Contributions
1,226 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDUK-EU RelationsMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Leader of the Opposition should have risen to the occasion yesterday in a profound moment for the nation. She chose not to do so.22 Jan 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsThat is a matter for Parliament, not for Government. There is certainly a European Union relations secretariat in the Cabinet Office, with some absolutely excellent civil…22 Jan 2026HANSARDUK-EU RelationsI look forward to visiting Belfast later today. The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that the East-West Council is an important part of our “Safeguarding the Union”…22 Jan 2026HANSARDUK-EU RelationsThe sanitary and phytosanitary agreement removes export health certificates and routine border checks, slashing costs and red tape for agrifood trade. For example, businesses will…22 Jan 2026HANSARDUK-EU RelationsThe Government agreed a new strategic partnership with the EU in May last year, delivering for UK jobs, easing the burden on bill payers and strengthening our borders. Whereas we…22 Jan 2026HANSARDUK-EU RelationsOur democratic mandate from the general election is clear: we will not rejoin the single market or the customs union, or go back to freedom of movement. However, what we do, and…22 Jan 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe deal that we struck at the UK-EU summit will cut costs and red tape for businesses that import and export to the EU. This Government are committed to removing barriers to…22 Jan 2026HANSARDInfected Blood Compensation SchemeI am more than happy to write to my hon. Friend with an up-to-date, precise figure for interim payments. I should also mention that, as was raised with me in the House on a number…22 Jan 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe are not returning to the common fisheries policy, and the hon. Lady is completely wrong in what she just said. The medium-term stability that we have delivered for our fishing…22 Jan 2026HANSARDGovernment Decision Making: TransparencyThe Prime Minister has given the independent ethics adviser the independence to initiate his own investigations, which is just one of the measures the Government have taken to…22 Jan 2026HANSARDUK-EU RelationsNo, and the situation is not as the hon. Lady has described. The work that the Government are doing in building a closer EU-UK relationship is crucial, and we can do it alongside…22 Jan 2026HANSARDUK-EU RelationsWell, on the basis of my exchange with the shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, I thoroughly look forward to bringing the Bill to the Commons and debating it fully. I can…22 Jan 2026HANSARDUK-EU RelationsTo clarify, there are no access fees in regard to either the emissions trading system linkage or the food and drink agreement that is being negotiated. That is absolutely clear.…22 Jan 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsTo be frank, when we have the final negotiation and the legal text I will of course be willing to appear before the Select Committee at the appropriate moment. If the hon.…22 Jan 2026HANSARDUK-EU RelationsThere is a real issue of democracy here, in the sense that we won a general election with a mandate to negotiate a closer UK-EU relationship. It is in our national interest to do…22 Jan 2026HANSARDGovernment Decision Making: TransparencyThe Prime Minister made his position clear with regard to Lord Mandelson’s position when that additional information came to light. With regard to the House of Lords, Lord…22 Jan 2026HANSARDInfected Blood Compensation SchemeThe consultation on the compensation scheme closes today. I am grateful to all who have shared their views. The Government will consider the consultation carefully and respond…22 Jan 2026HANSARDGovernment Decision Making: TransparencyOn the first point, I met the families of the victims of the Manchester Arena bombings and the Hillsborough families only last week. It is critical that we get the balance right…22 Jan 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe right hon. Gentleman raises an important issue. If he writes to me on those specific points, I will be happy to look at them. I have seen the chief executive of Capita and…22 Jan 2026HANSARDTopical QuestionsAs the right hon. Gentleman knows, the Government take a neutral position in relation to that Bill. It is also important, both recently and going forward, that we work sensitively…22 Jan 2026