Contributions
1,335 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory BillI will endeavour to do so, Madam Chair. In fact, I will more than endeavour; I will do so. The reason this is relevant is that it speaks to new clause 5. While the Government have…20 Oct 2025HANSARD Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory BillI am not often compared to the noble Lord Cameron, but it is absolutely right that as the geopolitical environment changes, so should our policies. We on this side of the House…20 Oct 2025HANSARD Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory BillThe Minister will try his best in a few minutes to defend this wholly indefensible Bill, but the public know what it is: they see it as an absolute sell-out. I suspect that the…20 Oct 2025HANSARD Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory BillMy right hon. Friend is absolutely right to ask those questions—questions that have been asked of the Government time and again throughout this legislative process, but to which…20 Oct 2025HANSARD Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory BillIs my hon. Friend aware that Mauritius does not have a navy?20 Oct 2025HANSARD Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory BillIt is for exactly those reasons that we so desperately need new clause 5, which would require an annual security report to the Intelligence and Security Committee. That would mean…20 Oct 2025HANSARDInternational Rail Services: AshfordThank you very much, Sir Desmond, for chairing us today; you are the serial winner of the best dressed Chair competition. As a Kentish man—I was brought up as a Kentish man—I…14 Oct 2025HANSARDInternational Rail Services: AshfordThe hon. Lady and I come from different perspectives. I think competition drives good economic behaviour, not the state directing individual companies on what they can do, whether…14 Oct 2025HANSARDInternational Rail Services: AshfordThe hon. and learned Member will be aware that the ORR is looking at Temple Mills because applications have been received under open access agreements. That is not a response to…14 Oct 2025HANSARDInternational Rail Services: AshfordKentish.14 Oct 2025HANSARDInternational Rail Services: AshfordA good Conservative approach.14 Oct 2025HANSARDInternational Rail Services: AshfordI am very grateful and encouraged to hear that point made from the Dispatch Box. If that is the case, can the Minister explain why the Government have written to the ORR…14 Oct 2025HANSARD Point of OrderOn a point of order, Mr Speaker. You will be aware of the mistakes made during the counting of votes yesterday. Are you able to give some guidance to those on the Treasury Bench…11 Sept 2025HANSARDRegional Transport InequalityI join the Liberal Democrat spokesperson in thanking the hon. Member for Derby North (Catherine Atkinson) for securing the debate. It gives us an opportunity to talk about the…11 Sept 2025HANSARDRegional Transport InequalityI am aware that my hon. Friend’s Bill does not make a call on the public purse, at least on the Treasury, and it is for local authorities to opt into the scheme should they wish…11 Sept 2025HANSARDRegional Transport InequalityThe hon. Gentleman’s intervention gives me the opportunity to raise the proverbial eyebrow at his claiming credit for securing £200 million for the Thickthorn roundabout when that…11 Sept 2025HANSARDRegional Transport InequalityOn that point, I will give way.11 Sept 2025HANSARDRegional Transport InequalityI have no problem with the unions making demands—after all, they are representing the interests of their members. What I complain about is the Government giving way to them at the…11 Sept 2025HANSARDRegional Transport InequalityI will not, because I am running out of time. I have already given way to the hon. Gentleman. What is the big plan? It is one of nationalisation for railways. We must look at the…11 Sept 2025HANSARDRegional Transport InequalityWill the Minister give way on that point?11 Sept 2025