Contributions
4,038 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Business of the HouseThe fundamental point that we must always bear in mind is the absolute, unequivocal constitutional right of Members to attend Parliament. Whatever rules there may be—we saw this…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseI will take that up immediately after this. A meeting with a Minister that was asked for on 23 September and that was agreed to ought certainly to happen well before Christmas. I…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseThe hon. Lady continues a noble tradition in this House; I believe it was William Pitt the Elder, known as “the Great Commoner” for his devotion to this House, who called the…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseMy hon. Friend makes a good point, and this was an issue with scrap metal some years ago. Her Majesty’s Government are committed to tackling the theft of catalytic converters. We…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseThe hon. Lady entirely mischaracterises what the Government have done. There has been over £400 billion-worth of support for businesses, including the furlough scheme and the…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseLet me make this as clear as I possibly can. Those most affected by the pandemic, including those who have sadly lost friends and family, must also have an opportunity to play…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseIt is inevitably difficult for hospitality under the current circumstances. It is worth reminding people of what has been done already, with £400 billion of taxpayers’ money spent…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseAs I also represent a rural constituency, I know how serious these matters are and the effect they have on people’s livelihoods and wellbeing. My hon. Friend is lucky, as am I, to…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseFirst, I note my right hon. Friend’s helpful advice. Of course, whipping is not a matter for me as Leader of the House, but I would argue that the Government are given leadership…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseThere is so little that I can add to what I said last week to the hon. Lady. I am grateful to her for raising these just tragic, tragic cases. I read in the newspapers about this…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseThis is the great fiddle of litres, is it not? That works out at not far short of £8 a gallon. When we put it like that it sounds even more shockingly expensive than it does in…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising this case and Ali Mushaima’s hunger strike. The Government attach great importance to freedom of religion or belief and view it as…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseFirst, I congratulate the right hon. Lady on her election yesterday as Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee, which shows how widely respected she is on all sides of the House. I…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseI think Disraeli called London taxi drivers “the gondoliers of London”, and I certainly take that view myself. They are fantastically hard-working and entrepreneurial, as are taxi…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseI am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman. What he is asking for for the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire is not within my gift, but may I wish him particularly a very…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseYes, of course, I pass the condolences of the House and my own condolences via my hon. Friend to Mike Fisher. It is indeed with great sadness that we mark the passing of Linda…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseI heard about that initiative on the news. It is really important, because the Government recognise that access to cash remains important to millions across the United Kingdom. I…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseI am delighted that the hon. Gentleman welcomes the appointment of Baroness Hallett. I looked her up yesterday and I believe that it is her birthday today, so I take the…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseMay I pay a warm tribute to the hon. Gentleman’s mother, Beryl, for ensuring that her son is always so well turned out, among other things? Clearly, he is calling to mind the fact…16 Dec 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseI am delighted that the hon. Gentleman has at least received a reply from Mr Harra of HMRC. I view my role as trying to get replies for hon. Members, rather than necessarily being…16 Dec 2021