Contributions
256 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillI wish to make a few points. First, it would have been impossible not to note the zeal of the Secretary of State when she was banging on the Dispatch Box and talking about fraud…03 Feb 2025HANSARDOutsourcing: Government DepartmentsI spent the last 10 years, under our two previous leaders, working on our outsourcing. It is hard to summarise 10 years’ work in three and a half minutes, but I came to the…29 Jan 2025HANSARD Future of the Post OfficeWhen the Minister said that the Post Office was not fit for purpose, it was hard not to agree with him, given the elite contempt that the organisation has shown for the people who…13 Nov 2024HANSARDIncome tax (charge)No, I am going to try to be quick. I am not going to take any interventions. All those matters, and others too, require us to make a change in the direction of our economy. That…31 Oct 2024HANSARDBusiness of the HouseYesterday, a large number of women lobbied Parliament. They represent a generation of women—just women, not men, which is perhaps not too odd given the values of the Conservative…31 Oct 2024HANSARDIncome tax (charge)Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I will try to be reasonably quick. I pay tribute to the maiden speeches we have heard today, which were exceptional. In particular, I associate…31 Oct 2024HANSARD Fiscal RulesIs it not clear that the ruling economic orthodoxy has let this country down over many years? How else can we explain the fact that in 24 of the last 30 years, the UK spent less…28 Oct 2024HANSARD Infected Blood Compensation SchemeI congratulate the Minister on the way he spoke to the House. He spoke firmly, with a sense of urgency and great clarity in his use of English, which was very much appreciated.…23 Oct 2024HANSARD Business of the HouseThank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker—I did not quite catch you calling me. May I say how delighted I am to see you? You helped me to establish my parliamentary office 20…05 Sept 2024HANSARDPublic Spending: InheritanceI welcome the Chancellor’s statement about public sector pay, but is it not clear that, after savaging public services, holding down public sector pay and driving 3 million people…29 Jul 2024HANSARDGovernment Departments and Agencies: Facilities Management Services9. Whether he plans to increase the number of facilities management services that are insourced within Government Departments and agencies.25 Jul 2024HANSARDGovernment Departments and Agencies: Facilities Management ServicesI thank the Minister very much for her response and I welcome the whole team to the Front Bench. The problem with outsourcing is that, normally, the outsourcers will drive down…25 Jul 2024HANSARDPost Office Horizon ScandalIt is good to see you back in your place, Mr Speaker. The new Minister will recall the old saying that a new broom sweeps clean, and I am sure he will make progress very quickly…18 Jul 2024HANSARD Access to Education: South-East NorthumberlandWill my hon. Friend give way again?21 Feb 2024HANSARD Access to Education: South-East NorthumberlandYou are very generous, Mr Henderson. We have a 90-minute debate and my hon. Friend probably has an 85-minute speech, so he will have to cut it down slightly. I have noticed that…21 Feb 2024HANSARD Access to Education: South-East NorthumberlandI absolutely take your guidance, Mr Henderson. I have not asked to make a speech, but my hon. Friend is raising a number of issues of national importance. With your forbearance,…21 Feb 2024HANSARD Access to Education: South-East NorthumberlandI am grateful to my hon. Friend for giving way again. Has he had the experience of some entrepreneurial secondary academies excluding kids who have issues about attainment in an…21 Feb 2024HANSARD Access to Education: South-East NorthumberlandI am grateful to my great and hon. Friend and I welcome you to the Chair, Mr Henderson. Is the population of my hon. Friend’s constituency sparsely distributed? Mine has got 23…21 Feb 2024HANSARD Business of the HouseThe Office for Budget Responsibility is responsible for giving clear advice to the Government on their fiscal and budgetary strategy. Has the Leader of the House noted that the…01 Feb 2024HANSARD Inheritance TaxThe hon. Gentleman raises an important issue, because I think there is £800 billion of wealth in our country that nobody—not even the Treasury—knows the owners of. That is a…17 Jan 2024