising that we do not want…01 Jul 2021HANSARDPreventing Sexual Violence in Conflict InitiativeI want to touch on two concerns. The first is the reports of widespread sexual violence as a weapon of war by armed groups in Tigray, as referred to by the hon. Member for…17 Jun 2021HANSARD EthiopiaDoes the Minister share my concerns about credible reports of child soldiers being deployed in the conflict? The UK is supporting the United Nations High Commissioner for Human…14 Jun 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseMay we have a statement on the roll-out of family hubs? There are now well over 150 family hubs across England and Northern Ireland offering a range of services such as reducing…10 Jun 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseMay we have a statement on whether churches and other places of worship will be able to operate without any mandatory restrictions from 21 June, or when England moves to step 4 of…27 May 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseMay I add my condolences to the hon. Member for North Tyneside (Mary Glindon)? She is a dear friend from across the House. This week, my constituency celebrates the opening of the…22 Apr 2021HANSARD AfghanistanImprovements in Afghanistan’s society, such as to girls’ education, are welcome and, as the Minister said, show signs of an improved future for Afghanistan’s people. However,…20 Apr 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseThere are still pockets of my Congleton constituency, in both the rural areas and the towns, where constituents struggle to get access to fibre broadband, or indeed access to…15 Apr 2021HANSARDHis Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghOn behalf of the residents of Congleton, I pay tribute to and give thanks for the life of dedicated service of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and convey…12 Apr 2021HANSARDAbortion in Northern IrelandIs it not true that this legislation was based on an incorrect assumption that Northern Ireland was in violation of human rights obligations? Repeated assertions were made—they…25 Mar 2021HANSARDHuman Rights UpdateI warmly welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement. States where the fundamental human right of freedom of religion or belief is respected are more likely to be stable and…22 Mar 2021HANSARDEngagementsTwo years ago, the Bishop of Truro produced an interim report outlining the global phenomenon of the persecution of Christians. As we make progress on our manifesto commitment…17 Mar 2021HANSARDPolice, Crime, Sentencing and Courts BillFreedom of assembly and of expression are fundamental rights that are hard-fought and hard-won but easily lost or damaged if we legislate in haste. I want to focus on clauses 54…15 Mar 2021