Contributions
86 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Valedictory DebateMay I begin by apologising, Madam Deputy Speaker, because there has been so much Northern Irish business over the past week that I have made my farewell speech 15 times? I am now…05 Nov 2019HANSARD Historical Institutional Abuse (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords]I have to say that this is not an easy day to be in the House—it is not an easy time to hear the Secretary of State’s words—and I pay wholehearted tribute to him for quite simply…05 Nov 2019HANSARD Valedictory DebateEven when I was making my speech to the Strangford Democratic Unionist party, he wanted to intervene on me! On that particular occasion I said, “Is there anything to drink?” He…05 Nov 2019HANSARDTributes to the Speaker’s ChaplainI appreciate that you, Mr Speaker, are occasionally someone who believes in constructive iconoclasm. This is the sort of occasion when I say to myself, “Would it not be wonderful…31 Oct 2019HANSARDLeaving the EU: Peace in Northern IrelandI thank the Secretary of State for his most generous words. I have to say, the warmth and kindness he displayed are not normally characteristics of the Whips Office, which made…30 Oct 2019HANSARD Northern Ireland Budget BillIt is a source of great sadness to me and, I think, to everyone both inside and outside the Chamber tonight that such an important piece of legislation is being discussed so…30 Oct 2019HANSARD Northern Ireland Budget BillI am not entirely sure that I accept that. I am obviously grateful to my good friend and colleague. However, I was slightly knocked back by the extraordinary comment of the hon.…30 Oct 2019HANSARD Northern Ireland Budget BillI think it would be appropriate at this time to mention the debt of gratitude that the House owes to the right hon. Member for South Ruislip and Northwood, who is also leaving the…30 Oct 2019HANSARD Northern Ireland Economy and Innovation: Government SupportAm I allowed to take an intervention?29 Oct 2019HANSARD Northern Ireland Economy and Innovation: Government SupportLet us agree on one thing: Northern Ireland is the home of innovation. There has been a long history of that, from the modern tractor through to the Sunderland flying boat,…29 Oct 2019HANSARD Northern Ireland Economy and Innovation: Government SupportThat is an extremely interesting point, and I am extremely grateful to the hon. Gentleman—29 Oct 2019HANSARD Northern Ireland Economy and Innovation: Government SupportDo you know, I have no argument with that. Thales employs nearly 1,000 people in Northern Ireland, and it is there for a reason. It took over Shorts Missile Systems, and it is…29 Oct 2019HANSARD Northern Ireland Economy and Innovation: Government SupportThe Minister is making an extremely powerful point. There are occasions when the Government can stand by and simply encourage—when they do not have to finance initiatives. Will he…29 Oct 2019HANSARD Early Parliamentary General ElectionMay I put it to the right hon. Gentleman that if we were to have a general election, that would simply be a de facto referendum part 2, because there would be no other subject…28 Oct 2019HANSARDStrait of Hormuz: UK ShippingTrafalgar day has been mentioned, and later today, when “Up Spirits” is piped, we will all drink a tot to the immortal memory. I hope that the Minister will place on record his…21 Oct 2019HANSARD Battle of Arnhem: 75th AnniversaryI am reluctant to interrupt my hon. and gallant Friend, who is making an extraordinarily powerful speech. However, I am extremely grateful to him for mentioning the contribution…14 Oct 2019HANSARDNorthern IrelandI welcome the Minister to what I believe is one of his first outings on the Front Bench. I understand that he has other territorial responsibilities. We are not unfamiliar with…07 Oct 2019HANSARD Health Infrastructure PlanI asked first.30 Sept 2019HANSARD Health Infrastructure PlanIt is said in the House that the vote follows the voice. On NHS infrastructure, it seems that the cash follows the camera. On that basis, may I ask the hon. Gentleman to pop round…30 Sept 2019HANSARD Health Infrastructure PlanIt wasn’t that bad, was it?30 Sept 2019