Contributions
1,086 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDDecriminalising AbortionThe hon. Gentleman asks me about the view of people in Northern Ireland. As my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Folkestone and Hythe pointed out, in the six years since that…02 Jun 2025HANSARDDecriminalising AbortionI pay tribute to my hon. Friend for giving that personal testimony. What she touches on is what we have seen in the debate in this country for several years now: the expectation…02 Jun 2025HANSARDDecriminalising AbortionIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Vickers. This is an important debate for the many of us who have been campaigning on this issue for many years, because we…02 Jun 2025HANSARDDecriminalising AbortionI hope the hon. Member knows that, although I disagree with him on this matter, I have always done so respectfully, and fought for his right to be heard. However, I want to…02 Jun 2025HANSARDDecriminalising AbortionI thank the shadow Minister for giving way and I recognise the points he is making. However, he says that criminal law is the way in which we give effect to the framework that he…02 Jun 2025HANSARDDecriminalising AbortionI am sorry that my hon. Friend feels the need to ask that question. She knows full well that despite me asking repeatedly to meet her and to talk to the campaigners she has been…02 Jun 2025HANSARDDecriminalising AbortionI do apologise, Mr Vickers. I just thought that, given his recent pronouncement and the interest that he has shown in this matter, the hon. Member for Clacton would be here. Let…02 Jun 2025HANSARDDecriminalising AbortionUnder our current criminal legislation, there are exemptions from prosecution for abortions that take place up to 24 weeks, and in some instances further, if there is a threat of…02 Jun 2025HANSARDDecriminalising AbortionNew clause 20 would introduce in England and Wales what we have done in Northern Ireland, and I know from the Minister’s previous comments on the record that she has been very…02 Jun 2025HANSARDEU-UK SummitI do. We may be making Elton John unhappy in the main Chamber, but I hope that in this Chamber the Minister can make him very happy with progress on touring musicians. We welcome…22 May 2025HANSARDEU-UK SummitAs the Minister says, the Windsor framework does as well. It shows where and how it works, and I think our constituents deserve the honesty of how the processes actually work and…22 May 2025HANSARDEU-UK SummitI refer to the point about the protection of The Hague and where The Hague takes its judgments from. Ultimately, the decisions were made in the Court of Arbitration. It relies on…22 May 2025HANSARDEU-UK Summit“Misled” is a very serious term, and I hope the Member will withdraw it.22 May 2025HANSARDEU-UK SummitIt is always flattering when people talk about imitation. The right hon. Gentleman’s argument was about the difference between co-operation and governance. What is it about…22 May 2025HANSARDEU-UK SummitAs a proud member of the Community trade union, and on behalf of all the other trade unions who represent those who work in the steel industry, including many in the Scunthorpe…22 May 2025HANSARDEU-UK SummitI wonder what the right hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Sir John Hayes) might say to apologise to my constituent, who has now been waiting, I believe, for over 12…22 May 2025HANSARDEU-UK SummitThere needs to be some cold hard reality about this situation. The previous Government seemed to be suggesting some kind of cod war where our Navy might have been deployed to…22 May 2025HANSARDEU-UK SummitI, too, share a burning desire to still be considered young—alas, I have to face the brutal reality. I wonder whether the hon. Gentleman has similar concerns about the 13 other…22 May 2025HANSARDEU-UK SummitThe right hon. Member is shaking his head. I invite him to meet Sharon Matthews—she is an extraordinary woman who has fought for justice for her son, Tyrell. Brexit has made that…22 May 2025HANSARDEU-UK SummitI can only urge the Member to go and look at the basis for the decision-making arbitration panel. I can hear the Minister champing at the bit to correct him as well.22 May 2025