Contributions
1,139 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDLegal Profession: Government CriticismLawyers play a vital role in our justice system and in upholding our democratic society. However, I find the words of the Lord Chief Justice very useful. He recently took the…05 Nov 2020HANSARDSerious Fraud Office: Proceeds of CrimeIn 2019-20, the Serious Fraud Office secured more than £13 million in new financial orders against criminals it investigated, with payments received against previous orders…05 Nov 2020HANSARDSerious Fraud Office: Proceeds of CrimeI am grateful for my hon. Friend’s question. While covid-19 has obviously had an impact on the court system and caused some delays in obtaining and enforcing court orders, the SFO…05 Nov 2020HANSARDLegal Profession: Government CriticismYes, I know that the hon. Lady had an esteemed career as a lawyer, and we share a common interest in upholding the position of lawyers in our society. Any violence—I must make…05 Nov 2020HANSARDLegal Profession: Government CriticismThe hon. Gentleman refers to law firms and, by implication, the incident, which was very serious and, as I say, deplorable. It is not something to trivialise or politicise, and we…05 Nov 2020HANSARDLegal Profession: Government CriticismI speak regularly with Cabinet colleagues, including the Home Secretary, and I am in no doubt whatever that this Government are rightly proud of the UK’s legal tradition and our…05 Nov 2020HANSARDUK Internal Market Bill: Northern IrelandThe question of whether in law the Government can act in this way is very simply answered: yes, they can. The question of whether they should is one for political debate, not…24 Sept 2020HANSARDDomestic and International Law ComplianceOn 10 September, I wrote to Select Committee Chairs to set out the Government’s legal position on the withdrawal agreement and the provisions in the UKIM Bill, and that position…24 Sept 2020HANSARDUK Internal Market Bill: Northern IrelandI regularly meet the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to discuss important issues of common interest. The United Kingdom Internal Market Bill is an essential and landmark…24 Sept 2020HANSARDUK Internal Market Bill: Northern IrelandConsideration of and voting for this Bill do not constitute a breach of the law. However, there are powers in the Bill which, if and when exercised, will operate to disapply…24 Sept 2020HANSARDUK Internal Market Bill: Northern IrelandI prefer to take a less emotional approach than the hon. Lady. I am extremely proud to be supporting this Bill. It protects our country and it safeguards the United Kingdom of…24 Sept 2020HANSARDUK Internal Market Bill: Northern IrelandThe legal basis for the Government’s proposals was set out in the statements of 10 and 17 September. Those made it clear that it is entirely proper, entirely constitutional and…24 Sept 2020HANSARDCriminal Justice Disclosure PracticesI am committed to improving the disclosure process in criminal proceedings and upholding public trust in the criminal justice system. Following a public consultation during which…24 Sept 2020HANSARDCriminal Justice Disclosure PracticesI thank my hon. Friend for raising this important point. There has been an unprecedented focus over the last few years on ensuring that investigators and prosecutors are properly…24 Sept 2020HANSARDUnited Kingdom Internal Market Bill: Rule of LawI speak regularly to my Cabinet colleagues on various matters relating to Government business. In tabling the UKIM Bill, the Government are clear that we are acting in full…24 Sept 2020HANSARDUnited Kingdom Internal Market Bill: Rule of LawThe reality and challenges of being a sovereign nation state are that there are times when tensions and conflicts arise between domestic legislatures and international…24 Sept 2020HANSARDDomestic and International Law ComplianceOn the principle, the dualist nature of our constitution makes it clear that international law and international treaty obligations do not become binding in the UK until and…24 Sept 2020HANSARDDomestic and International Law ComplianceI thank my hon. Friend for that question. He will be aware of the Law Officers’ convention, which forbids me from confirming the fact of legal advice or the content of it, so I…24 Sept 2020HANSARDCovid-19 RestrictionsI speak frequently to Cabinet colleagues on various matters relating to Government business, including measures taken on covid. Everyone has made huge sacrifices this year to…24 Sept 2020HANSARDCovid-19 RestrictionsThe Coronavirus Act 2020 was put before Parliament and went through every stage that a Bill is expected to go through. Any regulations made under it are also subject to…24 Sept 2020