Contributions
1,690 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCyber-security and UK DemocracyMy first reaction is: “Is that it?” The spin was clearly not matched by this statement. The Deputy Prime Minister says that there is an issue around nuclear and higher education.…25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]No, I would not quite say it is two. Hopefully, I might get another one on my other amendment, and then we can all go home happy.25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]I understand where the right hon. Gentleman is coming from. Our original idea about having an email was explained when I met the Minister and his civil servants. I think that that…25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]Well, I shall take that as half a victory.25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]First, let me put on record the apologies of the right hon. Member for New Forest East (Sir Julian Lewis), who chairs the Intelligence and Security Committee. Unfortunately, he is…25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]Victory at last—there is such power in changing one word. The Minister has given a solemn undertaking on the Floor of the House that the code of practice will change the word…25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]That would be helpful. That would give reassurance to the public and provide a test of how the system works. As I have said, I am comfortable with the process of authorisation,…25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]I welcome that, but can I hear it again and pin the Minister down a little more? I am sure it is a massive victory, but is he giving a solemn pledge to the House that the code of…25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]The Minister has used that argument before about new Secretaries of State, and it is complete nonsense, is it not? It would not happen on day one unless the Prime Minister…25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]The measure is doable, because we are not asking for something in the Bill; it could be done in the guidance. The Minister has already agreed on changing the “should” to “will”,…25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]It is gratifying that we will get this Bill on the statute book, because it will give our security services the necessary powers to keep us all safe. I add my thanks to the staff…25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]Does my hon. Friend agree with me that this is so important, because the Secretary of State will be acting as the Prime Minister at that time? Once that decision has been…25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]I think the Minister is getting another “dancing on the head of a pin” award for his explanation. What I think the right hon. Gentleman is trying to get on the record—perhaps not…25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]The Minister says that he was going to, but if he had done that last week we could perhaps have had very short discussions tonight.25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]I agree, but that then places an unnecessary burden on the system. The current process with the Secretary of State, the judicial commissioner and the Prime Minister is robust…25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]rose—25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]May I just get some clarity? That is a perfectly legitimate way of doing it, and it will mean not interfering with the existing system, which was the concern of both the services…25 Mar 2024HANSARD Investigatory Powers (Amendment)Bill [Lords]May I gently suggest that the right hon. Gentleman goes back to the Minister now, just to pin down exactly what he is agreeing to? We on the ISC have no problem with the idea of…25 Mar 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Readiness and Defence EquipmentNo, I did not. If the Minister had actually listened, what I said is that our contribution in the event of a crisis in the South China sea would be a gnat on the backside of an…21 Mar 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Readiness and Defence EquipmentI agree with the points that the hon. Gentleman is making, but I think that there must be a real, radical revolution in the way in which the armed forces not only recruit but…21 Mar 2024