Contributions
574 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Essex Mental Health Independent InquiryMy hon. Friend knows that I did not support a public inquiry—I thought it would take a long time and be an expensive distraction from spending money on the service—but the…31 Jan 2023HANSARDUK Pensioners: Commonwealth CountriesCo-ordination on all Commonwealth issues is assisted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s international branch, which is located in London. It is about to move, because…31 Jan 2023HANSARDWagner Group: Sanctions RegimeUnfortunately, the Government’s response to the Wagner Group has been inadequate, in part because the matter falls between the FCDO and the Treasury. A number of colleagues,…25 Jan 2023HANSARD Energy Bills: Self-disconnectionIt is excellent to have such a high-calibre Minister in such a crucial role. At Prime Minister’s questions I raised the issue of the energy bills support scheme, which has helped…25 Jan 2023HANSARDEngagementsConstituents in Southend and Rochford very much welcome the energy bills support scheme, which has helped 99% of households around the United Kingdom with rising fuel prices…25 Jan 2023HANSARDRetained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) BillI am sure that my hon. Friend will remember being on the Back Benches and sitting in statutory instrument Committees in which we had no ability whatsoever to change the…18 Jan 2023HANSARDOnshore Wind FarmsLooking out from the east of my constituency, one can see a number of offshore wind farms, which are more efficient and cheaper. The Government have done really well over the past…17 Jan 2023HANSARD Procurement Bill [Lords]The Minister mentions trade deals. Both the Australia and New Zealand trade deals have a large procurement element. That will fall away if the Bill becomes an Act. I note that the…09 Jan 2023HANSARDTopical QuestionsI was interested to hear the Secretary of State’s update on India. Can she go into more detail on how many chapters have closed and on the big opportunities in this trading…15 Dec 2022HANSARD Chinese Consul General: Attack on Protesters in ManchesterI was unaware until this incident that there was even a Chinese Government consulate in Manchester. May I suggest that we conduct a review into where all the consuls are? There…15 Dec 2022HANSARD Marine Management OrganisationI share the same Marine Management Organisation group as my hon. Friend and have not found them as problematic as he has, but his assertion that we should move closer to local…13 Dec 2022HANSARDAfrica: Sovereign DebtIs my right hon. Friend concerned, as I am, that Chinese sovereign debt is perhaps understated in countries such as Zambia, where banks lend directly to the Government but are…13 Dec 2022HANSARDAfrica: Tackling Violent Extremist Organisations2. What steps his Department is taking to help tackle violent extremist organisations in Africa.12 Dec 2022HANSARDAfrica: Tackling Violent Extremist OrganisationsThe Minister talks about recognised current terrorist organisations, but what assessment has he made of the Wagner Group in Africa, and would he recommend its proscription as a…12 Dec 2022HANSARD British Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyI thank my hon. Friend for giving way; he is making very strong points about China and its influence on the atolls. Is it his impression that that is about China setting up…07 Dec 2022HANSARDViolence against Women and Girls: Prosecution RatesAlthough I welcome the absolute increase in the number of rape prosecutions in Essex, the percentage of prosecutions is still pitifully low. What more can the Attorney General do…07 Dec 2022HANSARD British Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyI thank my hon. Friend for giving way; he is making an excellent speech. Who would vote in that referendum—Mauritian Chagossians, Chagossians in the constituencies he just…07 Dec 2022HANSARD British Indian Ocean Territory: SovereigntyThank you, Mrs Cummins, for calling me to speak. I also thank my hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Daniel Kawczynski) for securing this debate. He said he was…07 Dec 2022HANSARDSmall Business SupportEssex Linen Services, which provides laundry services to hospitals and hotels, is struggling to survive because of electricity prices. It believes that its sector has been left…29 Nov 2022HANSARDTopical QuestionsKing Edmund School, in the constituency of my right hon. Friend the Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Francois), is currently closed while building materials containing…28 Nov 2022