Contributions
1,092 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDLeaving the EU: Performing ArtsWe are not pulling up any drawbridges. The political declaration agreed between the UK and the EU specifically acknowledges the importance of mobility for cultural co-operation.…23 May 2019HANSARDLeaving the EU: Performing ArtsThe reality is that our UK theatre and performing arts community is an excellent example of how we work collaboratively throughout the country and around the world, and that is…23 May 2019HANSARDPublic LibrariesLocal authorities have a statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. My Department monitors proposed changes to library service provisions by local…23 May 2019HANSARDPublic LibrariesI would ask Ealing Council, as with other councils, to look at local authorities that are investing in libraries. Local authorities around the country of every political hue are…23 May 2019HANSARDTV Licences for Over-75sI am saying that we do not have the result yet. The BBC has not made a decision, so conjecture about what the BBC may or may not decide is just that—pure conjecture. The BBC is…08 May 2019HANSARDTV Licences for Over-75sAs I have said, it is a matter for the BBC to make this decision. It was right and proper that it properly consulted the public across a number of months—this was a substantial…08 May 2019HANSARDTV Licences for Over-75sI would like to thank all Members who have brought this debate to life with passion and enthusiasm. We have had some amateur dramatics from Labour Members that would no doubt…08 May 2019HANSARDTV Licences for Over-75sThis is not the time for hypotheticals. The Government have made clear what is expected and hoped for, and we have confidence in the BBC. I want to make a point about another…08 May 2019HANSARDVisitors to the UKThe UK is an incredibly attractive destination for visitors, and we scored third overall top nation in the Anholt nation brands index. London was recently rated the best…11 Apr 2019HANSARDPublic LibrariesI am very flattered by my right hon. Friend’s question, and he makes an important point. The interplay between schools and libraries is a long-lasting one. It enriches lives and…11 Apr 2019HANSARDPublic LibrariesI am always happy to look at these matters, but of course the facts are that over 99% of public library buildings now have internet access, and we have invested over £4 million on…11 Apr 2019HANSARDPublic LibrariesDCMS invested £2.6 million to install and upgrade free wi-fi in public libraries across England. I am pleased to say that over 99% of public library buildings now provide internet…11 Apr 2019HANSARDPublic LibrariesThere are county councils of different colours that, clearly, are dealing with the issues the hon. Gentleman refers to. I do not accept what he says about these facts. Libraries…11 Apr 2019HANSARDPublic LibrariesI am aware of what is happening in Essex—my right hon. Friend wrote to me about that—and I am aware of the recent consultation by Essex County Council on proposals for its library…11 Apr 2019HANSARDHistoric EnvironmentI always want to ensure that all constituent parts of the United Kingdom are involved in these matters, as they of course are in fact as well as in law. I think that I have…11 Apr 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe tourism sector deal is being closely worked on; it is something we have been working on for some time. It is extremely productive, and the tourism sector itself has been…11 Apr 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsMy hon. Friend’s constituency and many others are rich in tourism offer. The economy benefits enormously from tourism. Tourism saw its best year ever in the 2017 period and it…11 Apr 2019HANSARDVisitors to the UKThe Butlin’s in Clacton is on my list, Mr Speaker. I very much appreciate rural and coastal areas and understand their value. The local county council received more than £600,000…11 Apr 2019HANSARDHistoric EnvironmentI am aware that there is strong interest in the way that the Environment Bill relates to the protection of the historic environment. I want to make sure that the heritage agenda…11 Apr 2019HANSARDHistoric EnvironmentThe hon. Lady is absolutely right: these things are very closely interrelated. The Bill is specifically a natural environment Bill, but the historic environment is very closely…11 Apr 2019