Contributions
373 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDRailways 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 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Fourth sitting)It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Alec. I wish to speak to new clause 15. In doing so, I must ask the Minister for his assistance with either a medical or a…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 (Fourth sitting)Amendment 130 and new clause 8 constitute a Liberal Democrat proposal to introduce a 21st century update to passenger charters. I shall seek to be concise; in the unlikely event…22 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Fourth sitting)The Lib Dems think that clause 5 is along the right lines, and it is good that the Government are proposing to enshrine the principle of local consultation and dialogue into the…22 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Fourth sitting)I wish to speak in favour of new clause 30, tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe (David Chadwick), who is the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for…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 (Fourth sitting)I encourage the hon. Gentleman not to get too carried away by the points on which we have agreed so far, because there will be plenty on which that is not the case. I also…22 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Fourth sitting)Thank you, Sir Alec. I say to the Minister that there but for the grace of God go I. I totally understand what he is saying, but it is perhaps slightly paradoxical: if there are…22 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Fourth sitting)I beg to move amendment 130, in clause 3, page 2, line 22, at end insert— “(h) complying with the provisions of the Passengers’ Charter laid under section [Passengers’ Charter]”…22 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Fourth sitting)I thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention. I will say two things in response. First, I hope that his Government and the Minister will support the new clause, because, given…22 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Fourth sitting)If you will indulge me, Sir Alec, I will briefly respond to the points that have been made. I thank the Minister for his comments. He will know from our past interactions on this…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)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 2026HANSARDRail Passengers’ CharterI beg to move, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to establish a Rail Passengers’ Charter, setting out certain guarantees and targets in relation to the provision of passenger…21 Jan 2026HANSARDOfficial Development Assistance10. What discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on planned levels of spending on official development assistance.20 Jan 2026HANSARDOfficial Development AssistanceThe United States Government have cut funding for research and development on lifesaving health solutions that help the world’s poorest people. In that context, the UK has the…20 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Second sitting)Q Mr McDonald, it is an interesting that the extent of rail devolution in Wales and Scotland is at rather different levels; perhaps I can put it that way. The Welsh Government…20 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Second sitting)Q You have made some really good points about the complexity of rail and the criticality of the relationship between renewals, electrification, signalling and rolling stock, and…20 Jan 2026HANSARDRailways Bill (Second sitting)You may enjoy a ten-minute rule Bill speech that I am making tomorrow. Tracy Brabin: I shall set my timer to make sure I watch it.20 Jan 2026