Contributions
1,152 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDElections Bill (Eleventh sitting)The hon. Lady says this is the Government stifling their opposition. Actually, civil society, trade unions and charitable organisations are all our opposition, because they put…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Eleventh sitting)Like the Labour Front-Bench team, SNP Members have warned repeatedly about the chilling effect that the Bill as a whole will have on political participation. We have gone through…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Eleventh sitting)Absolutely. Where are those decisions ultimately made? Here, in rooms like this one. We are engaging with charitable organisations on this Bill. We are being advised and lobbied…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Eleventh sitting)Given the repeal of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, how will charities know when it is 12 months before a general election?26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Eleventh sitting)And in 2019?26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Eleventh sitting)The Minister said in her previous speech that the measure was partly intended to avoid a situation arising comparable to the US super-PACs that spend millions of dollars with very…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Eleventh sitting)I want to speak briefly in solidarity with my Labour comrades. I was reminded during the hon. Lady’s speech of the quote, often attributed to Margaret Mead, that is a favourite of…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Eleventh sitting)I do not think that was a massive surprise. The Minister is right to say that it is important that the legislation is future-proofed. The Scottish Parliament has a proud record—as…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Eleventh sitting)I beg to move amendment 92, in clause 32, page 44, line 12, leave out “may by” and insert “must consult with such persons as the Minster considers appropriate before making”. This…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Eleventh sitting)This relatively technical amendment is based on the written evidence and suggested amendments submitted by the Law Society of Scotland, which I am sure Committee members are…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Twelfth sitting)I beg to move amendment 93, in clause 57, page 60, line 8, at end insert— “(1A) Before making regulations under subsection (1) the Secretary of State must consult the Scottish…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Twelfth sitting)This is another technical amendment based on proposals that were submitted by the Law Society of Scotland in its written evidence to the Committee, which I know that Government…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Twelfth sitting)I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 57 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 58 and 59 ordered to stand part of the Bill.…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Twelfth sitting)To be fair, I have already made that point. I am very happy to submit myself to the electorate under any proportional system that the Government want to introduce. The hon.…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Twelfth sitting)We have only to look at the results of the elections to this place—this is perhaps not the clause specifically to debate that—to see how well the Conservatives fare. When we SNP…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Twelfth sitting)I am unsure why Government Back Benchers are not rising in defence of their Minister on the implementation of this crucial manifesto promise. The Minister could not quite explain…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Twelfth sitting)I look forward to the hon. Gentleman telling me why that is.26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Twelfth sitting)If by “here”, my hon. Friend means the Union, yes, I entirely agree; if he means this Committee Room, I am afraid I do not agree, because I know how desperate Sir Edward is to…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Twelfth sitting)I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. The introduction of new clause 1, and indeed amendment 59, fundamentally changed the scope and nature of this Bill. We made…26 Oct 2021HANSARDElections Bill (Twelfth sitting)I am encouraged by the warm words of those on the Labour Front Bench. On that basis, we will test the will of the Committee. Question put, That the clause be read a Second time.26 Oct 2021