Contributions
1,153 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCyber SecurityMy hon. Friend is right to draw attention to the threat to local authorities. This is a whole-system threat. It can affect central Government, private businesses and local…23 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsSince the last Cabinet Office questions we have set out the Government’s approach on public sector reform, published our response to module 1 of the covid-19 inquiry, updated the…23 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe right hon. Gentleman raises an important issue. The public inquiry into the Horizon scandal shows that blind faith in a computer system used in a court of law can lead to…23 Jan 2025HANSARDPublic Services ReformThe hon. Gentleman is quite right to point out the advantages that can come from these things. I am reluctant to make specific announcements about funding for specific projects.…23 Jan 2025HANSARDPublic Services ReformAt the heart of what we want to do is improving living standards, outcomes and opportunities for all. One of the consequences of the long waiting times and waiting lists in the…23 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsThere has been a lot of speculation in recent days. I would advise the whole House to not comment on speculation. If there is an announcement to be made, it will be made.23 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsI am grateful to the shadow Minister for his question. Those of us of a certain age will remember the appalling consequences of the last serious outbreak of foot and mouth in the…23 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsI will keep it short, Mr Speaker: we will ensure that we co-ordinate our response with all parts of the UK.23 Jan 2025HANSARDPublic Services ReformAs I set out in a speech last month, modern government is about not just what the Government want to do but reform of the state itself. We want to see public services that revolve…23 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe Chancellor was right to go to China. It is an important economic relationship, but there is a security aspect, too. The National Security and Investment Act has an important…23 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care met with colleagues on this issue. We believe the vaccine programme had great benefits for the UK, but there…23 Jan 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsAs I said in response to the shadow Minister, we take the threat of foot and mouth in particular very seriously. We want to work with our farmers and protect them. This is a…23 Jan 2025HANSARDCyber SecurityThe Liberal Democrat spokesperson makes some strong points. We have to take the protection of our democratic system and processes seriously. I outlined Russian activity in my…23 Jan 2025HANSARD Covid-19 InquiryLet me say to the hon. Gentleman that I believe the production and distribution of the vaccines was one of the things that went well and which this country contributed to, and…16 Jan 2025HANSARD Covid-19 InquiryThe hon. Gentleman is right about the need for robust research. I do not analyse the research projects one by one, but I thank him for his service, and underline what I have said…16 Jan 2025HANSARD Covid-19 InquiryOne of the risks that we face is posed by mosquito-borne diseases—viruses of various kinds. The UK Health Security Agency monitors such diseases so that we have the most…16 Jan 2025HANSARD Covid-19 InquiryLet me echo my hon. Friend’s praise for Professor Solomon and the work that he and the Pandemic Institute are doing. He is right to underline the value of research, as is my hon.…16 Jan 2025HANSARD Covid-19 InquiryIn my final answer of the afternoon, let me warmly endorse what my hon. Friend said on both counts. Let us remember all those who lost their lives and give thanks to the many…16 Jan 2025HANSARD Covid-19 InquiryI would like to make a statement on the Government’s response to module 1 of the covid inquiry. In July last year, Baroness Hallett published her report from the first module of…16 Jan 2025HANSARD Covid-19 InquiryMy hon. Friend raises an excellent point. Let me echo his praise for all the key workers he mentioned. When the chips were down, we found out who was keeping the country going.…16 Jan 2025