Contributions
363 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSupport for Self-employed and Freelance WorkersGary Thomson is a taxi driver in Edinburgh—one of many in the city. He has been driving for years, and until last year he worked for a private company and paid his taxes and…17 Sept 2020HANSARD Business of the HouseIt is good to be here, Mr Speaker, after so many months of absence to discuss matters with the Leader of the House in person. I begin with your very welcome statement, Mr Speaker,…17 Sept 2020HANSARDUnited Kingdom Internal Market BillI think that people living in Scotland care that the priorities for spending on infrastructure in Scotland are determined by them and the representatives they elect, rather than…16 Sept 2020HANSARDUnited Kingdom Internal Market BillI must say that it is astonishing and perhaps a little bit frightening that here we are, elected representatives in a democratic country, meeting to give serious consideration to…16 Sept 2020HANSARDUnited Kingdom Internal Market BillI was going on to make this point, which answers that question. Rather than have the funds taken to London and have London set the priorities for all parts of the United Kingdom…16 Sept 2020HANSARDUK Internal MarketWhat recent discussions he has had with the First Minister of Wales on legislative proposals for a UK internal market.16 Sept 2020HANSARDUK Internal MarketMinisters seem to be in a state of denial about what this internal market Bill actually says. It is quite clear that it will give the power to the UK Government to make spending…16 Sept 2020HANSARDTourism: Covid-19Indeed I do, and I shall come on to that. At the core of this dilemma is the fact that the essence of these industries—hospitality and tourism—is bringing people together. Social…10 Sept 2020HANSARDTourism: Covid-19The great city of Edinburgh, more than most, welcomes people from across the globe. Members will be familiar with our city’s wonderful arts festivals, but its year-round…10 Sept 2020HANSARDBusiness of the HouseI also wish the Leader of the House and his family well. I can hardly hide my disappointment at his absence. After five long months of my absence from this Chamber and the…10 Sept 2020HANSARDStrengthening the UnionHistorically, the role of Secretary of State for Scotland has been to argue for more decisions to be made in Scotland. Does the current Secretary of State not feel ashamed and…09 Sept 2020HANSARD Business of the HouseGood morning, Mr Speaker. Those who observe these Thursday morning exchanges will know that I have tried, over the past few weeks, to secure a debate on the fiscal framework…16 Jul 2020HANSARDBusiness of the HouseThe Chancellor must be peeved that his grand announcement yesterday received such a mixed response, with many industry bodies saying it is insufficient. When we debate these plans…09 Jul 2020HANSARD Arts, Culture and Heritage: Support PackageThe £97 million for Scotland, while welcome, is not a proportionate share of £1.57 billion, so I presume that a fair chunk of the package is either not new, or capital spending.…07 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Tackling DisinformationWhat steps the Government are taking to help tackle disinformation in the context of the covid-19 pandemic.06 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Tackling DisinformationDisinformation by active promoting of falsehoods poses a significant threat, but so too does disinformation by omission. The National Security Council’s report on Russian…06 Jul 2020HANSARDBusiness of the HouseWill the Leader of the House ensure that the Chancellor understands that we are still in the middle of this pandemic, and that before considering recovery after covid, we should…02 Jul 2020HANSARDBusiness of the HouseThere are now less than two weeks until Parliament’s emergency procedures are reviewed. Will the Leader of the House share his insights on what should happen next? Will he move…25 Jun 2020HANSARDBusiness Support: Transition PeriodThe Prime Minister continues to insist that Northern Ireland businesses can simply throw customs exit declarations “in the bin”, while Michel Barnier continues to insist that this…24 Jun 2020HANSARDBusiness Support: Transition PeriodWhat steps he is taking to support businesses in Northern Ireland in preparation for the end of the transition period.24 Jun 2020