Contributions
1,746 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Palestinian Rights: Government SupportThat was wonderful. A few commas, a couple of semi-colons, but a paragraph, I reckon—don’t you? I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.04 Mar 2025HANSARD Bathing Water RegulationsOrder. If Members want to contribute they should bob. I want to call the Front Benchers at about 5.10 pm, so Back Benchers can work out how long they should speak for so that…04 Mar 2025HANSARD Palestinian Rights: Government SupportOrder. I remind Members that they need to bob in order to be called—although, by the look of it, they do not need reminding.04 Mar 2025HANSARD Palestinian Rights: Government SupportI see a lot of Members are standing. I will not impose a formal time limit, but if people stick to about three minutes, everyone will get in. I discourage interventions.04 Mar 2025HANSARD Palestinian Rights: Government SupportI will delay calling the Front Benchers until 3.30 pm, so that I can get more Back Benchers in.04 Mar 2025HANSARD Bathing Water RegulationsMy remarks about brevity were neither targeted at nor limited to Mr Farron. I call the shadow Minister, Robbie Moore.04 Mar 2025HANSARD Palestinian Rights: Government SupportI will enforce a one-minute time limit.04 Mar 2025HANSARD Bathing Water RegulationsWell done for getting your mum in Hansard . I call Gideon Amos to say a few words to sum up.04 Mar 2025HANSARD Bathing Water RegulationsI am calling the Front Bench spokespeople early. That is not an invitation to speak— [ Interruption. ] Sorry, do we have Cameron Thomas? I did not think you were bobbing.04 Mar 2025HANSARD British Indian Ocean TerritoryWhat we do know about the financial deal is that it is linked to inflation. It is therefore inconceivable that Ministers will not have had that modelled. They will have a view…26 Feb 2025HANSARD British Indian Ocean TerritoryI am grateful to the former Security Minister for giving way. I put this question to him: “How can the base—which serves as an indispensable naval, air, and intelligence asset—be…26 Feb 2025HANSARD British Indian Ocean TerritoryMy right hon. Friend’s point is not merely semantic, because in international law—which I know holds great sway on the Labour Benches—those who interpret our entitlements will…26 Feb 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [Lords]I appreciate what the hon. Lady is saying about that, but will she in quick order set out how that will be directed either by the Secretary of State or by Skills England? We need…25 Feb 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [Lords]As I say, I am not an unbridled advocate of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, which the Bill abolishes. I did not set it up during my stewardship. As I…25 Feb 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [Lords]I am immensely flattered that the hon. Gentleman has followed my career with such assiduity. He is right: I defended Unionlearn and would continue to do so. Trade unions can play…25 Feb 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [Lords]I will happily give way. The hon. Lady is now going to test me on my practical incompetence.25 Feb 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [Lords]Much of this debate has been about the purpose of learning—the Secretary of State began in that spirit—and I think we can all agree that the purpose of learning is both to deliver…25 Feb 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [Lords]Yes, of course I acknowledge that role. It is important to point out that many of the universities do great work. I would not want to disparage that work, and the hon. Lady is…25 Feb 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [Lords]I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, who has been listening attentively to my speech so far.25 Feb 2025HANSARDInstitute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill [Lords]The hon. Gentleman is making a powerful case for the independence of Skills England. He will know that Government Departments resist independence like most people resist disease,…25 Feb 2025