Contributions
785 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Performing Arts: English National OperaThe right hon. Lady is entirely right. A few statistics bear that out: 50% of the ENO’s audience come to see an opera for the first time. I was at its new production of “It’s a…05 Dec 2022HANSARD Performing Arts: English National OperaI will conclude by asking the Minister what more he needs to hear. When I was a barrister, I would occasionally say to my clients, “The evidence is overwhelming.” He should go…05 Dec 2022HANSARD Performing Arts: English National OperaI will take the remaining interventions, then close quickly to give the Minister time to respond.05 Dec 2022HANSARD Performing Arts: English National OperaI am massively grateful to my hon. Friend.05 Dec 2022HANSARD Performing Arts: English National OperaIt is a pleasure but also a sadness to rise to speak in this Adjournment debate, because it is not a discussion we should be having in a society that prizes excellence, attainment…05 Dec 2022HANSARD Performing Arts: English National OperaMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. That is the whole point. This should not be an either/or. The whole point is to ensure that we have a secure company in London that can do its…05 Dec 2022HANSARD Performing Arts: English National OperaI certainly agree with my hon. Friend. The ENO has been about expanding horizons and expanding opportunities. The irony is also that, because of the hard work of its current…05 Dec 2022HANSARD Performing Arts: English National OperaI appreciate the Minister’s remarks. I do not think the energy costs are a great problem for any of the arts companies, frankly. I gently say to him he refers fairly to the…05 Dec 2022HANSARD Performing Arts: English National OperaI entirely agree with the Father of the House.05 Dec 2022HANSARD Prison CapacityThe Minister is right, of course, to take this urgent action, and to say that this is not the first time it has had to be done. Does he recognise that two factors are at play…30 Nov 2022HANSARDSupporting UK Artists and CultureIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Gosport (Dame Caroline Dinenage) on securing this debate. I agree…22 Nov 2022HANSARDTopical QuestionsIn 2018, HM Inspectorate of Prisons issued an urgent notification document setting out serious failings at HM Prison Exeter. Last week, the inspectorate, for the first time ever,…22 Nov 2022HANSARDCommon PlatformThe Minister is of course right to say that we need to modernise and improve IT systems and replace the legacy systems, but will he sit down and talk in some detail with users of…22 Nov 2022HANSARDAutumn Statement ResolutionsI welcome the pragmatic tone the Government have adopted in this autumn statement. On the NHS workforce strategy, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind not just those who provide…21 Nov 2022HANSARDTopical QuestionsWhen Kabul fell, the Government rightly undertook to assist in the relocation of courageous Afghan judges who had taken a key role in the fight against the Taliban. Since then,…08 Nov 2022HANSARDTopical QuestionsI refer to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Last Saturday was World Stroke Day. Will my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State commend the work of the…01 Nov 2022HANSARD Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) BillWill the hon. Gentleman give way? I will not be speaking later in the debate.25 Oct 2022HANSARD Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) BillThe hon. Gentleman refers to business uncertainty. Has he seen the detailed briefing that has been prepared by the Bar Council about its concerns over the creation of legal…25 Oct 2022HANSARD Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) BillI am very grateful to the Minister for giving way and I congratulate him on doing such a sterling job under such difficult circumstances. I recognise that it will be necessary to…25 Oct 2022HANSARD Human Rights Legislation ReformIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Fovargue, and to have the opportunity to debate this important petition. I will start from the basic principle that the…24 Oct 2022