Contributions
2,684 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDMinisterial CodeLet me deal with this. I was in the meeting that afternoon, with the Prime Minister and other Ministers, as we looked at what was happening with the virus and with the pandemic,…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeYes. The point that was made earlier is that when Lex Greensill and others with whom he was working were making representations to Government, those representations were dealt…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeAs I pointed out in response to some earlier questions, every PPE contract that was awarded went through an eight-stage process. It was supervised by independent civil servants,…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeThe hon. Lady makes a number of important points. She is absolutely right that the public have a right to expect that those who are responsible for discharging Government duties…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeMy hon. Friend makes an important point. It does seem sometimes as though the Opposition and some critics are more concerned about the world of interiors than about the real world…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeI think we are grateful for that party election broadcast. The most important thing to stress is that, on each of the detailed questions raised quite understandably by the hon.…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeThe freedom of information clearing house, sadly, is not mine. It was set up under a Labour Government, so it is a Blairite inheritance. What it exists to do is make sure that…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeMy hon. Friend makes an important point. All of us have a responsibility to declare political donations, and there is a clear means of doing so. I know that all donations received…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Government were operating—as all Governments were, to be fair—in difficult circumstances and with a clear demand that we do everything…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeMy hon. Friend makes a characteristically thoughtful series of points. As a former Chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee and as a current leading…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeThe hon. Gentleman makes an important point. I applaud the cross-party working that Stormont has exhibited in ensuring that the Executive and Ministers work well. As I pointed out…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeI am grateful to the hon. Lady for her questions. As ever, she raises a number of significant issues. On the question of the No. 10 Downing Street refurbishment, it is important…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeAs someone once said in a different context, “recollections may vary”.26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeIt was clear from what the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said in the wake of the suggestion that there should be a European super…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeI am grateful to my hon. Friend for bringing that case to my attention. I was not aware of it, but I am sure that the Leader of the Opposition and others will want to make sure…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeMy hon. Friend is spot on. Today I had meetings about the vaccine roll-out; ensuring that our justice system operates more quickly after the pandemic; ensuring that we can deal…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeYes.26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeI have enormous respect for the right hon. Lady, a brave and courageous fighter for many causes and a very distinguished former Select Committee Chairman, but I think she may wish…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeMy hon. Friend makes a very good point—two actually— about the importance of culture complementing rules, and also about the review being undertaken by Nigel Boardman, who will be…26 Apr 2021HANSARDMinisterial CodeMy hon. Friend makes an important point, and existing trusts are responsible for looking after Dorneywood, Chequers and, I believe, Chevening, where Labour, Liberal Democrat and…26 Apr 2021