argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Fixed Odds Betting Terminals — House of Commons, 2018-11-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Christine Anne Jardine (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): We have all heard the Secretary of State’s excuses and explanations, his logic and his fears of the decision unravelling, but does he accept that the suspicion will persist in this House that they are simply excuses, that the delay is unacceptable and that the Government are accepting that lives will be ruined by these gambling machines rather than taking action?
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2018-11-01
Topic: Housing
Wera Benedicta Hobhouse (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): Will the Secretary of State acknowledge that if we are really going to address the housing crisis we need to build between 50,000 and 100,000 new social homes for rent, and that this Budget is not delivering on keeping that promise? Will he consider giving councils the first right of refusal on public land and allowing them to purchase it at current use value rather than at the development price?
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2018-11-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Jamie Hume Stone (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): The Secretary of State mentioned communities. One of the greatest threats to our communities right across the UK is the continuing closure of bank branches, and I am disappointed that that was not addressed head-on in the Budget. Nevertheless, I give credit where it is due: the Budget did mention the decaying of our town centres. Will he tell us whether Her Majesty’s Government will give a fair wind to the Private Member’s Bill introduced by the hon. Member for Ochil and South Perthshire (Luke Graham) to tackle the banking issue?
Electronic Voting Systems — House of Commons, 2018-07-12
Topic: Other
Questions: To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what representations the Commission has received on the potential installation of electronic voting systems in the Chamber as part of the (a) restoration and renewal programme and (b) northern estate programme.; To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what representations the Commission has received on the potential installation of electronic voting systems in the Chamber as part of the (a) restoration and renewal programme and (b) northern estate programme.
Thomas Anthony Brake (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I remind the House that it is a matter for the Procedure Committee. Members who ask me this question should perhaps make a submission to the Procedure Committee so that it can consider their proposal.
Palace of Westminster: Repair and Refurbishment — House of Commons, 2018-07-12
Topic: Public Lands
Questions: To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what recent estimate the Commission has made of the cost of repairing and refurbishing the Palace of Westminster.
Thomas Anthony Brake (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): I am sure that the hon. Lady will be aware that the possibility of moving out of London has been considered. The joint Commission that was set up through both Houses looked at that matter and dismissed it as a proposal. The sponsor body and the delivery authority will have responsibility for making sure that the costs of the project are kept to a minimum while delivering a prestigious project on a world heritage building.
Palace of Westminster: Repair and Refurbishment — House of Commons, 2018-07-12
Topic: Mixed Topics
Questions: To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what recent estimate the Commission has made of the cost of repairing and refurbishing the Palace of Westminster.
Thomas Anthony Brake (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): Of course we have to. I am sure that Members on both sides of the House will want to ensure that the sponsor body and the delivery authority between them deliver exactly the sort of project that the right hon. Gentleman set out.
Immigration: Pausing the Hostile Environment — House of Commons, 2018-07-12
Topic: Immigration
Alexander Morrison Carmichael (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): The hostile environment is just one indication of the negative mindset that has shaped Home Office policy and thinking on immigration for years now. We have seen the cost of visa applications going through the roof, the very poor standard of first-instance decision making and the removal of rights of appeal. During this pause, will the Government look at immigration policies in the round and ensure that we have a more constructive and positive debate in future on the contribution that immigration can make to our economy?
Food Labelling and Allergy-Related Deaths — House of Commons, 2018-10-09
Topic: Mixed Topics
Questions: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action he is taking to improve the quality of UK food labelling to prevent further allergy-related deaths.
Wera Benedicta Hobhouse (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): I add my condolences to those expressed for the family and friends of the two victims In January, on being notified by the coroner that Celia Marsh had died at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, Bath and North East Somerset Council notified Pret A Manger, but it appears that the council did not notify the FSA, which was notified by Pret A Manger six weeks later—a long delay. What public responsibility does Bath and North East Somerset Council trading standards have to regulate and enforce food safety in our city?
Baby Loss Awareness Week — House of Commons, 2018-10-09
Topic: Other
Jamie Hume Stone (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): It is a great privilege to take part in this debate. The hon. Member for Eddisbury (Antoinette Sandbach) and others have set an almost unsurpassable standard in their comprehensive, thoughtful and moving accounts of the issue before us tonight. When I thought about what I was going to say today, I found myself strangely circumspect, reticent and shy about what I might or might not say, possibly because I am old fashioned—probably more so than I should be. At the back of one’s mind there is always the thought, "Is it in good taste? Should I go there? Should I not?" But in a flash it came to me: I have only one sibling, my younger brother, who is nine and a half years younger than me, and all my mother ever said about this—she is dead now—was that she had a number of miscarriages between me and my brother. It is very much to my detriment, to my dishonour, that I never broached this subject with my mother and said, "What happened?" I very much regret that. My parents were immensely British, and they got on with it and suffered in silence, but I wonder how many miscarriages she had and what that agony was like. It is too late now, and "too late" are some of the saddest words in English. The point has been made about parents, and I am a parent, all three of whose children were born relatively easily and successfully. As one or two Members of this place know, I am also a grandparent and a brother-in-law, and for that reason am not untouched by the type of tragedy that has been described today. One thinks, "It is not going to affect me", but it comes damned close. So I have the experience. The second thing I found to be almost like a searing wound to me personally: witnessing the extraordinary grief of what happened. This was a searing, dreadful, ghastly grief. The hon. Member for Colchester (Will Quince) has said that we must reach out, give people a hug and ask how we can help, but that grief has to be seen to be believed and it is terrible.
Baby Loss Awareness Week — House of Commons, 2018-10-09
Topic: Other
Jamie Hume Stone (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): The hon. Lady makes the point much better than I can. I take great comfort in the thought that I may be slightly more than just a doddering old fellow who amuses the kids. I like to think, and I hope, that I helped my two daughters through their trauma The hon. Member for Colchester made the point about the partner—about the man in the equation—several times, and nothing was ever truer. How terrible it must be to witness a stillbirth—a child who arrives too early to survive. I would dare to suggest that the man is emotionally every bit as bruised as the woman I wish to conclude simply by saying that in a debate such as this the House is at its best, and I give credit to the hon. Member for Eddisbury and others for that. I hope and believe that if people out there chance upon this debate online or read the record of it, they will find some human comfort—some milk of human kindness—which shows that we care. The hon. Member for Banbury (Victoria Prentis) mentioned to me the service in the Crypt on Thursday, and I will take part in the service and contribute a reading with the greatest of pleasure. Finally, I cannot even begin to surmise how, but when we had my family traumas, to my great surprise several Members, from all parts of the House, came up to me and said, "We understand. We know what you are going through." When a completely unexpected hand reaches out like that, it is pure gold and reminds one of what friendship is really all about.
Grenfell Tower — House of Commons, 2018-06-11
Topic: Housing
Wera Benedicta Hobhouse (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): On this sad anniversary, my thoughts, too, are with all those affected by Grenfell Tower The Secretary of State has already mentioned the Hackitt review and the implementation of the recommendations. I would like to insist on one particular recommendation—that is on the named qualified individual responsible for signing off on the safety of high-rise buildings. Is there a timeline for introducing a statutory instrument on that?
Grenfell Tower — House of Commons, 2018-06-11
Topic: Housing
Norman Peter Lamb (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): I note what the Secretary of State says about sprinkler systems in new buildings, but how can we justify protecting tenants in new tower blocks in that way while leaving vulnerable and exposed tenants in existing tower blocks? How also can we justify the difference in treatment of hotel guests who are protected in existing buildings from sprinkler systems while leaving residents in tower blocks exposed?
Foreign Fighters and the Death Penalty — House of Commons, 2018-07-23
Topic: Civil Rights
Thomas Anthony Brake (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): Like other Members in all parts of the House, I am proud of the role that successive UK Governments of all political persuasions have played in fighting against the death penalty. Is there any evidence that the Minister can give to challenge the assertion quoted in The Times this morning, from a "ministerial source", that the Home Secretary’s decision "is contrary to all government policy, and negates over a decade’s unequivocal FCO statements and DFID programme spending principles"?
Pairing — House of Commons, 2018-07-23
Topic: Other
Alexander Morrison Carmichael (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): I had said, "In fairness to the Chief Whip", so perhaps that was what got them excited, Mr Speaker. In fairness to the Chief Whip, there is no flame apparent today, but there is surely enough smoke to fill the sky.
Points of Order — House of Commons, 2018-06-13
Topic: Other
Alexander Morrison Carmichael (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): On a point of order, Mr Speaker—this is, in fact, further to the point of order from the hon. Member for Moray (Douglas Ross). As you have said, Mr Speaker, applications should normally be made by half past 10 in the morning. Obviously, I did not make such an application, but Standing Order No. 24, subsection (4), allows you, Mr Speaker, to consider an application if "the urgency is not so known" at 10.30 am, and notice can be given "as soon thereafter as is practicable." My suggestion to you, Mr Speaker, is that the urgency became apparent at the point at which the right hon. Member for Ross, Skye and Lochaber (Ian Blackford) decided that pulling a stunt was more important than allowing Scottish Members a proper debate on this subject.
European Union (Withdrawal) Bill (Programme) (No. 3) — House of Commons, 2018-06-12
Topic: Other
Thomas Anthony Brake (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. You will be aware that on today’s Order Paper there is a Liberal Democrat amendment to extend from two to three days the debate on the Lords amendments. I understand the reasons why it has not been possible to vote on that amendment today. However, can you advise me on how in future it will be possible for this House to secure adequate time to debate critical amendments, take back control and avoid situations such as the one we are likely to face today where, by Government design, there will be no time at all to discuss critical Northern Ireland amendments and critical devolution amendments? [Interruption.]
European Union (Withdrawal) Bill — House of Commons, 2018-06-12
Topic: Other
John Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): The House would have to vote in that way, fully conscious of what it was doing. We just have to wait and see how the House chooses to proceed. The overall effect of the Lords amendment is clearly to—
Appointment of Sir Roger Scruton — House of Commons, 2018-11-12
Topic: Housing
Wera Benedicta Hobhouse (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): I studied art, and I totally agree that beauty and aesthetics are important, but building homes for our diverse communities is not just about beauty; it is about the right homes for them. If these controversial remarks have been made, the Government should think twice. They seem to be making a habit of appointing people who are not appropriate for Government advisory roles. Does the Secretary of State agree that the vetting process should be more transparent, to guarantee public faith in such public advisory roles?
Finance (No. 3) Bill — House of Commons, 2018-11-12
Topic: Immigration
John Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): Yes. All the evidence we have shows that net migration has had a positive effect not only on the economy, in per capita terms, but on Government revenue because, by and large, these are young people who work and pay tax revenue to the Government. I totally share the hon. Lady’s concerns about future immigration legislation.
Sewel Convention — House of Commons, 2018-06-18
Topic: Mixed Topics
Jamie Hume Stone (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): As Members know, I am one of five former MSPs in this place. The other four are on the Conservative Benches. I served in Holyrood for 12 years, and I am very proud of that. Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that one way out of this impasse, from which we could learn for the future, would be to put in place some kind of cross-Parliament arbitration system involving Members of this place and MSPs? We have Mr Alex Neil in the Gallery today, joining us from Holyrood. Such a system would be a way of achieving harmony and working together for the good of the people of Scotland, and we should learn from it.
Idlib — House of Commons, 2018-09-10
Topic: Immigration
Thomas Anthony Brake (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): Is the Minister able to give an indication of how many Syrians, Russians and Iranians are subject to asset freezes and travel bans and of how many cases are being built against those people for prosecutions for alleged war crimes? Would Mr al-Assad and Mr Putin fall into that category? Finally, would not the biggest contribution that the UK Government could make be to expand the family reunion scheme so that we could support more vulnerable Syrian refugees?
Legislating for the Withdrawal Agreement — House of Commons, 2018-09-10
Topic: Mixed Topics
Joanne Kate Swinson (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): The Minister is talking about an implementation period, but is that not a misnomer? It is far from clear what we will actually be implementing. She is going to ask Parliament to sign off on a process when there is no detail of what our future trading relationship with the EU or anyone else is going to look like and when we will be giving up our negotiating power within the EU. Is it not just a step into the unknown?
Legislating for the Withdrawal Agreement — House of Commons, 2018-09-10
Topic: Other
Thomas Anthony Brake (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): I welcome the fact that the Minister welcomes the fact that he has 40 minutes in which to speak. It means that I can be guaranteed an answer to the three questions I put to him twice in an earlier exchange.
Offensive Weapons Bill — House of Commons, 2018-06-27
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Edward Jonathon Davey (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): The hon. Lady is making an excellent speech. She has done a lot of campaigning on this issue, and I congratulate her on it. The point she is making is absolutely crucial to ensure that the legislation is absolutely effective. Trading standards departments in local authorities up and down the country have been the butt of quite a lot of cuts because councils can get away with it. Unless we support trading standards departments and officers, and back the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, we will not be able to detect such crimes. We will not have the scale of test purchasing that we need to make sure that retailers are acting responsibly.
Offensive Weapons Bill — House of Commons, 2018-06-27
Topic: Civil Rights
Edward Jonathon Davey (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some groups representing disabled shooters are concerned that this legislation may particularly affect them, although the Government’s equality statement says that it does not? Does he have a view on that matter?
Illegal Wildlife Trade — House of Commons, 2018-06-26
Topic: Public Lands
Jamie Hume Stone (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): One of the very rarest and most threatened species in this country is the wildcat. It clings on in my constituency—just. Will the Secretary of State assure me that he will do everything to police this invidious and horrible crime in the most remote areas and work as closely as possible with the Scottish Government to stamp it out?
Draft EU-Canada Trade Agreement Order — House of Commons, 2018-06-26
Topic: Mixed Topics
Thomas Anthony Brake (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): Will the Secretary of State confirm that any investment court system is in fact a pooling of sovereignty? He will be aware that Canada and the EU have agreed that they want to transform the investment court system into something more open, transparent and global. Will he confirm that the UK Government will also undertake to do that after Brexit?
Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill — House of Commons, 2018-06-26
Topic: Mixed Topics
Thomas Anthony Brake (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): Perhaps I could add one extra thing to the right hon. Gentleman’s list, which is enforcement. It is not only electric vehicles hogging particular charging points. Often, in my experience, vehicles that are not electric are also hogging the electric bays, simply because they have not noticed that those bays are not for them.
Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Bill [Lords] — House of Commons, 2018-06-26
Topic: Mixed Topics
Thomas Anthony Brake (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): I am afraid that we will have to disagree on this matter. If the hon. Gentleman wants to raise the issue with the port authorities, from whom I got this information, I recommend he does so. That is what they told me. However, we can have an argument about whether that particular incident—there has been more than one Operation Stack—was or was not caused by migrants through the tunnel, which is some distance from the port of Dover, or alternatively by two French police officers not turning up, but what is indisputable is the point that Airbus, BMW, Honda and Siemens have been making in the past few days: the Government are at risk of creating major problems for them in terms of their just-in-time operations because of whatever the Government are planning—if only we knew what they were planning on future customs arrangements. Added to that, the Government are causing those businesses huge uncertainty, which probably explains why investment in the car industry has dropped by half in the last 12 months.
Offences Against the Person Act 1861 — House of Commons, 2018-06-05
Topic: Civil Rights
Wera Benedicta Hobhouse (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): Just to be absolutely clear, does the hon. Lady agree that repealing the provisions in the 1861 Act allows us to adhere to the devolution settlements and to respect women’s right to choose? They are not contradictory.
Offences Against the Person Act 1861 — House of Commons, 2018-06-05
Topic: Civil Rights
Joanne Kate Swinson (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): We heard earlier from the right hon. Member for Lagan Valley (Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson) about the devolution of policing issues to Northern Ireland. Does the hon. Lady agree that the fact that we are talking about policing women’s bodies is part of the whole problem? That is not the right context for this debate. Supporting women to take these decisions is a health matter and a medical matter, and no woman takes this decision lightly.
Offences Against the Person Act 1861 — House of Commons, 2018-06-05
Topic: Civil Rights
Wera Benedicta Hobhouse (Liberal Democrats, Centre to centre-left): Does the right hon. Gentleman understand that people who, like me, would never have an abortion support the right for women to choose? It is not for us here to make that decision; it is for the individual to make that very personal decision.