Contributions
152 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDNorthern Ireland ExecutiveI pay tribute to the great work done by the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland. I know that this has been a difficult time, which is why our engagement with the sector has been…07 Jan 2026HANSARDNorthern Ireland ExecutiveWe have put a record settlement of £19.3 billion into Northern Ireland. Obviously, that money can be used to support people. The local growth fund has been built for a year; it…07 Jan 2026HANSARDCommunity Groups: Northern Ireland and Great BritainI have seen no such proposals. We have agreements in place with the European Union to ensure that there is engagement with Northern Ireland on any matters that might impact it.19 Nov 2025HANSARDCommunity Groups: Northern Ireland and Great BritainI am happy to speak to colleagues about the success of the connect fund and how it works. My hon. Friend should know that applications are open to anyone across the United…19 Nov 2025HANSARDCommunity Groups: Northern Ireland and Great BritainI am proud that this Government are investing £1 million into the connect fund to strengthen collaboration between communities across the UK. Mr Speaker, I know that as a…19 Nov 2025HANSARDFilm and Television ProductionsIf you’re directing it, Mr Speaker! I look forward to my visit to Strangford—I do not see enough of the hon. Member in this House. The creative industries in Northern Ireland are…19 Nov 2025HANSARDFilm and Television ProductionsMy hon. Friend speaks with enormous experience and I know that she wrote the impactful report, “Employing the change-makers”. I agree that expanding opportunities for disabled…19 Nov 2025HANSARDFilm and Television ProductionsNorthern Ireland’s creative industries are thriving and are an important source of growth, and I have discussed that topic with Northern Ireland Executive Ministers. Whether it is…19 Nov 2025HANSARDCommunity Groups: Northern Ireland and Great BritainI thank the right hon. Member for the opportunity to champion the growth taking place in Northern Ireland, with exciting work in the creative industries and the tech sector. On…19 Nov 2025HANSARDCommunity Groups: Northern Ireland and Great BritainI look forward to the next meeting of the East-West Council. The right hon. Member will know that I met Minister Givan to discuss education matters and how we can ensure that…19 Nov 2025HANSARDCommunity Groups: Northern Ireland and Great BritainThe Secretary of State has been clear that currently, there is no evidence that there is a majority in favour of constitutional change. Of course, we defend the principle of…19 Nov 2025HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles BillAs I have stated, I have a very short amount of time, and I want to address as many of the points that have been made as I am able. A number of Members, including the hon. Member…18 Nov 2025HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles BillI apologise, but I will not as I am short of time. The hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar raised the idea of immunity. As I have said in response to the reasoned amendment, we…18 Nov 2025HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles BillIt is a real pleasure to close this Second Reading debate for the Government, and I thank all right hon. and hon. Members who have contributed. I wish to declare an interest.…18 Nov 2025HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles BillI will not take interventions, as I am very short of time. The right hon. Member for Tonbridge (Tom Tugendhat) said that this legislation will be “reopening wounds”, but I believe…18 Nov 2025HANSARD Northern Ireland Troubles BillI do not have time. I now turn to the issue of inquests, which has been raised by hon. Members. As the Government have long committed to, clause 84 makes it clear that a small…18 Nov 2025HANSARDDefence Industrial StrategyMy hon. Friend is right. I warmly welcome this investment and I know he is rightly proud of the defence expertise in his constituency. Backed by this Labour Government increasing…15 Oct 2025HANSARDDefence Industrial StrategyI thank the hon. Gentleman for his warm words. I will meet Executive Ministers in Northern Ireland next week to discuss this and other matters. I will ensure that we remove any…15 Oct 2025HANSARDDefence Industrial StrategyI thank the hon. Gentleman for his warm words. He is right that we need to work across Northern Ireland to ensure that the life-changing investment he mentions is felt throughout,…15 Oct 2025HANSARDDefence Industrial StrategyMy hon. Friend is right to highlight the rich expertise in Northern Ireland’s defence sector, which brings benefits right across the UK, including to Stevenage. I assure him that…15 Oct 2025