argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Article 50 — House of Commons, 2016-11-07
Topic: International Affairs
Gavin James Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): Further to that, the Secretary of State should take some comfort from the fact that the High Court in Belfast reaffirmed the view of the Northern Ireland Attorney General that not one comma or full stop of our devolved settlement will be amended by the triggering of article 50. Given that, and the fact that devolved arrangements are subject to the will not only of this House but of this Government and that constitutional arrangements and external relations are reserved matters, does he agree that this decision will be taken as a nation by this nation as a whole?
Exiting the EU and Workers’ Rights — House of Commons, 2016-11-07
Topic: Labor
Ian Richard Kyle Paisley (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): No, there was a Labour Government Today my children, aged 18 and 19, see an unemployment level of 5% or 6% in some areas. Will the hon. Gentleman explain the analysis that he has given to the House, suggesting that there are no jobs? There are jobs, and there are opportunities for people.
Exiting the EU and Workers’ Rights — House of Commons, 2016-11-07
Topic: International Affairs
Richard James Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): The right hon. Gentleman may be aware of an EU ruling in Northern Ireland just in the past two weeks. The Northern Ireland Assembly allocated some £7 million to help fund a direct link between Belfast International Airport and New York, but that was overruled by the EU, which said that it was out of order. Is that not another example of why we should be exiting the EU right now and not waiting until 31 March?
Exiting the EU and Workers’ Rights — House of Commons, 2016-11-07
Topic: Labor
Richard James Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): It is a pleasure to be called in this debate. I thank the Minister and hon. Members for giving us all a chance to participate. There are a number of issues that my constituents have asked me to raise in the House and I intend to do so My office staff will laughingly point to a sign in the office which works out time off in such a way that they owe me. Annual leave is only one of many workers’ rights that will be discussed and, more importantly, protected during negotiations. The Government told us: "‘This is your decision. The government will implement what you decide’—no ifs, no buts", no second referendum. It was not a regional or a constituency referendum. It was a decision which all the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland took collectively, and that decision was to leave. Let us get on with the job and make sure that that happens The Government have been clear about the protection that will remain. The Prime Minister said that "by converting the acquis into British law, we will give businesses and workers maximum certainty as we leave the European Union. The same rules and laws will apply to them after Brexit as they did before. Any changes in the law will have to be subject to full scrutiny and proper Parliamentary debate. And let me be absolutely clear: existing workers’ legal rights will continue to be guaranteed in law—and they will be guaranteed as long as I am Prime Minister." That is what our Prime Minister said. It is very clear. Let us focus on that as well I am probably a lone voice on the Opposition side of the Chamber, as one of those who voted out. I am very happy to say that I voted out, and my constituency voted that way as well. I genuinely respect every Member on this side of the House, and I enjoy their friendship, but the fact of the matter is that I have a different opinion from many of them.
Vulnerable Witnesses — House of Commons, 2016-10-27
Topic: Law and Crime
Richard James Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): Does the Attorney General agree that we have to address the issue of having to go to court for initial proceedings, where victims may come face to face with the accused at a very early stage? Victims feel fear when facing the accused. Will he outline what will be in place to help them?
Hate Crime — House of Commons, 2016-12-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Richard James Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): Does the Solicitor General agree that prosecution of hate crimes is helped when the victim is supported enough to give evidence, and that more training must be provided by the teams that deal with hate crime UK-wide to ensure that all possible support is afforded to victims and their families?
Careers Advice: Girls — House of Commons, 2016-12-08
Topic: Labor
Richard James Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): Does the Secretary of State agree that although the gender pay gap has reduced, the fact that the pay gap for full-time workers is at a differential of 13.9% indicates that much work still needs to be done? Has she considered a penalty system for employers who do not comply?
Departmental Efficiency Savings — House of Commons, 2016-11-02
Topic: Energy
Gregory Lloyd Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): May I first congratulate you, Mr Speaker, on your energy efficiency saving this morning, on the bicycle in Portcullis House, for the poppy appeal? Is it possible for hon. Members and the wider public to track savings in various Departments to see the practical benefits of those savings?
Air Quality — House of Commons, 2016-11-03
Topic: Environment
Questions: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department will take to improve air quality after her defeat in the High Court on 2 November.
Richard James Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): Does the Minister accept not only that steps need to be taken, but that a knee-jerk reaction is not needed? We need action that does not adversely affect industry and our economy, but that encourages a reduction in pollution.
Security — House of Commons, 2016-12-07
Topic: Law and Crime
Nigel Dodds (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): The Secretary of State will be aware of recent footage that has emerged of dissident republicans, heavily armed and carrying rocket launchers, in Ardoyne, part of north Belfast, near where Michael McGibbon was murdered recently. It was a scandalous and appalling display. Does the Secretary of State agree that the police, who have been very quick to arrest and charge people for very minor breaches of parading legislation, really need to get a grip on those kinds of displays and arrest and pursue people, because the people in these communities absolutely do not want those kinds of displays of paramilitary activity?
Security Service Personnel — House of Commons, 2016-12-07
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the protection of data relating to security service personnel who are based in Northern Ireland.
Ian Richard Kyle Paisley (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): I thank the Secretary of State for his answer. He will know from his previous role that any breach of the security data of a member of the security services poses an obvious threat and risk to them and their families. Will he undertake a desktop review of all data handling and the security of postal communications between the Northern Ireland Office and security personnel, both former and serving? Will he also undertake to press this matter with the Department of Justice, as it must join up with the NIO to tackle this?
Northern Ireland Office: Leaving the EU — House of Commons, 2016-12-07
Topic: Agriculture
Questions: How many civil servants in his Department have been assigned to work on issues relating to the UK leaving the EU; and how many additional civil servants his Department estimates it will need over the period leading up to the UK leaving the EU.
Richard James Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): The agricultural and fishing sector in Northern Ireland creates some 70,000 jobs. It also produces 3.25% of Northern Ireland’s gross value added, which equates to £1.1 billion at basic prices. Can the Minister confirm that civil service personnel will be in place in sufficient numbers to ensure a smooth transition for the UK out of the EU?
Businesses — House of Commons, 2016-12-07
Topic: Macroeconomics
Thomas David Simpson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): I am sure the Minister will agree that the lowering of corporation tax in Northern Ireland will certainly help the economy and companies. However, will he also agree that one area we all need to concentrate on is productivity and the recruitment of new apprentices?
UK Decision to Leave the EU: Ireland — House of Commons, 2016-12-07
Topic: International Affairs
Gregory Lloyd Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): The democratic reverberations that have echoed around Europe since the end of June no doubt affect the Irish Republic as well. Will the Secretary of State ensure that the particular circumstances that exist in Northern Ireland regarding the border with the Irish Republic are at the forefront of his mind in negotiations as we go into 2018?
The Government's Plan for Brexit — House of Commons, 2016-12-07
Topic: International Affairs
Nigel Dodds (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): Is the crucial issue here not that, whatever the caveats entered by the shadow Minister, anyone voting for this amendment tonight will find it impossible to justify to the public any reneging, any going back or any procrastination—anything after 31 March that seeks to delay the triggering of article 50? That is the reality of the situation.
The Government's Plan for Brexit — House of Commons, 2016-12-07
Topic: International Affairs
Samuel Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): Does the hon. Gentleman accept that, because the interests of the Irish Republic are so tied up with a successful Brexit for the United Kingdom, we will have one ally in the negotiations? The same could apply to a whole range of nations across the EU.
The Government's Plan for Brexit — House of Commons, 2016-12-07
Topic: Foreign Trade
Samuel Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): Does the hon. Gentleman accept that the Prime Minister could at last make it clear that our membership of the customs union and the internal market are incompatible with the other objectives the Government have set out? At least then we could have clarity on those two issues.
Terminal Illness: Support — House of Commons, 2016-12-05
Topic: Social Welfare
Richard James Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): The Minister has rightly acknowledged, as has the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell), the importance of charities and the work that they do. In his response to the points that she has made, will he say what the Government intend to do for young carers who look after those who are at the end of life? I am aware of the pressure on those young carers given their age, and their ability to cope with the life-changing event that will happen to them and their family very shortly. We need something for them, Minister. Can I make a plea for them?
Police and Security Co-operation — House of Commons, 2016-12-01
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on maintaining police and security co-operation with EU partners after the UK leaves the EU.
Nigel Dodds (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): Does the Minister agree that the deplorable comments being made about exiting the EU having a destabilising impact on the peace process, or leading to an increase in violence or the return of terrorism, are deeply damaging and wrong? Does he agree that co-operation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Garda Siochana has never been better and will continue like that after we exit the EU?
UK Fishing Industry — House of Commons, 2016-12-01
Topic: Agriculture
Richard James Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): It is a pleasure to speak in the debate. I want to cast Members’ minds back to films and TV—"The Perfect Storm", for example, and "the Trawler Wars", which I believe captured the pressures that fishermen are under Back in January, I was speaking to one of my constituents, a fisherman from Portavogie, who was pondering the year ahead. He said to me, "Jim, everything should be looking good for 2016. We have more prawn quota, quayside prices are stable and the cost of fuel is lower, but there is one big shadow hanging over the industry—will I have any crew?" Some Members have spoken about that. I told my constituent about the meeting that I, the hon. Member for South Down (Ms Ritchie) and colleagues from Scotland held with the then Immigration Minister, who is now the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Twelve months later, this issue still rankles and is still a matter of concern. We need to move it on. Indeed, it has deteriorated further Questions about fishing mainly or predominantly outside the UK’s 12-mile territorial limit mask a wider issue for the larger part of the fishing industry—not just the part I represent in Strangford, but right across these islands and especially in Northern Ireland and Scotland. I refer to the failure to recruit UK citizens to begin a career on our fishing vessels.
Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit — House of Commons, 2016-11-17
Topic: Social Welfare
Richard James Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): It is a pleasure to speak in this important debate. I thank the hon. Member for Airdrie and Shotts (Neil Gray) for setting the scene so well. Right hon. and hon. Members across the Chamber have made marvellous contributions. I have the pleasure of speaking on behalf of the DUP and am happy to have the same attitude as others on the right way forward ESA is a complex, complicated benefit with many different aspects. Like many other MPs, I have a full-time member of staff dedicated to working with people to help to calculate their benefits and fill out the confusing, complicated forms. She works some 37.5 hours a week—sometime more in her own time—and always has a waiting list of people to see her. That is how it is in my office, and I suspect it is the same in others. On my constituency days, I also take on the benefits problems, while the admin staff in my office handle the day-to-day queries. A lot of our time is spent trying to help people, which is why today’s debate is so important to my constituents and to me. I watch the struggles that people go through and wonder how these vulnerable and ill people can go through more.
Higher Education and Research Bill — House of Commons, 2016-11-21
Topic: Education
Samuel Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): Does the hon. Gentleman accept that the situation he describes particularly hits students in places like Northern Ireland where starting salaries are much lower? Does he also accept that the Minister’s point about the affordability of this is a red herring, because when the loans were sold to students, surely the cost of raising the thresholds was taken into consideration? The Government cannot now go back and say, "We want to rewrite the rules."
Shale Wealth Fund — House of Commons, 2016-11-21
Topic: Energy
Samuel Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): Given the reserves of shale gas that are believed to exist in the United Kingdom, does the right hon. Lady think that the wealth fund could be a massive boost to the economy, not just for a short period, but for a very long time?
Released Offenders: Employment — House of Commons, 2016-11-01
Topic: Law and Crime
Gavin James Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): An important follow-on to that is the impediment that insurance premiums caused for employers who wished to engage somebody who had left prison. The former Minister, the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous), was seized of the issue and pursuing good work in that regard. Will the Minister give an update on the progress with insurers and continue the hon. Gentleman’s good work?
HMRC Penalty Surcharges — House of Commons, 2016-11-29
Topic: Macroeconomics
Samuel Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): The new "Making tax digital" arrangements, which will require businesses to submit quarterly returns, increase the likelihood of sanctions being imposed following late returns or non-submission. How does that fit in with the Government’s promises to make it easier to start a business, to cut red tape and to make businesses more competitive?
Regional Infrastructure Development — House of Commons, 2016-10-25
Topic: Transportation
Samuel Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): Last week, the Infrastructure Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive announced that a major infrastructure project in Belfast would be stopped because it was unlikely to be completed before we leave the EU so the funding would be lost. Has the Infrastructure Minister had any discussions with the Chancellor about this project, and will the right hon. Gentleman assure the Northern Ireland Executive that any funding gap for any project started before we leave the EU will be bridged by the Treasury?
Airport Capacity — House of Commons, 2016-10-25
Topic: Transportation
Nigel Dodds (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): I welcome the fact that the new Government have made this important decision and I welcome the fact that they have made the right decision. In Northern Ireland, there is a wide consensus that Heathrow is the right decision. It will lead to thousands more jobs, and major investment in tourism and business. I therefore warmly welcome what the Secretary of State has said. I also welcome what he said about slots and domestic connectivity, but may I press him on whether there will be any Barnett consequentials through investment and infrastructure?
Airport Capacity — House of Commons, 2016-10-25
Topic: Transportation
Samuel Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): If the vote took place tomorrow, the Democratic Unionist party would give the Government their support, because we believe that this is good for Northern Ireland. We welcome the Secretary of State’s assurances about extra slots, extra routes, and a place in the procurement process for firms from Northern Ireland. In the meantime, however, will he tell us whether slots that are currently available for airports in Northern Ireland will be safeguarded at Heathrow, and also whether there are any Barnett consequentials for the Northern Ireland Executive?
Airport Capacity — House of Commons, 2016-10-25
Topic: Transportation
Richard James Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement. The Democratic Unionist party was the first political party in the United Kingdom to back Heathrow, and we have always been clear that its expansion would support growth in Northern Ireland and strengthen our Union. More cargo travels from Belfast through Heathrow than from any other UK airport. Will he commit to continuing that vital link in the supply chain between Northern Ireland’s businesses and their clients in every corner of the globe?
Criminal Finances Bill — House of Commons, 2016-10-25
Topic: International Affairs
Gavin James Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): I agree entirely with that comment from the former Prime Minister and with the thrust of the Bill. One great concern of Christian Aid is that the Bill does not extend to or legislate for the Crown dependencies or overseas territories. Will the Minister respond to that at this early stage?
Northern Ireland Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-26
Topic: Transportation
Nigel Dodds (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): I join the Secretary of State in his comments about the recent murder. It is important that we all redouble our efforts to ensure that such events are a thing of the past Does the Secretary of State agree that, to build and strengthen the economy of Northern Ireland, investment in infrastructure is absolutely vital? The announcement by the Minister for Infrastructure in the Northern Ireland Executive that he was delaying the major York Street interchange project—for access to ports, an airport and a major road thoroughfare through Belfast to the rest of Northern Ireland—is a bit of a blow to that strategy. Will the Secretary of State take the opportunity to reiterate to the Minister for Infrastructure that all EU projects that are signed off before we leave the EU will be funded even if they continue after we leave the EU?
Northern Ireland Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-26
Topic: Foreign Trade
Nigel Dodds (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): I am grateful to the Secretary of State for underlining that important commitment, which should allow investment in that much-needed project to go ahead On the question of exporters, who have received a boost as a result of the revaluation of the pound, Northern Ireland was the only area last year that grew its exports, by 9.5%. Will the Secretary of State make a commitment that the new Department for International Trade will work closely with Invest NI to continue that really positive news for Northern Ireland, along with many other very positive economic indicators for the Province?
Leaving the EU: Republic of Ireland — House of Commons, 2016-10-26
Topic: International Affairs
Jeffrey Mark Donaldson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): A number of institutions have been established for discussing these matters with the Government of the Irish Republic, including the North South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. Will the Secretary of State ensure that those are the bodies through which discussions take place, and not some ad hoc arrangement?
Security — House of Commons, 2016-10-26
Topic: Law and Crime
Ian Richard Kyle Paisley (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): In the past two years, 1,631 police officers—a quarter of Northern Ireland’s police force—have been injured or assaulted while on duty. When will the Northern Ireland Office fund and support a new recruitment drive to return the number of officers to the 7,800 required under the Patten settlement?
Concentrix — House of Commons, 2016-10-26
Topic: Macroeconomics
Samuel Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): Although Members accept that cases of hardship have been created, does the Minister also accept that in a written answer to the House she indicated that Concentrix was meeting its 75-day service level, had an average answer time of six minutes for phone calls and was making decisions within 23 days, and that of the 660,000 appealed cases that went to HMRC, only 280, or 0.6%, were upheld? Does she accept that not all of the blame goes on Concentrix, which in many ways met its targets but is now being made a scapegoat?
Concentrix — House of Commons, 2016-10-26
Topic: Macroeconomics
Samuel Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): Does the hon. Lady also accept that, although 1.5 million cases were referred to Concentrix, it whittled them down to less than a fifth of the cases sent by HMRC? Therefore, had it been in HMRC’s control, a lot more people might have been affected than were actually affected.
Concentrix — House of Commons, 2016-10-26
Topic: Government Operations
Samuel Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): It is not surprising that when HMRC was challenged to specify the number of cases it had dealt with that had involved errors and how long it had taken it to respond to those errors, it could not give the figures. We cannot even make a comparison between HMRC’s performance and that of Concentrix.
Concentrix — House of Commons, 2016-10-26
Topic: Macroeconomics
Samuel Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party, Right): While Members have rightly identified the incentivisation issue, does the hon. Lady accept that Concentrix acted on only a fifth of the 1.5 million cases sent to it by HMRC, and that in the mandatory review it reviewed 95% positively? That militates against the incentivisation argument. In addition, when cases went to appeal, fewer than 0.005% were overturned, which would indicate that Concentrix was well aware that it had to abide by certain rules in dealing with these cases.