Contributions
717 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeAbsolutely. I could not put it any better myself. It is now time to review the surplus sharing arrangements and the level set in 1994 and consider whether the decisions taken then…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeThat is an incredibly important point. When I had to apologise to some of the miners from Wales and Yorkshire who travelled down last week, the point was made to me that even in…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeAbsolutely; that is a key point. I hope those on the Treasury Bench will listen intently to the points made in this debate. My hon. Friend the Member for Torfaen (Nick…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeThat is an absolutely relevant point. Other colleagues have referred to the relative pension levels. Ministers often quote the percentage increases, but the average pension…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeAbsolutely. The MPS winter newsletter states: “Whilst the Trustees are and always have been supportive of any initiative that had the underlying aim of improving members outcomes,…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeAbsolutely. I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention, which has pre-empted my further remarks. I am trying to deal systematically with the Government’s objections to changing…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeWe were doing so well in this debate, and I am heartened by the many contributions, especially from Conservative Members. I say that not to be mean-spirited but to acknowledge the…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeI shall now conclude, otherwise I will incur the wrath of Madam Deputy Speaker. Our mineworkers have served our country. They have served it loyally. They have toiled in the most…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeIt is not often that I agree with the hon. Gentleman, but, absolutely, those people are certainly not going to be buying yachts and making investments in offshore tax havens. They…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeI am rather alarmed that the Treasury uses some of the surpluses from the mineworkers’ pension funds and says that money is being recycled into regeneration in coalmining areas.…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeAbsolutely. We owe a debt to the miners, and the Government have an obligation to them— a moral obligation. They obviously have the financial resources to discharge that debt, and…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeGod bless you. I am grateful for that intervention, What I am trying to do—with all due respect, and without denigrating anyone’s contribution—is set out the factual position. I…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeI am grateful, Madam Deputy Speaker, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover (Mr Skinner) for his knowledge, input and expertise. Of course the 700,000 miners,…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeAbsolutely. This is a poignant time. Just a short while ago it was the anniversary of the disaster at Easington colliery in my constituency, where 81 men were killed in an…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeAbsolutely. A dear friend of mine, Myrtle McPherson, an absolute stalwart and a legend in Easington, died just a few days ago. These people should have justice. She was loved in…10 Jun 2019HANSARDMineworkers’ Pension SchemeI know lots of Members wish to speak in the debate but I will give way one more time and then conclude.10 Jun 2019HANSARDGrenfell Tower FireI am very pleased to be able to speak in this important debate and declare an interest as a member and co-chair of the Fire Brigades Union parliamentary group. Like other Members…06 Jun 2019HANSARDInterim NHS People PlanThis is an important report into NHS people planning. It is an interim report, so there is an opportunity to identify any deficiencies. My particular concern is about the cancer…05 Jun 2019HANSARDUniversal Credit and DebtIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship for the first time, Sir Henry. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for High Peak (Ruth George) for securing this debate, and for…05 Jun 2019HANSARDNational Insurance Contributions (Termination Awards and Sporting Testimonials) Bill (First sitting)Q Will the Minister—or perhaps his officials—indicate how many employers HMRC has investigated over the past few years who are using this loophole to avoid paying national…14 May 2019