Contributions
398 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCoronavirus Business Interruption Loan SchemeYes. Charities, who spend so much of their time having to collect from the public and are now having to adapt to new ways of doing that, are among those many who have been pushed…05 Nov 2020HANSARDCoronavirus Business Interruption Loan SchemeI absolutely do, and I hope that some of the points I will make later will address the hon. Lady’s concern. Although improvements were made, the mechanics remain flawed, and…05 Nov 2020HANSARDCoronavirus Business Interruption Loan SchemeI do accept that point, and it is important that some of those grants have been in place. I would far rather have seen some of the large sums available through CBILS and the…05 Nov 2020HANSARDEngagementsMid- lothian has a long and proud mining heritage, from the Lady Victoria colliery to Bilston Glen and Monktonhall, so I very much welcome the Scottish Government’s announcement…04 Nov 2020HANSARDInternational Disinformation ThreatWhat assessment he has made of the potential threat of international disinformation to the security of the UK.02 Nov 2020HANSARDInternational Disinformation Threat[ In audible.]02 Nov 2020HANSARDCovid-19 Temporary MeasuresWhat recent discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on extending the temporary measures introduced by her Department in response to the covid-19 outbreak.19 Oct 2020HANSARDCovid-19 Temporary MeasuresThe Joseph Rowntree Foundation estimates that 1.3 million people across Scotland will lose out if the DWP does not make the £20 increase to universal credit permanent and extend…19 Oct 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsApplications for the new self-isolation payment are to be launched last week, but there is a real risk that some people may not apply for the £500 because of tax concerns.…19 Oct 2020HANSARDElectoral Commission: Political IndependenceThe independence of the commission plays a vital role in maintaining the legitimacy of our democracy, working across the four nations of the UK. It works closely with Parliaments…15 Oct 2020HANSARDElectoral Commission: Political IndependenceThe Electoral Commission’s independence is established in statute. It is a public body, independent of Government and accountable to Parliament through the Speaker’s Committee on…15 Oct 2020HANSARDElectoral Commission ImpartialityIn its most recent public opinion survey, in February this year, the words most frequently used by voters to describe the commission were “independent”, “important” and…15 Oct 2020HANSARDElectoral Commission ImpartialityThe commission’s legal fees in that case were approximately £228,000, including solicitors’ fees of £138,000 and barristers’ fees of £90,000. The commission also paid £535,000…15 Oct 2020HANSARDDigital CampaigningDigital technology offers significant opportunities to engage voters, but the commission’s report on the 2019 general election highlighted significant public concerns about the…15 Oct 2020HANSARDDigital CampaigningThe commission works to protect the integrity of elections and the public’s confidence in it. There are limits to the activities that it can lead. The legal powers and remit stop…15 Oct 2020HANSARDChair of the Electoral CommissionAs required under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, the Speaker’s Committee put in place and oversees the process for selecting candidates for appointment…15 Oct 2020HANSARDChair of the Electoral CommissionThank you, Mr Speaker. Yes, it is not unusual for public appointments to end after one term. The Committee is grateful to Sir John for his four years of service in this very…15 Oct 2020HANSARDMay 2021 Local Elections: Registration and ParticipationThe commission is experienced at driving voter registration across the UK and across demographics. That is delivered through paid advertising, the generation of media coverage,…15 Oct 2020HANSARDMay 2021 Local Elections: Registration and ParticipationThe commission has been working with colleagues across the electoral community to consider the potential impacts of the pandemic on the delivery of polls in May 2021. It is also…15 Oct 2020HANSARDMay 2021 Local Elections: Registration and ParticipationThe commission will ensure that people understand the full range of voting options available that will enable them to participate safely in next May’s polls, including the process…15 Oct 2020