Contributions
373 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDRailways Bill (Sixth sitting)I understand the shadow Minister’s point, but I put it to him that the fact that our Parliaments tend to be four or five years long is precisely why the strategy needs to be very…27 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Sixth sitting)The right hon. Gentleman gives another good illustration of the problem, and of the foolishness of our current obsession with ordering five-coach inter-city trains, which no other…27 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Fifth sitting)I certainly see what the hon. Member is trying to do with these amendments, and the Liberal Democrats share some of his concerns about the balance between holding GBR to account…27 Jan 2026HANSARDSupport for Businesses10. What assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to business rates on the hospitality sector.27 Jan 2026HANSARDSupport for BusinessesIn my Oxfordshire constituency, pubs including the Fox Inn in Denchworth, the White Hart in Harwell and the Fox and Hounds in Uffington are vital to their village communities, yet…27 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Fifth sitting)It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir Alec. This amendment relates to some of the clauses in the Bill that will enable the Secretary of State to give guidance, as…27 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Fifth sitting)I beg to move amendment 143, in clause 9, page 6, line 30, after “statutory functions” insert “, but only in respect of strategic or financial matters where such guidance is…27 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Sixth sitting)Oh right—okay. I seemingly stand corrected. Well, there we go; this probably will not be the last mention either. It is good that an element of the Bill enables us to have some…27 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Sixth sitting)May I correct an earlier omission, Mr Western, by stating that it is a pleasure to serve under your chairship? First, I want to make some general comments about this part of the…27 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Sixth sitting)I want to make a few remarks about the Conservative new clauses, on which we have mixed opinions. New clause 34 perhaps has some merit in terms of its intention to strengthen…27 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Sixth sitting)We have reached a rather long group of amendments at this point in the afternoon. I would generally have liked to have used that as an opportunity to be concise. However— […27 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Sixth sitting)I beg to move amendment 134, in clause 15, page 8, line 18, at end insert “for the next 30 years for”. This amendment would ensure that the rail strategy set out in Clause 15 must…27 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Sixth sitting)I understand what the Minister is saying, but I am sure that in his line of work he has already encountered many instances where, despite noble intentions for something to perhaps…27 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Third sitting)On a point of order, Mrs Hobhouse. I seek clarification for my own understanding. The lead amendment in the group is Opposition amendment 2; is it correct that we are also…22 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Fourth sitting)I thank the Minister for his comments. I do not doubt that his intentions are genuine and that he would like to see the Bill and GBR lead to greater passenger numbers, but I…22 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Third sitting)I have not made an assessment of it at this moment. But that is not unique: at this stage in the parliamentary cycle, the right hon. Member will find that a number of the…22 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Third sitting)Of course, taxpayers pay for a wide range of services, public or otherwise. Too often, the railway has been viewed almost uniquely, with the high expectation that it covers its…22 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Third sitting)It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Hobhouse. I want to speak in favour of new clause 24, which I will press to a vote when the time comes, because, as I have…22 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Fourth sitting)The length and complexity of this amendment mean that hopefully I will be able to relieve hon. Members by making a very concise speech. The Liberal Democrats welcome the…22 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Third sitting)I stand to speak in favour of amendment 131 and new clause 9, and we will push new clause 9 to a vote if you are willing, Mrs Hobhouse. The amendments are intended to encourage…22 Jan 2026