Contributions
211 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Local Government Reorganisation: ReferendumsI beg to move, That this House has considered the potential merits of referendums on local government re-organisation. It is, as usual, a pleasure to serve under your…21 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government Reorganisation: ReferendumsA lot can be learned from previous Governments of all different colours, and I ask the Minister to look at history and not repeat any mistakes that may have been made in the past.…21 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government Reorganisation: ReferendumsI absolutely agree: council services should be accessible to all. One of the concerns that my constituents have—particularly those in rural areas—is that if they are absorbed into…21 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government Reorganisation: ReferendumsI absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. As I said to the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Tom Gordon) earlier, this Government should reflect on the mistakes that…21 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government Reorganisation: ReferendumsAs I said to the hon. Members who intervened earlier, this Government should definitely learn from the mistakes of previous Governments. That is particularly true in relation to…21 Jan 2026HANSARD Local Government Reorganisation: ReferendumsThe hon. Gentleman makes a passionate point about his constituency. I know that he has been working on this issue for many years and I hope the Minister will take heed of what he…21 Jan 2026HANSARDEngagementsQ3. Unlike many of his parliamentary colleagues, I actually do not think that the Prime Minister should resign. But at the start of a new year, it is time to reflect—reset, detox,…07 Jan 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsT8. Since the Government came to office, the average household energy bill has increased by £200, so the Government’s claim to be cutting bills by £150 rings somewhat hollow with…06 Jan 2026HANSARDJury Trials Proposal: Impact8. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed ending of jury trials for certain offences on the right to a fair trial.16 Dec 2025HANSARDJury Trials Proposal: ImpactThe Justice Secretary may have complete faith in the independence of the judiciary; sadly, I do not. We have seen a plethora of cases, particularly involving freedom of speech,…16 Dec 2025HANSARDWelfare Spending: Economic ImpactIn their first Budget, the Government hiked taxes on employers, leading to a sustained increase in unemployment. Earlier this year, we saw a botched attempt to reform welfare,…08 Dec 2025HANSARDWelfare Spending: Economic Impact21. What discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential impact of future welfare spending on the economy.08 Dec 2025HANSARDNew Nuclear Sites1. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on the potential for new nuclear power sites in Scotland.26 Nov 2025HANSARDNew Nuclear SitesWhat discussions has the Secretary of State had with the SNP Government in Scotland, whose luddite approach and ideological blinkers prevent Torness, Dounreay and Hunterston from…26 Nov 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Community Empowerment BillMy constituents are very concerned about that. It is a strange anomaly. In addition, under the current legislation, councils are required to hold referendums when they wish to…24 Nov 2025HANSARD English Devolution and Community Empowerment BillLet me begin with the title of the Bill; it claims, perhaps optimistically, to empower communities. By the end of this debate, we will see whether the Government truly intend to…24 Nov 2025HANSARDBudget: Press BriefingsIn the past year, a record £70 billion has been withdrawn from pension schemes through the tax-free lump sum as a result of the fear driven by the uncertainty of recent months.…17 Nov 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe Home Office has requested transitional accommodation for asylum claimants, following the closure of Garats Hay in my constituency. However, neither Leicestershire county…17 Nov 2025HANSARD Welfare SpendingOh, go on then.04 Nov 2025HANSARD Welfare SpendingMy hon. Friend makes his point perfectly.04 Nov 2025