argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Matthew John David Hancock (Conservative, Centre-right): With only a few days remaining in this Parliament, the Government continue to work tirelessly to make the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a business. We are proud of our record over this Parliament, including the 760,000 extra businesses, the 2.2 million extra jobs that business has created and the rising pay that has benefited millions. This has been possible only because of our unstinting and unambiguous support for businesses. Last week’s Budget built on this record with a fundamental review of business rates, and last week we set out our intentions for using the new prompt payment transparency powers. The Bill takes this commitment to support small business further. It is the first ever small business Bill and I hope will shortly become the first ever small business Act In the other place, the Bill was, as we would expect, subjected to careful and robust scrutiny, and I am grateful to Baroness Neville-Rolfe for ably steering it through the other place, where it was enhanced and improved. As part of that, several amendments were made, both substantive and technical. The Government supported all the successful amendments, and I hope that the House will agree them today. I shall go through each in turn, beginning with late payment. The Bill takes unprecedented steps to tackle late payment, so understandably the matter was debated in detail in this House and the other place. Late payment is a major issue for businesses large and small, and we are taking steps in the Bill and elsewhere to bring an end to the UK’s late payment culture once and for all Transparency has a pivotal role to play. Clause 3 introduces a tough new prompt payment reporting requirement for the UK’s largest companies. In the other place, this clause was further strengthened by amendments 1 to 3, which insert a reference to performance on the face of the Bill and make express reference to late payment interest as an example of the type of information that will be included in the report. Beyond the Bill, we have strengthened the prompt payment code with our announcement last month that 30-day payment terms will be the norm of acceptable behaviour, with 60 days as the maximum in all but exceptional circumstances. The public sector will play its part, as 30-day terms are now legally required right down the public sector supply chain The transparency measures in the Bill will shine a light on poor payment practices and make a company’s payment terms a reputational boardroom issue. We will drive a culture change to redress the current economic imbalance of power between large companies and their suppliers. The amendments under consideration today will help to ensure suppliers are fairly compensated. We are determined to make 30-day terms the norm and 60 days the maximum acceptable payment terms. With this Bill, we will make unacceptable late payment a thing of the past.
Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Domestic Commerce
John Michael Howell (Conservative, Centre-right): I very much welcome what the Minister said and I welcome the clause. When I was running a small business of my own, late payments bedevilled the business, and it was always the larger companies that were responsible for it. I am very glad that this amendment is being made.
Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Matthew John David Hancock (Conservative, Centre-right): I am grateful for that intervention. I, too, have personal experience of poor payment performance having a massive impact on the businesses I worked in. Frankly, the late payment culture is a problem with our contract law. Good contract law means good payment against a contract. I think these transparency measures will have a significant impact, changing prompt payment from being an issue for finance directors to being an issue for the board. Through these transparency measures, we will not allow it to be deemed reasonable to pay late. I think that 60 days as a maximum and 30 days as a norm is a perfectly reasonable place to settle.
Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Matthew John David Hancock (Conservative, Centre-right): There are already sanctions under EU law relating to interest payments, but the transparency measures will crucially mean that we can have league tables of payment performance. The transparency in this area, alongside the public sector payment practices, will change the culture. We considered and debated in detail going further in changing contract law, but a contract is signed up to by both sides, and no practical amendment was put down to make it more binding than the existing law, which already says that 60 days should be the maximum unless both sides agree to it. Any contract, of course, has to be agreed to by both sides. It is a matter of finding a way to make this practical in law Part 2 deals with regulatory reform, and the Bill brings forward significant measures to reduce the burden of regulation. The small business appeals champion will ensure that small businesses’ concerns about regulators are heard. There was extensive debate in the other place on whether the Equality and Human Rights Commission should be excluded from these measures We have always maintained that the EHRC should not be subject to the duty to appoint a champion and had originally considered that an exemption in secondary legislation would be sufficient. Concerns were expressed, however, that this might put at risk the EHRC’s "A" status as a national human rights institution. In the light of those concerns, we agreed to eliminate this potential risk by excluding the EHRC from scope of the duty on the face of the Bill On the business impact target, the other place questioned the definition of voluntary and community bodies in clause 27. The Government listened to this concern and amendment 28 simplifies the definition by removing the minimum membership threshold for certain smaller unincorporated associations. It also ensures that such bodies are not excluded from the proposed definitions of small and micro businesses later in the Bill by virtue of the size of their membership. Those are relatively technical changes. The principle of a business impact target to ensure that in future Governments are transparent—as this Government have been—about the impact of their overall regulatory approach on the burdens of business was well supported, and is made clear in the Bill.
Counter-terrorism — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Civil Rights
William Nigel Paul Cash (Conservative, Centre-right): In the context of human rights legislation, and particularly the Human Rights Act 1998 and the charter of fundamental rights, which is increasingly being brought in by the European Court of Justice, does the Minister believe that these proposals, and many aspects of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, will survive against those in the human rights lobby who are determined to put human rights ahead even of the prevention of terrorism?
Counter-terrorism — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Civil Rights
William Nigel Paul Cash (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend can probably guess that I am about to ask a question similar to my last one about judicial oversight, the charter and human rights legislation. I am sure he recognises that there is a potentiality, if not a certainty, that these matters will be challenged, particularly the exclusion orders. Does he not think that there is still time to consider imposing a restriction on those who have repudiated allegiance to the UK to prevent their returning to the country?
Counter-terrorism — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Mixed Topics
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady made this point about the impact assessment the other day. Will she acknowledge that the matter to which she refers is in the regulations before us this afternoon and that there is also the Scottish duty? She has completely mischaracterised this point.
Delegated Legislation — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Mixed Topics
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): With the leave of the House, we shall take motions 7 to 10 together Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6)), Extradition That the draft Extradition Act 2003 (Amendment to Designations and Appeals) Order 2015, which was laid before this House on 16 January, be approved National Health Service That the draft Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (Special Trustees) Amendment Regulations 2015, which were laid before this House on 3 February, be approved That the draft False or Misleading Information (Specified Care Providers and Specified Information) Regulations 2015, which were laid before this House on 11 February, be approved Companies That the draft Companies, Partnerships and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2015, which were laid before this House on 23 February, be approved.—(Mark Lancaster.) Question agreed to.
Delegated Legislation — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Housing
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): With the leave of the House, we shall take motions 12 to 19 together Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6)), Housing That the draft Selective Licensing of Houses (Additional Conditions) (England) Order 2015, which was laid before this House on 4 March, be approved Energy Conservation That the draft Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015, which were laid before this House on 9 March, be approved That the draft Energy Efficiency (Domestic Private Rented Property) Order 2015, which was laid before this House on 4 February, be approved Public Health That the draft Nicotine Inhaling Products (Age of Sale and Proxy Purchasing) Regulations 2015, which were laid before this House on 25 February, be approved That the draft Proxy Purchasing of Tobacco, Nicotine Products etc. (Fixed Penalty Amount) Regulations 2015, which were laid before this House on 25 February, be approved Financial Services and Markets That the draft Bank of England Act 1998 (Macro-prudential Measures) Order 2015, which was laid before this House on 12 February, be approved That the draft Bank of England Act 1998 (Macro-prudential Measures) (No. 2) Order 2015, which was laid before this House on 12 February, be approved That the draft Mortgage Credit Directive Order 2015, which was laid before this House on 27 February, be approved.—(Mark Lancaster.) Question agreed to.
Delegated Legislation — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Other
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): Before I call the petitions to be presented, I must explain to the House how we will deal with their large number. I hope colleagues will be forbearing on this matter We shall deal first with the three petitions on subjects not relating to "Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons". After those petitions have been presented, we will move on to the petitions on "Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons". Once the first petition relating to this subject has been read to the House, with its prayer, subsequent petitions on the same topic should not be read out in full. Members should give a brief description of the number and location of the petitioners, and state that the petition is "in the same terms." Members presenting more than one petition should present them together. When a Member has presented a petition, she or he should proceed to the Table and hand their petition to the Clerk, who will read the title of the petition and then hand it back to the Member. She or he should then proceed directly to the petitions bag at the back of the Chair. I will call the next Member immediately after the Clerk has read the title. At the expiry of half an hour, no further petitions may be presented orally, but they may be placed in the petition bag and will be recorded as formally presented.
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Mixed Topics
Graham Charles Stuart (Conservative, Centre-right): It is a pleasure to be joined by so many colleagues to present petitions from up and down the country calling for English votes on English laws. Petitions have also been raised by many dozens of other colleagues and constituencies. In just a few weeks, there will be a general election at which we will face a decisive choice on a number of important issues, one of which is whether the people of England should be allowed to determine their own destiny in areas where decisions have been devolved to the Scottish Parliament, or whether MPs representing Scottish constituencies should be allowed to continue to decide issues that will have no effect whatsoever on their constituents We have set out proposals to ensure basic democratic fairness. The Opposition are, of course, silent. They want to maintain the flexibility to strike a cosy deal, backed by nationalist MPs who want to tear our country apart, so this is an issue they would prefer to avoid. That will not satisfy the thousands of people who have signed this petition and whose voice is heard tonight. I am grateful to you, Mr Speaker, for allowing us time to present the petition. As you have said, I will read it out in full so other colleagues do not need to do so. I wish to present a petition on behalf of those in the Beverley and Holderness constituency who want to ensure English votes for English laws The petition states: The Petition of residents of Beverley and Holderness, Declares that the Petitioners believe that when Parliament makes decisions affecting only the people of England or England and Wales then those decisions should be made only by the Members of Parliament elected to represent England or England and Wales The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons creates fairness in the devolution settlement by ensuring decisions having a separate and distinct effect on England or England and Wales, are only decided by the Members of Parliament elected to represent England or England and Wales And the Petitioners remain, etc [P001451]
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Other
Christopher Heaton-Harris (Conservative, Centre-right): I rise to present a petition in the same terms as that of my hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart) on behalf of my constituents in Daventry. I also have a similar one, which I carried out online, with about 300 signatures. This is the second petition that I have presented on this issue since I became a Member of Parliament. It is a very strong and current theme in the pubs and on the streets of the villages in my constituency, so it gives me great pleasure to present this petition The Petition of the residents of Daventry. [P001439]
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Mixed Topics
Simon Reevell (Conservative, Centre-right): I, too, rise to present a petition in the same terms on behalf of the people of Dewsbury. It is no more and no less than a request that such matters are dealt with fairly from the perspective of those of us who live in England, who want no more than that enjoyed by those who live elsewhere in the United Kingdom The Petition of the residents of Dewsbury. [P001454]
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Mixed Topics
Anne Marie Morris (Conservative, Centre-right): I rise to present a petition in the same terms as that of my hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart) on behalf of the constituents of Newton Abbot. English laws must be made only by English MPs: this is the heart of democracy The Petition of residents of the constituency of Newton Abbot. [P001457]
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Other
Oliver Heald (Conservative, Centre-right): I rise to present a similar petition in the same terms on behalf of the residents of North East Hertfordshire, who feel most strongly about this issue The Petition of residents of North East Hertfordshire. [P001458]
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Civil Rights
Henry Edward Millar Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): I rise to present a petition in the same terms as that of my hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart) on behalf of my constituents in Crawley, who believe that they should have equal weight in decisions that affect their lives in England. It is my pleasure to present the petition The Petition of residents of Crawley. [P001459]
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Mixed Topics
Alan James Carter Duncan (Conservative, Centre-right): On behalf of my constituents in Rutland and Melton, I present a petition in the same terms as that of my hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart). We believe in a balanced and fair constitution that offers English votes for English laws The Petition of the residents of Rutland and Melton. [P001468]
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Other
Angela Eileen Watkinson (Conservative, Centre-right): I rise to present a petition in precisely the same terms as that of my hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart). It contains 276 signatures from the residents of Hornchurch and Upminster The Petition of the residents of Hornchurch and Upminster. [P001469]
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Civil Rights
Fiona Claire Bruce (Conservative, Centre-right): I rise to present a petition in the same terms on behalf of my constituents in Congleton, who consider this to be a matter of fairness and justice for themselves and all the people of England The Petition of the residents of Congleton. [P001472]
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Other
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I rise to present a petition in the same terms on behalf of the residents of the faithful city of Worcester. It has been signed by more than 400 residents and 100 residents have signed a similar petition online The Petition of the residents of Worcester. [P001473]
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Civil Rights
David Anthony Andrew Amess (Conservative, Centre-right): I rise to present a petition in the same terms as that of my hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart). It has been signed by many constituents in Southend West who are incensed about the unfair voting arrangements for English Members of Parliament The Petition of the residents of Southend West. [P001475]
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Other
Sheryll Murray (Conservative, Centre-right): I would like to associate myself with the words of my hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart) and to present a petition in the same terms on behalf of my constituents in South East Cornwall The Petition of the residents of South East Cornwall. [P001476]
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Civil Rights
Julian Charles Sturdy (Conservative, Centre-right): I rise to present a petition in the same terms as that of my hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart) on behalf of my constituents in York Outer. It calls for English votes for English laws to deliver fairness for all The Petition of the residents of York Outer. [P001477]
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Civil Rights
Caroline Julia Dinenage (Conservative, Centre-right): I, too, rise to present a petition in the same terms as that laid out by my hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart). I present it on behalf of my constituents in Gosport, who are so frustrated by the injustice of this situation and request English votes for English laws The Petition of the residents of Gosport. [P001478]
Eligibility of Members to vote on certain issues in the House of Commons — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Civil Rights
Martin John Vickers (Conservative, Centre-right): I rise to present a petition on behalf of the constituents of Cleethorpes in the same terms as those of my hon. Friends. My constituents feel strongly that this constitutional anomaly wants correcting. They believe in English votes for English laws The Petition of the residents of Cleethorpes. [P001479]
Lesser-taught languages — House of Commons, 2015-03-24
Topic: Mixed Topics
Nick de Bois (Conservative, Centre-right): I pay tribute to them for their ingenuity and their willingness to try to solve their problem. That points to something I would like to say about the diaspora a little later, but I applaud their entrepreneurial and, shall we say, Conservative instincts to try to find a solution for themselves I am quite happy to respect the commercial sensitivity argument about not putting information in the public domain. However, as the Minister will see later, I am anxious that if he were to explore that argument with the OCR it would perhaps either provide comfort or expose as flawed the argument that has been put forward On the wider argument, does the Minister agree that the case for learning modern languages is very simple? The world is becoming even smaller. We are seeking to deliver on the Government’s pledge and target to build exports across the globe and to maintain strong trading arrangements with the EU. We will therefore need fluent, well-educated people to build our relationships with Turkey, Poland, Iran, Bangladesh and the other countries I have mentioned. We will need language skills to do business with many of those countries.
Election of Speaker — House of Commons, 2015-05-18
Topic: Other
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): Thank you, Sir Gerald —and warmest congratulations on your new role as Father of the House. Next month will mark 45 years of your service in this place, and to your constituents. Some of us will record barely half that tenure It has been an honour to serve as Speaker for nearly six years, and I should be honoured to do so for a little longer if colleagues kindly agree. I shall strive to ensure that the House remains at the heart of our democratic system. All its Members, newcomers and veterans alike, should be part of the cast, not merely an audience If there are five words that I should like to be carved on my political tombstone—assuming that such items are not now for ever unfashionable—they are: "He was the Back-Benchers’ champion." On that basis, I submit myself to the House.