Contributions
250 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDDefence SpendingIn the light of the growing threats facing our United Kingdom, it was genuinely shocking to read at the weekend that Conservative Defence Ministers spent taxpayers’ money…10 Feb 2025HANSARDEngagementsAudit Scotland recently exposed the incredible funding crisis facing our councils in Scotland, with a £759 million funding gap. It also reported that the 12 councils that make up…05 Feb 2025HANSARDAstraZenecaI declare an interest as the chair of the all-party parliamentary group on vulnerable groups to pandemics. More than 1.2 million clinically vulnerable people are still shielding…03 Feb 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsT6. The pandemic exposed the woeful inadequacy of the previous Government’s statutory sick pay provisions, and I am pleased that this Government have committed to reforming those…30 Jan 2025HANSARDUK-Ukraine 100-year PartnershipI welcome the announcement of the new grain verification scheme, which will help track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this…20 Jan 2025HANSARDMiddle EastI thank my right hon. Friend for his statement. The news of a possible deal is very welcome indeed, and I associate myself with the hopes of colleagues across this House that the…16 Jan 2025HANSARD Covid-19 InquiryI declare an interest as the chair of the all-party parliamentary group on vulnerable groups to pandemics. I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement today. One of the most…16 Jan 2025HANSARD Women’s Changed State Pension Age: CompensationThe hon. Gentleman made an interesting point about individuals having the information to plan for their future. Could he therefore comment on why, under 14 years of his party’s…15 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsRecently, the owner of social media site X has used his sizeable platform to undermine the democratic result of last July’s general election; has stirred up hatred towards my hon.…13 Jan 2025HANSARD Business of the HouseOn 31 December, we marked the 95th anniversary of the Glen cinema disaster—one of the UK’s worst disasters—which took place in my constituency. Seventy-one children, the youngest…09 Jan 2025HANSARD Public Finances: Borrowing CostsMy constituents suffered real hardship as a result of the disastrous mini-Budget pursued by the Conservative party. Does the Chief Secretary to the Treasury agree that in order to…09 Jan 2025HANSARD Budget: ScotlandDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that that is not buying off union paymasters but delivering a pay rise for hard-working Scots?07 Jan 2025HANSARD Budget: ScotlandIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Vaz. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Livingston (Gregor Poynton) for securing the debate. This Labour Government have…07 Jan 2025HANSARDFrozen Russian Assets: UkraineI heard the question from the right hon. Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr Murrison) on co-ordinated action. While no G7 nation has yet moved fully to seize Russian state…06 Jan 2025HANSARD Business of the HouseMay I wish you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and all staff across the parliamentary estate a very happy Christmas? In the last week, my constituents in Paisley and Renfrewshire South…19 Dec 2024HANSARDClimate Change: Nature-based Solutions25. Whether he is taking steps with Cabinet colleagues to support nature-based solutions to climate change.17 Dec 2024HANSARDClimate Change: Nature-based SolutionsMy constituency of Paisley and Renfrewshire South is home to the beautiful RSPB Lochwinnoch nature reserve. In addition to supporting our biodiversity, the reserve serves as a…17 Dec 2024HANSARDRoyal Mail TakeoverOur posties go above and beyond 12 months of the year, but especially at this time of the year. I welcome my hon. Friend’s statement, but I particularly welcome the support that…16 Dec 2024HANSARD LGBT Veterans: Etherton ReviewI wholeheartedly welcome the Secretary of State’s announcement, and in particular the additional funds found to support charities who will help LGBT veterans with their…12 Dec 2024HANSARD Plan for Change: Milestones for Mission-led GovernmentThis Labour Government’s plans to make work pay will give thousands of workers in my constituency a much-needed pay rise after 14 years of failure by the Conservative party. Does…05 Dec 2024