Contributions
1,177 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (First sitting)I am the shadow Minister.24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)Q May I suggest that you are a very brave man to talk about the democratic eligibility of councillors when sitting before a Committee full of former councillors? But there we…24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)Q I come from the school of thought that local authorities generally and genuinely try to do the right things for their local residents and start with trying to deliver change.…24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)Q I welcome Rachel and Paul to the Committee. We look forward to questioning you and we thank you for the work that you do. I thank you, Rachel, for the work of the NFU in the…24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)Q Thank you; that is illuminating and we will take it forward in Committee. Mr Miner, could you elaborate on my question about the NRF element of the legislation? Paul Miner: We…24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)I will come back again, although I know you are under the cosh at the moment. Rachel Hallos: It’s fine; that is why I am here.24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)By the way, don’t apologise. You are perfectly entitled, as every other witness is, to give your view on this piece of legislation. I would say, however, that the Minister is…24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)Q I think the Minister is being slightly disingenuous about the reforms being proposed by the Government to compulsory purchase orders. At no point did you state that you are…24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)Thank you, Councillors, for being here. I put on record that many Committee members are former or still serving councillors.24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)Q Despite some of our earlier witnesses’ words about the democratic mandate of councillors, I respect what you do, so thank you very much. I will ask two mainstream questions:…24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)Q Thank you, Councillor Hug—I know that, as leader of Westminster, you have been through your reform many years ago, in terms of the accountability reforms with the advance of the…24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)It is your fault then. Councillor Wright: I have lived in hope that we get clarity on purpose and policy. At the moment, we have far too many policies all coming through at the…24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)Yes.24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)We are removing statutory consultees. Councillor Clewer: There is significant concern about that removal. That process is how you identify some of the specific issues on the…24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)Q Thank you very much for coming, and welcome. May I call you Catherine? Catherine Howard: Yes.24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)Q Thank you, Catherine. The Minister and I have regularly been on Committees in the House where we—the Conservative party—agree with the Government’s proposals over planning fees.…24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)Q Thank you very much. I am sure the Minister is studying them very carefully, as am I. Would the other two witnesses like to speak on that aspect of the question? You do not need…24 Apr 2025HANSARDPlanning and Infrastructure Bill (Second sitting)Q Fine. One very quick question; I am afraid it is to you again, Mr Benwell. I apologise to the other witnesses; it is no reflection at all on your character or expertise. I hope…24 Apr 2025HANSARDSewageThe Secretary of State is right to outline the legislation he is bringing forward, but on the ground there is still frustration about pollution in rivers, such as in Botley in my…23 Apr 2025HANSARD Armed Forces CovenantI welcome the report and congratulate all members of the Committee and the witnesses who played their part in the inquiry. Overall, may I extend the Opposition’s best wishes to…08 Apr 2025