Contributions
478 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDAsylum Seekers: Support and AccommodationIs the hon. Gentleman saying that it is Liberal Democrat policy that asylum costs should not come out of the foreign aid budget?20 Oct 2025HANSARDAsylum Seekers: Support and AccommodationOf course; that is part of creating a deterrent in which we say to those crossing the channel, “If you enter the country illegally, you will not be entitled to claim asylum and…20 Oct 2025HANSARDAsylum Seekers: Support and AccommodationI hope the Government’s policy is successful. It is just that in the 12 months since they took office, the problem has got worse by 50%. I will explain why. The large numbers of…20 Oct 2025HANSARDAsylum Seekers: Support and AccommodationIf the hon. Gentleman has been so successful, why is the number of boat crossings up 50% on this time last year? And why are there 3,000 more people in asylum hotels than before…20 Oct 2025HANSARDAsylum Seekers: Support and AccommodationYes, the number was 56,000 in 2023, but the previous Government brought it down to 29,500 in June 2024. The reduction that the hon. Gentleman mentions was all under the previous…20 Oct 2025HANSARD Official Secrets Act Case: Witness StatementsThe CPS decision not to prosecute leaves our nation less secure. What assurance can the Minister give the House that the Government did everything in their power to ensure that…16 Oct 2025HANSARD Business of the HouseIn Woolavington village in my constituency, three separate planning applications, totalling over 400 homes, have been submitted, with the prospect of a fourth, even larger…16 Oct 2025HANSARD Pride in PlaceI welcome the fact that south Bridgwater has been included in this programme. These funds come on top of the £23 million allocated to Bridgwater under the last Government’s town…15 Oct 2025HANSARD Criminal Courts: Independent ReviewDoes my right hon. and learned Friend agree that Sir Brian’s proposals to change access to jury trials represent a distinct restriction of freedom for citizens facing trial, yet…14 Oct 2025HANSARD Criminal Courts: Independent ReviewIt is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Mr Efford. I am grateful to my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Kenilworth and Southam (Sir Jeremy Wright) for…14 Oct 2025HANSARD Criminal Courts: Independent ReviewThe hon. Lady makes a good point, but before curtailing that restriction further I would want to be persuaded that there are very real benefits. I am afraid that I see none, or at…14 Oct 2025HANSARD Criminal Courts: Independent ReviewHas the Minister’s Department done any analysis of how much time would be saved by adopting Sir Brian’s proposals on jury trials, and if so, what was the result?14 Oct 2025HANSARD Employment Rights BillI am pleased to speak in favour of the Government amendment in lieu of Lords amendment 21, which commits the Government to reviewing whether to add special constables to the list…15 Sept 2025HANSARD Employment Rights BillIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many small businesses are fearful of day one rights because they worry that they might take someone on, only for it to become apparent within a…15 Sept 2025HANSARD Bus Services (No. 2) Bill [Lords]On that point, does the hon. Lady accept that increasing the fare cap from £2 to £3 is likely to reduce ridership, whatever is contained in the new clause?10 Sept 2025HANSARD Bus Services (No. 2) Bill [Lords]Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is odd that the provisions apply to people who travel on trains but not on buses? Does he understand why the Government made that distinction?10 Sept 2025HANSARD Bus Services (No. 2) Bill [Lords]My constituents want the performance, accessibility and quality of bus services to be improved, and that is why I support new clause 34. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for…10 Sept 2025HANSARD Business of the HouseIn December, I asked the Leader of the House for a debate on the Environment Agency’s failure to adequately dredge Somerset’s rivers and maintain our drainage network. The EA has…04 Sept 2025HANSARD House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillThe Minister will be aware that the reason hereditaries still sit in the House of Lords was the deal done in 1999. The promise made by the then Labour Government was that…04 Sept 2025HANSARDProperty TaxesThis Government were elected on a manifesto to increase spending by £9.5 billion. That was to be paid for through £7.3 billion of extra taxes and £3.5 billion of extra borrowing,…03 Sept 2025