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860 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Infected Blood InquiryThe moral case for compensation for children was specifically referred to by Sir Robert and Sir Brian. The interim compensation payments were arranged in the way recommended by…15 Dec 2022HANSARD Infected Blood InquiryI absolutely recognise what the hon. Lady says. One of the most distressing things with this brief—it was only really when I got this brief that I worked through the…15 Dec 2022HANSARD Infected Blood InquiryI absolutely want to give that reassurance to the hon. Gentleman. Sir Robert looked at a number of alternatives. There is a scheme operating in the Irish Republic that is a more…15 Dec 2022HANSARD Infected Blood InquiryWith permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement to update the House on our preparations for the infected blood inquiry, which is expected to conclude next year. I…15 Dec 2022HANSARD Infected Blood InquiryI believe that that is absolutely the case, and I am pleased to reassure my hon. Friend on that. It is also the case that, under the recommendations, there is still room for…15 Dec 2022HANSARD Infected Blood InquiryI thank the hon. Lady for her remarks. She spoke movingly of the impact on those infected and affected. I concur that time is of the essence. I appreciate that, for family…15 Dec 2022HANSARD Infected Blood InquiryI should have said this in response to the hon. Member for Vauxhall (Florence Eshalomi) but, in response to the Father of the House, I have greatly appreciated spending time with…15 Dec 2022HANSARD Infected Blood InquiryThere are two points in particular. On the arm’s length body, a persuasive case is made in recommendation 16. Looking at the principles of that, particularly on independence, we…15 Dec 2022HANSARD Infected Blood InquiryPeople absolutely should have received those payments, which should have been disregarded. If there are any issues, they should be taken up with the relevant support schemes. I…15 Dec 2022HANSARD Infected Blood InquiryThe hon. Lady makes a series of excellent points. I want to assure her on one point: as shown by the fact that I am here today, we want to talk about this. We want to make certain…15 Dec 2022HANSARD Infected Blood InquiryFirst, I absolutely sympathise with the hon. Lady’s constituent. However, I hope that, since 2017, with the statutory inquiry, the report and the payment of interim compensation,…15 Dec 2022HANSARD Infected Blood InquiryThe direct answer is that finality will come only after Sir Brian has reported. That is expected during the course of next year, with the work to be completed by the end of next…15 Dec 2022HANSARDCivil Service: ApprenticeshipsWe launched our new three-year civil service apprenticeship strategy back in April 2022. The civil service is committed to having 5% of staff as apprentices by 2025, and we have…08 Dec 2022HANSARDCivil Service: ApprenticeshipsIt is always a pleasure to hear the city of Southend referred to in this place; it brings back happy memories of our friend. The private sector in Southend West does a brilliant…08 Dec 2022HANSARDCivil Service: RecruitmentMy hon. Friend is always the very embodiment of dynamism. I absolutely agree: there is a huge amount of talent that we seek, and I am delighted to say that our focus is not just…08 Dec 2022HANSARDCivil Service: ApprenticeshipsThat is an interesting idea. I am more than happy to agree to meet the hon. Gentleman and to hear what he has to say, and we will take it from there.08 Dec 2022HANSARDCivil Service: RecruitmentWe have strengthened the policy of advertising senior civil service jobs externally by default. To increase private sector recruitment and attract a broader range of applicants,…08 Dec 2022HANSARDNational Infrastructure: CostThe Infrastructure and Projects Authority supports projects to develop robust cost estimates and the capability to deliver effectively. The IPA published the “Transforming…08 Dec 2022HANSARDTopical QuestionsAs I have already said in this House, I very much regret the decision of those concerned to go on strike. I think it will impact people, and I very much regret that that is the…08 Dec 2022HANSARDNational Infrastructure: CostAbsolutely; it is critical for all our infrastructure projects that we have comprehensive support for the expansion of the economy and prosperity. By their nature, our major…08 Dec 2022