Contributions
1,269 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDNorthern Ireland BackstopBefore I answer the hon. Gentleman, my constituents would expect me briefly to express their dismay and deep concern about Honda’s announcement this morning, which will deeply…19 Feb 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland BackstopI am very sorry, Mr Speaker, but I said what I said. The Government recognise the legitimate desire of Members on both sides of the House to understand the legal effect of the…19 Feb 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland BackstopWhat would be reckless and irresponsible is for the Government to provide a running commentary on sensitive negotiations. I would have thought it is as plain as a pikestaff to the…19 Feb 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland BackstopAs usual, my right hon. and learned Friend tempts me down many paths that I dare not take, simply because this is a negotiation between the United Kingdom and the EU. We heard…19 Feb 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland BackstopMay I assure the hon. and learned Lady, who expresses a deep interest in the Attorney General’s diary, that his plan is to make a speech about the issues, but it is not going to…19 Feb 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland BackstopMy hon. Friend raises an important point, and both the Attorney General and I take the work of his Committee, a Committee of this House, with the utmost gravity. I assure him that…19 Feb 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland BackstopThe right hon. Chairman of the Exiting the European Union Committee elides two issues: the existence of the technology and the sensitivities of the communities on both sides of…19 Feb 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland BackstopMy hon. Friend is right to remind us that the future relationship document contains a range of options. The negotiation on that will begin as soon as possible; let us get the…19 Feb 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland BackstopI will never tire of saying to my hon. Friend or to the House that we remain steadfast in our commitment to the Belfast agreement. It is as important to me now as it was when it…19 Feb 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland BackstopI have not yet read the speech, so it would be wholly premature of me to assume what my right hon. and learned Friend, with great style no doubt, will dilate upon.19 Feb 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland BackstopI have not seen Senator Daly’s report but will look at it urgently because, like him, I treat the cause of peace with the utmost seriousness. In fact, everything that the…19 Feb 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland BackstopMy right hon. Friend referred to a newspaper report on which it would be ill-advised for me to comment. Let me say this generally about our civil servants: whatever their role,…19 Feb 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland BackstopThe right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right in his call for everybody to cool it and to calm down when it comes to important issues such as the Irish border. I am not going to…19 Feb 2019HANSARDInternet Trolling: Prosecution RatesMy hon. Friend is right. There can be no moral relativism when it comes to abuse, whatever type it may be and from whatever quarter it comes.31 Jan 2019HANSARDKnife Crime: ProsecutionI engage regularly with the CPS, and we recognise that this issue is a growing national priority. Prosecution rates have been rising year on year for knife crime. Between 2013-14…31 Jan 2019HANSARDOversight of SolicitorsI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising that issue. The Legal Services Board has currently drafted proposed new rules relating to the governance for regulators; the…31 Jan 2019HANSARDOversight of SolicitorsMy right hon. Friend tempts me down a path leading to the SRA’s discretion with regard to compensation. I am grateful to him for raising an important issue that concerns many…31 Jan 2019HANSARDOversight of SolicitorsI have had regular meetings with the Secretary of State for Justice, in which we have discussed a range of policy matters including regulation of the legal professions. Legal…31 Jan 2019HANSARDHunting Act: Prosecution RatesI assure the hon. Gentleman that the Law Officers do not condone or in any way consent to lawbreaking—that is clear. Where there is evidence of a breach of the Hunting Act and…31 Jan 2019HANSARDHunting Act: Prosecution RatesEach CPS area has a Crown prosecutor dedicated to act as a wildlife, rural and heritage crime co-ordinator, to ensure that the specialist knowledge needed to prosecute such…31 Jan 2019