Contributions
478 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDLocal Authorities (Changes to Years of Ordinary Elections) (England) Order 2025I think my hon. Friend will find that the problem, of course, is that Somerset is run by the Liberal Democrats, and run very badly.26 Mar 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsT8. President Macron has blocked British firms from the new EU defence fund. What are the Secretary of State’s views on this act of solidarity?24 Mar 2025HANSARDMilitary Aid to UkraineI am grateful to the Secretary of State for his answer. Over the weekend, President Trump’s special envoy dismissed the Prime Minister’s plan for an international force to support…24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillThe Bill is about speeding up planning processes, judicial reviews and the development of critical infrastructure. Although some elements of the Bill are positive, others risk…24 Mar 2025HANSARD Planning and Infrastructure BillI thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention, but the Liberal Democrats have been responsible since 2022 for the mess that has become Somerset. I am in favour in principle of…24 Mar 2025HANSARDMilitary Aid to Ukraine2. What steps he is taking to ensure that UK military aid is adequate to meet Ukraine’s capability requirements.24 Mar 2025HANSARD Business of the HouseThe M5 motorway in Somerset is being closed ever more frequently and for longer durations. This causes great inconvenience to businesses and residents, occasionally gridlocking…20 Mar 2025HANSARDEngagementsQ14. The Employment Rights Bill will grant union equality representatives the right to paid time off work. Will the Prime Minister grant special constables the right to take…12 Mar 2025HANSARDSchool Standards in Wales9. What discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on school standards in Wales.12 Mar 2025HANSARD Employment Rights BillDoes the shadow Minister agree that the only jobs that will be created by these Bills are for people employed by trade unions?12 Mar 2025HANSARD Employment Rights BillThe shadow Minister may recall that in Committee, every single Labour member of the Committee declared sponsorship by the trade union movement. Does he agree with me that this…12 Mar 2025HANSARDSchool Standards in WalesChildren in Wales have the lowest PISA —programme for international student assessment— scores in the United Kingdom and are significantly below the OECD average. Does the…12 Mar 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe two-tier sentencing guidelines take effect on 1 April. If the Lord Chancellor is sincere about having a justice system that treats everyone equally, will she not support our…11 Mar 2025HANSARD Employment Rights BillAs a member of the Public Bill Committee for the Bill, I was surprised by the number of amendments the Government tabled to their own legislation in Committee. There were hundreds…11 Mar 2025HANSARD Employment Rights BillI had the good fortune to serve with the Minister for 21 sessions in Committee, and at the end of that we had a Bill 192 pages long. We now have 270 pages of amendments, most of…11 Mar 2025HANSARDProtection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) BillI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his intervention, but having spent a great deal of time talking about raising the digital age of consent and having asked my constituents…07 Mar 2025HANSARDProtection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) BillThe smartphone is one of the most remarkable pieces of technology ever invented. Smartphones keep us connected to the world and allow us to stay in touch with family, friends and…07 Mar 2025HANSARDProtection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) BillI agree with the Minister that often a Bill will contain something that is merely declaratory. Has he ever seen a Bill that is wholly declaratory and contains nothing that…07 Mar 2025HANSARDProtection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) BillI agree with the hon. Gentleman’s comments so far, but the emails I have received from constituents who support his campaign make reference to “raising the age of ‘internet…07 Mar 2025HANSARDProtection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) BillMy right hon. Friend makes a very good point. I maintain that this Bill is a waste of time. I will vote for it today, if we get the opportunity. Unfortunately, I understand that…07 Mar 2025