Contributions
867 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDHorticulture Trade between Great Britain and Northern IrelandI recognise that it is frustrating that, this long after Brexit, we are still trying to work this out but it is the reality of the situation. I am glad that the hon. Member…25 Mar 2025HANSARD European Remembrance Day for Victims of TerrorismI agree, and I am glad that WAVE and SEFF have been mentioned this evening. NHS services are also vital for specialist trauma counselling, such as the regional trauma network,…11 Mar 2025HANSARD European Remembrance Day for Victims of TerrorismIt is a pleasure to respond to this important debate this evening. I congratulate the right hon. Member for Belfast East (Gavin Robinson) on securing it and on speaking so…11 Mar 2025HANSARD European Remembrance Day for Victims of TerrorismI am afraid I do not have time, because I want to respond to the issues that the right hon. Member for Belfast East raised. The right hon. Member rightly highlighted that a number…11 Mar 2025HANSARDMovement of Horticultural GoodsThe Secretary of State has met suppliers, and my officials meet regularly with horticultural industry representatives. The next meeting of the horticultural working group is in…26 Feb 2025HANSARDMovement of Horticultural GoodsWe are working to narrow the range of products that involve a problem, but we are working in respect of each of them as well. The matter is being given consideration in the…26 Feb 2025HANSARDMovement of Horticultural GoodsI can provide more updates. The banned plants are being worked through species-by-species. There were 11 in 2023 and 10 in 2024, and we are working through each one of those. The…26 Feb 2025HANSARDMovement of Horticultural GoodsOfficials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are following up specifically with the companies that are most affected, such as seed shipping companies.…26 Feb 2025HANSARDMovement of Horticultural GoodsI agree that the Windsor framework is a big improvement on the protocol. We are committed to implementing it at the same time as seeking to negotiate an SPS agreement that would…26 Feb 2025HANSARD Northern Ireland’s Political InstitutionsWe have debated at length the pros and cons of the Windsor framework, and I know we have different opinions on it. The Windsor framework enables the internal market to work and…21 Jan 2025HANSARD Northern Ireland’s Political InstitutionsI thank the hon. Gentleman for his contribution and for his shared commitment to finding a way forward. I think that is what everyone in Northern Ireland wants to see. It is the…21 Jan 2025HANSARD Northern Ireland’s Political InstitutionsIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mr Western. I congratulate the hon. Member for Lagan Valley (Sorcha Eastwood) on securing this important debate—I believe it is her…21 Jan 2025HANSARD Northern Ireland’s Political InstitutionsNo; I will make some progress. Our partnership approach enables us to work together to overcome joint challenges and to strengthen the institutions through delivery.21 Jan 2025HANSARD Northern Ireland’s Political InstitutionsWe need consensus for change. I welcome the proposals for change laid out by the hon. Member for Lagan Valley today. Everything I can see from the political parties and the…21 Jan 2025HANSARD Northern Ireland’s Political InstitutionsI welcome the hon. Member’s intervention. There was stability for 10 years when power sharing was enabled, and that is at the heart of what must be enabled by the institutions…21 Jan 2025HANSARD Northern Ireland’s Political InstitutionsI am glad the hon. Gentleman has raised that issue. There is a £235 million part of the restoration package focused on transformation, and it is transformation that can…21 Jan 2025HANSARD Northern Ireland’s Political InstitutionsNo; I will make some progress. One of the most important contributions that we, as the UK Government, can make is to provide that long-term certainty and stability to Northern…21 Jan 2025HANSARDPublic ServicesI have met the Minister for Health, and I have been round and visited many of the healthcare provision services, all of which are feeling pressures at this time as a result of…15 Jan 2025HANSARDEmployer National Insurance Contributions: Job CreationEven after accounting for employer national insurance contribution impacts, the Office for Budget Responsibility expects real wages to rise by 3%. Raising the revenue to fill the…15 Jan 2025HANSARDPublic ServicesThe hon. Member is correct to raise the issue of public services, especially health services. The winter pressures on hospital care and other areas have been shocking to see, and…15 Jan 2025