Contributions
352 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Integrated Review: Defence Command PaperThere is much to welcome in this statement. My only concern relates to some of the cuts in our conventional forces, because quantity still has a quality all of its own. For…22 Mar 2021HANSARD Business of the HouseWe all understand that the pandemic has led to a substantial increase in correspondence between Members and Government Departments, and I do thank the Leader of the House for his…11 Mar 2021HANSARDNational Living WageWhat recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on plans to increase the national living wage.09 Mar 2021HANSARDNational Living WageIn welcoming the Government’s generous economic support packages and the increase in the national living wage, may I just ask the Minister to consider further increasing it ahead…09 Mar 2021HANSARDBritish Council and the Integrated ReviewI am grateful for the opportunity to raise the British Council and the integrated review. I thank Mr Speaker for granting the debate and the Minister for responding. I should…04 Mar 2021HANSARDSoft PowerWhat plans he has for the contribution of soft power to the UK’s international defence engagement.01 Feb 2021HANSARDSoft PowerAs chair of the British Council all-party parliamentary group, I suggest that soft power can pay for itself many times over by building links and improving trust and…01 Feb 2021HANSARD Financial Services BillI refer to my entries in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. I also wish briefly to thank the Leader of the House for eventually listening to sense and allowing virtual…13 Jan 2021HANSARD European Union (Future Relationship) BillI commend the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the whole team for achieving this deal, which I will be supporting in the vote later today. Both sides…30 Dec 2020HANSARDBusiness of the HouseFollowing the answer given to my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Dame Cheryl Gillan), may I press the Leader of the House further on virtual participation…10 Dec 2020HANSARDFuture Relationship with the EUI know that my right hon. Friend agrees that it is good that the negotiations continue—we all want a good trade deal—but will she convey to the Prime Minister the message that if…10 Dec 2020HANSARD EU Withdrawal AgreementI commend my right hon. Friend for the role he has played and very much welcome this agreement. It is good news that the EU has compromised; its previous position on everything…09 Dec 2020HANSARDBusiness of the HouseThe whole House knows that the Leader of the House is a thoroughly decent chap, but, like all of us, he has the occasional blind spot. I have more than my fair share. His, though,…26 Nov 2020HANSARD Spending Review 2020 and OBR ForecastI commend the Chancellor for many of these measures, including the support for the lower-paid. When it comes to funding, I encourage him not to stifle enterprise through increases…25 Nov 2020HANSARDIntegrated ReviewThis announcement is extremely welcome and I know, as an ex-soldier, that it will be well received by our superb armed forces. My right hon. Friend will know that the integrated…19 Nov 2020HANSARD Participation in DebatesThank you, Mr Speaker, for granting this urgent question. As someone who is shielding with his wife, who is herself clinically extremely vulnerable, and having, with others,…16 Nov 2020HANSARD Participation in DebatesTo ask the Leader of the House of Commons if he will make a statement on participation in debates.16 Nov 2020HANSARD Covid-19 UpdateI commend the Prime Minister for his statement and will be supporting the Government on Wednesday. We must prioritise saving lives wherever possible, but may I suggest that the…02 Nov 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe Government’s economic support packages have been some of the most generous anywhere, and they have been essential sticking plasters from which many of our constituents have…20 Oct 2020HANSARDEngagementsQ9. I commend the Prime Minister and all those on the frontline for their handling of this situation. I have raised with him previously the importance of reaching out to all the…25 Mar 2020