Contributions
1,082 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Defence Supplementary Estimate 2021-22On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. There are breaking media reports of a Russian artillery strike on a maternity hospital in Mariupol, which unfortunately has resulted in…09 Mar 2022HANSARD Defence Supplementary Estimate 2021-22The hon. Gentleman missed the best bit of the November report, which was that the cross-party Committee concluded that the UK’s defence procurement system was “broken”. Does he…09 Mar 2022HANSARD Defence Supplementary Estimate 2021-22I defer to my hon. Friend’s operational service in Afghanistan and the bravery shown by our troops on the ground, of whom he was one. It is a fact that, for all the emphasis on…09 Mar 2022HANSARD Defence Supplementary Estimate 2021-22The right hon. Gentleman and I are both former Armed Forces Ministers. I have sat on the Defence Committee for five years, and he has served far longer than me and is now our…09 Mar 2022HANSARD Defence Supplementary Estimate 2021-22Will the hon. Gentleman give way?09 Mar 2022HANSARD Army ReserveI declare an interest of sorts, as a former TA infantry officer during the cold war. On a positive note, I am delighted to report that my godson Alexander Blackwell, who I saw…02 Feb 2022HANSARD Army ReserveChurchill called the Territorials “twice the citizen”, because after a hard day’s work they go home, eat something quickly and dash out for training. When the Minister receives…02 Feb 2022HANSARD Army ReserveAs I now have the privilege of serving on the current Public Accounts Committee, I entirely endorse the sensible suggestion of my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesham (Adam…02 Feb 2022HANSARDMigrant Crossings: Role of the MilitaryI welcome the announcement that the military are finally to be brought in to supersede Border Force—or, as some of my constituents refer to it, “taxi force”. We need to add…18 Jan 2022HANSARD Public Prosecution Service and Legacy in Northern IrelandYou have already broken multiple deadlines —we don’t believe you!13 Jan 2022HANSARD Public Prosecution Service and Legacy in Northern Irelandindicated dissent .13 Jan 2022HANSARD Public Prosecution Service and Legacy in Northern IrelandThe Minister knows the history very well. The Secretary of State promised the Bill by last July. He did not deliver it. Then he faithfully promised the House we would have it by…13 Jan 2022HANSARDUK Defence JobsI endorse everything that both Front Benchers said about Jack Dromey, but not everything that followed. The Secretary of State and I have crossed swords before about procurement.…10 Jan 2022HANSARDRussia’s Grand StrategyThank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for calling me to speak in this timely debate, which the Backbench Business Committee should be commended for granting so early in the new year…06 Jan 2022HANSARD RussiaI welcome the robust tone of the Foreign Secretary’s statement, and the evident absolute unanimity on both sides of the House, in support of the Ukrainian Government and their…06 Jan 2022HANSARDNew Homes: Developers, Housebuilders and Management CompaniesIt is disappointing that the Minister cannot give any timings on when the planning Bill is coming, because some of us would like to know before we retire. He has heard 10 very…05 Jan 2022HANSARDNew Homes: Developers, Housebuilders and Management CompaniesHe has, but I was told I could not plug it in the debate. [ Laughter. ]05 Jan 2022HANSARDNew Homes: Developers, Housebuilders and Management CompaniesA very happy new year to you, Mr Betts. As we have limited time, I will make three points. First, I have served as an MP for over 20 years, and the whole issue of housing…05 Jan 2022HANSARDBusiness of the HouseAfter four years, two general election manifestos and a hand-signed pledge by the Prime Minister, where is the legacy Bill? The Northern Ireland Secretary promised this House that…09 Dec 2021HANSARDConsultations on Addressing Legacy of Northern Ireland's Past: Victims GroupsNo one believes you any more.08 Dec 2021