Contributions
178 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillYes, and I am going to address that point shortly. It is not the purpose of banks to act as an arm of the state, and compelling them to do so sets a very dangerous precedent that…29 Apr 2025HANSARD Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillI thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. I will cover the connection between this piece of legislation and the Green Paper shortly.29 Apr 2025HANSARD Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillAs I have tried to explain, the Bill introduces fundamental changes to the nature of our welfare system and its use.29 Apr 2025HANSARD Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillThe right hon. Member brings me to my next point, which is the risk of a Horizon-style scandal on a massive scale, given the sheer volume of accounts that will be scanned. That is…29 Apr 2025HANSARD Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillI agree. I think that the complexity of our system lends itself to errors on the part of individuals who find it extremely difficult to navigate. In Committee, several witnesses…29 Apr 2025HANSARD Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillI thank my hon. Friend for his contribution. It is the very poorest in our society who will be most affected by this legislation. Banks will be able to trawl through financial…29 Apr 2025HANSARD Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillI rise to speak in support of amendments 10, 11 and 12, which stand in my name. I would like to start, though, by placing on record my thanks to the Minister for Transformation,…29 Apr 2025HANSARDWealth Tax: Potential MeritsAnalysis from a number of disability groups shows that the “Pathways to Work” Green Paper will have a detrimental effect on more than 3 million people, while polling from Oxfam…08 Apr 2025HANSARDWealth Tax: Potential Merits14. What recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a wealth tax.08 Apr 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsT5. As has already been mentioned in the Chamber this morning, a year ago today, my constituent, John Chapman, was murdered by the Israel Defence Forces while working for World…01 Apr 2025HANSARD Trail HuntingMy hon. Friend is making a powerful case. While a pledge to ban trail hunting is welcome, I fear that it could be insufficient. If legislation focuses solely on the term “trail…01 Apr 2025HANSARDSpring StatementParagraph 1.14 of the OBR report outlines that the planned cuts to disability benefits will reduce personal independence payments for 800,000 claimants, and cut health-related…26 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillFor the past 30 years, successive Governments have attempted to deliver affordable housing through the private sector, and they have failed. Does my hon. Friend agree that it is…24 Mar 2025HANSARD National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) BillI am on record previously as calling for more support for hospices, but I have been contacted by a number of constituents about the issue of home-to-school transport for pupils…19 Mar 2025HANSARD Military Co-operation with IsraelPrior to last night’s devastating attack, Israel routinely broke the ceasefire agreement declared on 19 January, blocking aid and cutting off electricity and water supplies. Does…18 Mar 2025HANSARD Welfare ReformBeing healthy is shaped by the world around us, from the homes we live in to the air we breathe and the money in our pockets. Does the Secretary of State agree that there is a…18 Mar 2025HANSARDUnemployment TrendsDisabled people often face additional barriers when trying to get back into work. Does the Minister acknowledge that rather than freezing or cutting their benefits, we will need…17 Mar 2025HANSARDEmployment Rights BillI draw the House’s attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Having been a trade union activist for 40 years and a regional official, I have a genuine…11 Mar 2025HANSARD Political Finance RulesI thank my fellow Dorset resident, my hon. Friend the Member for South Dorset (Lloyd Hatton), for securing this important debate. It goes to the heart of the concern that the…06 Mar 2025HANSARDDepartment of Health and Social CareI acknowledge the £25 billion of additional funding allocated to health and social care in the autumn Budget. We are already beginning to see improvements in waiting times, the…05 Mar 2025