Contributions
1,346 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDTrade Diversion and Windsor FrameworkIf I heard the hon. and learned Gentleman correctly, from a sedentary position he said, “punishment”. I could not disagree more. I would encourage him to reflect on what he has…04 Mar 2025HANSARDTrade Diversion and Windsor FrameworkKind though it is of the hon. Member to encourage me to come to Northern Ireland, as she knows I am in Northern Ireland on a very regular basis and a little while ago I had a…04 Mar 2025HANSARDTrade Diversion and Windsor FrameworkIt depends on the hon. Gentleman’s definition of “freely.” There are requirements that certain goods must meet. There is the retail movement scheme and the horticultural scheme,…04 Mar 2025HANSARDTrade Diversion and Windsor FrameworkThe hon. and learned Gentleman has had quite a lot to say and I have given way to him three times, so I hope he will bear with me while I continue my remarks. In the past, the…04 Mar 2025HANSARDTrade Diversion and Windsor FrameworkIf the hon. Gentleman wishes to provide me with further information about the particular example he has raised, I will of course look at it. On trade, I have a slightly different…04 Mar 2025HANSARDNorthern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023The approach to legacy taken by the last Government was wrong. It caused immense pain to victims and survivors, and in many respects has been found to be unlawful. In December I…26 Feb 2025HANSARDIndependent Reporting Commission: Seventh Annual ReportI recognise, not least because of the commemorative hearings that have been taking place in the inquiry, that all the pain, suffering, horror and tragedy of that day have been…26 Feb 2025HANSARDIndependent Reporting Commission: Seventh Annual ReportFor the avoidance of doubt, there is no question of paying anybody any money to disband. There is no question of doing that at all. As I indicated a moment ago, for all the…26 Feb 2025HANSARDIndependent Reporting Commission: Seventh Annual ReportI am very happy to join in what appears to be the general consensus of welcome for the IFA’s announcement, a proposal that I discussed when I met the IFA during my time as shadow…26 Feb 2025HANSARDIndependent Reporting Commission: Seventh Annual ReportI do indeed agree with my hon. Friend. That programme is doing very good work, and of course the UK Government are funding it together with the Executive. I also agree that a wide…26 Feb 2025HANSARDIndependent Reporting Commission: Seventh Annual ReportThe IRC’s report highlights progress, but reminds us that there is still much to do to tackle paramilitarism and the harm it causes. Following discussion with the Irish…26 Feb 2025HANSARDNorthern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer that I gave a moment ago.26 Feb 2025HANSARDPublic ServicesI do not accept that, because getting to a net zero world is really important for the future of humankind, and the Government have commitments that it is very important to fulfil.…26 Feb 2025HANSARDPublic ServicesI have met many civil servants who are doing a very good job and are very committed to their work, but the Northern Ireland civil service is the responsibility of the Northern…26 Feb 2025HANSARDPublic ServicesThe Government have provided additional funding to the PSNI in the autumn statement through the additional security fund. I have read the Policy Exchange report, and it contains a…26 Feb 2025HANSARDPublic ServicesAs the hon. Gentleman is aware, the legacy legislation that the previous Government passed has been found to be flawed and unlawful in a number of respects, and it falls to this…26 Feb 2025HANSARDPublic ServicesAs I indicated a moment ago, I look forward to the Executive adopting a programme for Government. I am aware of what happened earlier today; I am confident that another meeting…26 Feb 2025HANSARDPublic ServicesAs I understand it, there is a long-established arrangement under which people can move from one side of the border to the other to seek care, particularly in Donegal and…26 Feb 2025HANSARDPublic ServicesI do agree. He has great expertise and knowledge, and I am sure that it will be used for the benefit of people in Northern Ireland, particularly patients waiting for appointments.26 Feb 2025HANSARDPublic ServicesIt certainly is. One has only to look at the waiting list figures in Northern Ireland: some 52% of those waiting for a first consultant’s appointment wait for more than a year;…26 Feb 2025