Contributions
1,177 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)I wholly accept the Minister’s comments; I did not expect that she would be looking into this. I acknowledge the comments made by the hon. Member for North Herefordshire, too. She…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)I will touch very briefly on the new clauses that have been tabled. I thank RUSI for the report that the hon. Member for North Herefordshire outlined. I had a meeting with RUSI…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)I agree with my hon. Friend. That is one example, but we know there have been issues with electoral integrity in Tower Hamlets. Previous Governments stepped in in Tower Hamlets…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. This is not about whether one political party—or one party in government—is more trustworthy than the other; we leave that to the voters.…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)My hon. Friend is absolutely right. At the moment, on polling days, the law is interpreted differently at different polling stations—I am using polling stations as an example…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)I don’t think I have had any.16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)I agree with my hon. Friend. To ironically, yet seriously, relate this to the previous new clause we discussed, I would argue that having a uniform code of guidance where voters…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)Forgive me, Sir Desmond. I do not think that has necessarily been unique to me on this Committee, but I will draw my remarks to a close. I am being challenged over my intentions…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention, which I of course endorse. Some remarks have intimated that we have not commented on other aspects of the Bill. All I will say is that…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)I rise to speak briefly to Opposition new clauses 38 and 39 in my name. They are proportionate measures to enhance the legislation and assist the Government in their aim of…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)No, it would not. I have a lot of respect for the hon. Lady; we get on, and I believe we are both in this for the same reasons. My explanatory note is very clear about what the…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)The hon. Member for North Herefordshire made some comments that, I think, questioned my integrity in making my speech.16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)I beg to move, That the clause be read a second time. This new clause is vital. I would say that, because we tabled it, but it aims to repair some of the imbalance in the tactics…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)On new clause 55 and amendment 38, I understand why the hon. Member for Guildford, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson, is attempting to change the legislation. The Minister may…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)Good morning, Dame Siobhain; it is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship. Thank you for the information about a photographer being present; had I known, I would have had a…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)Thank you very much for your nod of assent, Dame Siobhain, and to the Clerk. This group of new clauses are integral to the Bill. The Liberal Democrat spokesperson, the hon. Member…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)In the interests of ensuring that you call the right votes, Dame Siobhain, there is no doubt in my mind when the Minister says she is genuinely looking at trying to fix this…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Ninth sitting)I rise to speak against new clause 33, which we contend is overly restrictive. While the hon. Member frames the new clause as a shield for democracy, in reality it is a recipe for…16 Apr 2026HANSARDRepresentation of the People Bill (Eighth sitting)Forgive me, Dame Siobhain, but am I allowed to speak to new clauses 42 and 43?16 Apr 2026