Contributions
348 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD US Steel Import TariffsWhile I may not agree with that characterisation of the efficacy of the US President’s actions in recent weeks, it is a matter of record that we stand ready to work with the…11 Feb 2025HANSARD US Steel Import TariffsIf one observes the comments made by the Chancellor last night, or by the incoming British ambassador in Washington, it is clear that we are ready to engage in a thoughtful,…11 Feb 2025HANSARD US Steel Import TariffsI am happy to give that assurance. I should probably declare an interest as a member of the Community trade union. I can assure the House that trade unions—whether Community, the…11 Feb 2025HANSARD US Steel Import TariffsTo give a sense of quantum to the House, about £400 million-worth of UK steel exports go to the United States. That represents, if I recollect accurately, about 10% of UK…11 Feb 2025HANSARD US Steel Import TariffsI am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his generous words about the incoming UK ambassador to Washington, who—notwithstanding his commitment at the weekend to fly under the…11 Feb 2025HANSARD US Steel Import TariffsWell, well—let me try to answer the various questions that the shadow Minister asks. First, on the big, beautiful deal that the Conservatives contemplated, I simply observe that…11 Feb 2025HANSARDFree Trade Agreement with the Gulf Co-operation Council: Negotiations UpdateGrowth is the No. 1 mission of this Government. Central to growing our economy and ensuring working people in every community feel the benefits of that growth, is an expansion of…18 Dec 2024HANSARDDraft Recognition of Professional Qualifications and Implementation of International Recognition Agreements (Amendment) (Extension to Switzerland etc.) Regulations 2024Exactly—and I am getting used to the challenges of being in government, as distinct from in opposition. First, in all seriousness, I thank the hon. Gentleman for what I anticipate…16 Dec 2024HANSARDDraft Recognition of Professional Qualifications and Implementation of International Recognition Agreements (Amendment) (Extension to Switzerland etc.) Regulations 2024I beg to move, That the Committee has considered the draft Recognition of Professional Qualifications and Implementation of International Recognition Agreements (Amendment)…16 Dec 2024HANSARDDraft Recognition of Professional Qualifications and Implementation of International Recognition Agreements (Amendment) (Extension to Switzerland etc.) Regulations 2024The questions one always fears are the short ones that come with no thinking time, but I shall endeavour to answer the hon. Gentleman.16 Dec 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsThere is an established process in taking forward the Government’s discussions in relation to the mandate. On animal welfare standards, the Secretary of State has already alluded…12 Dec 2024HANSARDUnited Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020: ReviewThe smooth functioning of the United Kingdom’s internal market is vital to achieving economic growth. People and businesses depend on being able to buy and sell goods, provide…12 Dec 2024HANSARDFree Trade Deals: FarmersI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for bringing his considerable expertise in veterinary science to the Chamber today. We will not compromise on animal welfare standards as we…12 Dec 2024HANSARDFree Trade Deals: FarmersOur approach to trade deals considers the impact on and opportunities for the agricultural sector, along with other sectors of the economy, and, of course, our growth mission. The…12 Dec 2024HANSARD UK Supply Chains: Uyghur Forced LabourThe right hon. Gentleman brings many years of experience to the bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and China, and he will find no disagreement on this side of the…03 Dec 2024HANSARD UK Supply Chains: Uyghur Forced LabourI am in full agreement with my hon. Friend. For businesses to be able to invest and thrive, they need confidence in their supply chains, which is why the Government are…03 Dec 2024HANSARD UK Supply Chains: Uyghur Forced LabourI thank the hon. Lady for her observation, and for the characteristically calm wisdom with which she spoke about issues on which I think there is a high degree of consensus across…03 Dec 2024HANSARD UK Supply Chains: Uyghur Forced LabourNotwithstanding the concerns that have been expressed in the Chamber about the existing statutory framework, we need to send a clear and unequivocal signal that no company in the…03 Dec 2024HANSARD UK Supply Chains: Uyghur Forced LabourLet me pay tribute to the right hon. Gentleman for his sustained effort on, and interest in, these issues. It has come at some personal cost; he has received criticism from…03 Dec 2024HANSARD UK Supply Chains: Uyghur Forced LabourIt is important to draw a distinction between the legislative approach taken by some jurisdictions, which have named countries and provinces where there is abuse of human rights,…03 Dec 2024