Contributions
2,684 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDClean Air StrategyToday, the Government published their ambitious Clean Air Strategy, building upon an extensive consultation process last year. Air pollution is the UK’s top environmental risk to…14 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActYes, I am afraid that it absolutely would, and a tariff of 40%—it is just above 40%—is one of the lower ones. For example, there are tariffs on some meat exports of more than…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActMy right hon. Friend makes two very important points. It is absolutely right that there have been some lurid and exaggerated stories, both during the referendum and subsequently,…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActMy hon. Friend makes a good point. There have been some exaggerated claims about the impact of a no-deal Brexit, and the British economy is resilient. He is absolutely right,…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActMay I begin on a personal note, Mr Speaker? I am very, very grateful to Members on both sides of the House, from all parties, who very kindly contacted me or sent messages over…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActThe report emphatically does not say that people will be poorer. It is important to pay proper respect to projections while also applying the appropriate analytical tools. Some of…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActMy right hon. Friend has made a very good point. In the event of leaving the European Union and in the event of the operation of the backstop, which neither of us wants to enter…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActI have in response to questions from a number of colleagues pointed out the many advantages that the withdrawal agreement secures.10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActI expect that that will be concluded by the end of the transition period.10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActIt is certainly the case that, if we look at the flow of individuals who want to come to Britain— [ Interruption. ] This is an important point. One of the critical questions about…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActI entirely understand the hon. Gentleman’s concerns, but robust legal protections, including licensing and permitting, will continue to ensure that hydraulic fracturing, if we…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActIt will be for other countries to decide, but yes, I think other countries will be envious of our position. For the sake of argument, I think some Italian politicians will look at…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActIt is interesting that the hon. Gentleman talks about A-levels, because if the hon. Member for Brent North is my favourite Labour Member, he must be my second favourite as he has…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActYes, it absolutely will be independent. There will be an opportunity for the House to engage in pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill that will give effect to that body.10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActI have great respect for the hon. Gentleman, but that is a misunderstanding of the agreement. The entire United Kingdom could diverge from the common agricultural policy and…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActThat is a very fair point. One thing that occupies most of my time as Secretary of State for DEFRA is planning for various contingencies. In exceptional circumstances, there are…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActYes. As DEFRA Secretary, I suppose that I should say that a bird in the hand is worth more than however many we might find in the bush. My hon. Friend makes an important point. We…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActSeveral things have changed since 2014. First, of course, there was a coalition Government then. Secondly, we have had a referendum in which the people of Scotland voted to stay…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActMy hon. Friend has made an important point. The Ministry of Defence, in which she served with such distinction, has a suite of new offshore patrol vessels—state-of-the-art…10 Jan 2019HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal) ActMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is the case not only that the legal position is that the backstop must be temporary, but that European politicians do not want it to endure,…10 Jan 2019