Contributions
1,101 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDPrinciples of Democracy and the Rights of the ElectorateThe hon. Gentleman has made an excellent point. As I was about to say, I supported remain during the referendum campaign, but from the early hours of the morning, when we received…26 Sept 2019HANSARDPrinciples of Democracy and the Rights of the ElectorateMy hon. Friend has made an excellent suggestion. I am sitting next to the Minister for the Constitution, my hon. Friend the Member for Torbay (Kevin Foster). We would have to…26 Sept 2019HANSARDPrinciples of Democracy and the Rights of the ElectorateAs the hon. Gentleman well knows, the parliamentary franchise that was applied to the referendum was the same parliamentary franchise that applies in other elections, because…26 Sept 2019HANSARDPrinciples of Democracy and the Rights of the ElectorateIf Members will forgive me, I will make a little more progress, and then I will give way to the hon. Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun (Alan Brown). We are working to reduce…26 Sept 2019HANSARDPrinciples of Democracy and the Rights of the ElectorateI will take a couple more interventions, but then I really must make some progress. I will give way to the hon. Member for Blackley and Broughton (Graham Stringer).26 Sept 2019HANSARDPrinciples of Democracy and the Rights of the ElectorateI thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. There is nothing further that I can add to that, but I noticed that the right hon. Member for East Antrim (Sammy Wilson) was seeking…26 Sept 2019HANSARDPrinciples of Democracy and the Rights of the ElectorateI will give way once more, but am conscious of the need to make progress.26 Sept 2019HANSARDPrinciples of Democracy and the Rights of the ElectorateI thank my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe for his intervention. I always welcome his help and support in relation to evidence, and look forward to that discussion.26 Sept 2019HANSARDPrinciples of Democracy and the Rights of the ElectorateI give way to my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Mr Baker).26 Sept 2019HANSARDPrinciples of Democracy and the Rights of the ElectorateI thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention. I would recommend that he read the Electoral Commission’s report on that subject. I frankly find it astounding that Opposition…26 Sept 2019HANSARDPrinciples of Democracy and the Rights of the ElectorateI beg to move, That this House has considered the principles of democracy and the rights of the electorate. This is a Government who believe in letting the British people exercise…26 Sept 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsAs my hon. Friend knows, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we are determined to level the playing field so that they can win Government contracts. That is why,…10 Jul 2019HANSARDInnovative Technologies: Public ServicesAs ever, my right hon. Friend is absolutely correct. It is only because we have a strong economy that we are able to invest in innovative technologies, which is why we have such a…10 Jul 2019HANSARDInnovative Technologies: Public ServicesI regret to say that I am not a Secretary of State; I am but a junior Minister. However, I will be looking into the matter that the hon. Gentleman has raised. I am working closely…10 Jul 2019HANSARDInnovative Technologies: Public ServicesExperience of innovative technology suggests that it can make services more personalised and more tailored to individual circumstances. However, it is important for us to continue…10 Jul 2019HANSARDInnovative Technologies: Public ServicesIt is very important to highlight that sort of work. It is just another example of the impact that innovative technology can have in improving people’s lives. The purpose of the…10 Jul 2019HANSARDInnovative Technologies: Public ServicesLast month I launched the Government’s technology innovation strategy, which sets out how we will approach the use of emergent technologies in future. I also launched an…10 Jul 2019HANSARDPublic Appointments: DiversityToday I have published the Government’s response to Lord Holmes’ review into opening up public appointments to disabled people, alongside a refreshed public appointments diversity…27 Jun 2019HANSARDGovernment ProcurementI would have thought that the hon. Gentleman would welcome figures that show we are spending more with small businesses than ever before. On his point about prompt payment, we set…05 Jun 2019HANSARDGovernment ProcurementWe are doing more than ever to encourage SMEs in public procurement. Recently published figures show an increase in spend from the previous year. Examples of measures that we have…05 Jun 2019