argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is entirely right. The confusion one finds in the capitals of our partners around the world must end. They must understand that the UK Government speak with a single voice and a powerful, clear message from a new international Department that I think will do a power of good around the world. We already punch above our weight; this will help us to punch even harder.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Government Operations
Nigel John Mills (Conservative, Centre-right): Does the Prime Minister agree that one of the areas of his missionary zeal for this Department should be tackling corruption? If we could make progress there, it would help the stability of regimes around the world.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): I can assure the hon. Lady that there has been massive consultation over a long period. It is my own personal and direct experience that the UK, although it does a fantastic job with development aid, could do even better with a powerful, single, integrated voice of the kind I am describing and which we will bring into existence in September.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Alec Shelbrooke (Conservative, Centre-right): I welcome my right hon. Friend’s decision. I know from my work with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy when I was the Vice-Chairman (International) of the Conservative Party that often there are tensions between DFID and the Foreign Office over its funding. Furthermore, as he will know, our friends and allies in the Caribbean felt very let down after the hurricanes when they could not get the support they needed. He will also be aware of the money we have put into the refugee camps for the Syria crisis and other things. Can he confirm, therefore, that this decision is not a watering down but will result in a stronger and more efficient approach and that the most vulnerable people in society and the programmes we have to do will get an enhanced service from the UK?
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): That is right. It was one of the absurdities of the rules of the Disasters Emergency Committee that vulnerable island states in the Caribbean were not eligible for ODA, and we had to fight to get that change. Now with this new super-Department we will be able to argue as one across our friends and partners around the world for new perspectives on those problems, and work together to tackle them.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Education
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): I am sure that the hon. Lady would want to join me in encouraging all parents to send their kids back to the schools that are open and waiting to receive them. I am sure that she and the Leader of the Opposition will want to join everybody in saying it is safe to go back to school.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Paul John Holmes (Conservative, Centre-right): The Prime Minister has done exactly the right thing to ensure there is a Foreign Office with a laser-like focus on aid and diplomacy, but what involvement will trade have in this mix so that compassionate aid and international trade work hand in glove?
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Foreign Trade
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): We are keeping the Department for International Trade separate, and it is working hard on free trade deals, as it must for the moment, but it is very important that in post—in missions around the world—there will be a single point of reference for Governments who need to understand the UK position. It is a powerful change. The ambassadors around the world will be newly empowered and authorised to project the UK’s point of view.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): It is curious that the right hon. Member says that because, as far as I know, the quarantine policy is actively supported by the shadow Foreign Secretary at the very least, and indeed supported by the Labour party. If he is dissenting from his own party, I perfectly understand that, but the reason for our policy is of course to prevent the reinfection of this country, as we drive the virus down, by people coming back from countries where it is out of control.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Education
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes, and at the heart of the mission of the new Department will be 12 years of quality education for every girl in the world, which I think is probably the single best thing you could do for the future of our planet.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): We are getting on with the business of governing this country, improving our international performance and making sure that the UK is able to speak with a single, powerful voice overseas. That is vital now in this crisis, and it is going to be vital as the crisis comes to an end.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Jacob Young (Conservative, Centre-right): I fully welcome this change. We are reassessing our role in the world, and this is the perfect time for it. Does my right hon. Friend agree with me that, as we take this bold step as a new global Britain, we have a lot to learn from our CANZUK—Canada, Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom—partners?
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes, we do. I thank my hon. Friend, and he is bang on the money. We are simply coming in line, as I say, not just with what Australia, Canada and New Zealand already do, but with 28 out of 29 OECD countries.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt (Conservative, Centre-right): I wrestled with this issue when I was Foreign Secretary, but I think it is the right thing to do. In Africa today, there is competition—intense competition—between countries such as China that do not promote democracy and human rights as part of their aid agenda, and countries such as Britain that do, and if we are going to support those British values, we need to speak with one voice. Given that one of those values is eradicating extreme poverty, would the Prime Minister consider allowing the junior Minister who will be responsible for DFID to attend Cabinet, so that people can see that the commitment to eradicating poverty is undiminished?
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): I was saddened and disappointed to hear the hon. Gentleman’s remarks. We are making an important change to how we work our foreign policy. He should applaud and welcome that, and, by the way, he should also not run this country down.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): We are not abolishing the role of the International Development team; we are exalting them. We are enhancing them and making them part of one of the senior Departments in this country, able to project British views overseas. Yes, of course, we will continue to tackle injustice around the world, but we will be able to do it with a more powerful voice than ever before.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
David Anthony Evennett (Conservative, Centre-right): I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement on global Britain and strongly endorse the merger of DFID and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to put aid, development and diplomacy at the centre of our foreign policy. Does he agree that the Commonwealth is a power for good in the world and that global Britain should embrace and work strategically with Commonwealth countries in leadership, aid and trade issues?
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Foreign Trade
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my right hon. Friend very much. He is entirely right. The Commonwealth is a massive and powerful force for good: 53 nations united with a shared tradition and a shared ambition to encourage free trade around the world. We will develop that and many other important causes, which we will address at the Kigali summit when we can hold it next year.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Environment
Andrea Jacqueline Leadsom (Conservative, Centre-right): Today’s statement is a hugely positive opportunity for the UK to truly lead the world in tackling climate change and decarbonisation and to help some of the poorest in the world to protect and preserve their livelihoods. But will my right hon. Friend reassure us that he will use brilliant UK science and green technology to create and support new jobs here in the UK and to level up right across our country?
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Energy
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend is absolutely right with regard to the development in this country of green finance and green technology, whether it is from wind turbines or new battery technology, and we are proceeding apace with those investments.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Stephen Crabb (Conservative, Centre-right): I always remember Malcolm Bruce, the former Chair of the International Development Committee, saying, "The thing about DFID is that it’s not as good as it thinks it is, but it’s nowhere near as bad as its critics say." I am concerned that we should not lose some of the expertise that has accumulated in the Department. One area where there has been big improvements in recent years, which I hope the Prime Minister would agree with and give a commitment to protecting, is the scrutiny and accountability of every single pound of aid money that is spent. Will he give a commitment today that there will be no diminution in the quality of the scrutiny of the money spent in our name?
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): No, I profoundly disagree with those comments. All my experience is that, alas, there is an incoherence in UK foreign policy. We can now rectify that and have a better, more powerful and more positive voice for this country overseas that puts the idealism of development aid professionals at the heart of our foreign policy, and that is what we are going to do.
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Alicia Alexandra Martha Kearns (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement. Having worked at the Foreign Office, at the coalface, I welcome this decision, which will end bureaucratic wrangling, hopefully end the disparity between the treatment of our FCO and DFID staff, and ensure that all overseas postings work as one team because that is how we support allies and those in need. Will he confirm that those raging that this will bring back tied aid and that it is a retreat from the world stage are actually doing a disservice to our FCO and DFID staff, and are wrong?
Global Britain — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): Of course, they are completely wrong. This is a massive opportunity for this country to project itself more powerfully abroad. What we want to see, and what I know we are going to achieve, is a union of the idealism, passion and commitment of DFID with the diplomatic and political skills of the Foreign Office, to make sure that we intensify our mission as one of the great development powers on the planet. That is what we are going to do.
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
William Peter Wragg (Conservative, Centre-right): Regardless of any mixed metaphors, the EU and the UK have both committed not to extend the transition period beyond December, meaning that time is of the essence and must surely focus minds. Can my right hon Friend assure me that the Cabinet Office has sufficient capacity to work intensively to strike a deal, notwithstanding other pressing matters?
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend makes a very good point. Taskforce Europe, the team that is engaged in making sure that we secure a good deal with the EU, has drawn on resources from across Government, including from the Cabinet Office—it is led, of course, by the Prime Minister’s sherpa, David Frost—but I believe we have an excellent team well capable of taking forward all strands in this negotiation.
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman for that gallimaufry of not so much mixed as entangled metaphors. May I first of all congratulate him on wishing to erect statues rather than pull them down? I would be delighted to be carved in marble, bronze or whatever is the appropriate material, anywhere in Scotland, but I have to say that I do not deserve it. May I also say that as long as his smiling features gaze down on us, we know that the Union is safe. We know that the cause of Scottish nationalism, despite the ardour with which he puts his case, sadly will not prevail intellectually, morally, economically or politically The hon. Gentleman makes the point, of course, that there has been a difference of opinion between the Scottish Government and the UK Government on the question of extension, but there has been extensive engagement between the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and our Government. Of course, even if we have taken different views, we have also worked together in order to safeguard the interests of our United Kingdom The hon. Gentleman made the point that some politicians would have been washing their hair instead of engaging in serious negotiations. All I can say is that rather than washing their hair, they were washing their hands of their responsibility to the people of this country. I hope that his colleagues in the Scottish Government will continue, as they have for most of this year, to engage in the constructive fashion for which they are well known in making sure that the interest of every citizen of the United Kingdom is protected.
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Foreign Trade
Antony Higginbotham (Conservative, Centre-right): On 1 January, the UK will emerge as a sovereign trading nation, and it is clear from my right hon. Friend’s statement that with good will on both sides and a recognition of this sovereignty there is a deal to be done. Will he confirm that if a deal is not done, the UK stands ready and able to trade with the world?
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Agriculture
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): Will the Minister promise that any fisheries agreement made with the EU will provide for annual negotiations and reflect the UK’s status as an independent coastal state, and that we will not see a repeat of the betrayal we saw in 1972?
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): It is the case that progress has been limited, but the impetus that was lent to the talks not just by the Prime Minister but by the three European Presidents yesterday was a clear signal of intent, and we will work with good will with our European partners in order to conclude an agreement as quickly as possible.
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Agriculture
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes, I completely sympathise with my hon. Friend and many other responsible pet owners. In my previous role as Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, we worked on arrangements in order to ensure that travellers could take their pets abroad when they are visiting the EU and vice versa. If I may, let me say this: nous défendrons toujours les droits des chiens.
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): I did not mention the colour of passports in my statement, but I am grateful to the hon. Lady for reminding the House that this is one of the many new freedoms we will enjoy outside the EU. I pledged, as did the Prime Minister, always to report back to this House on the progress of negotiations, which is why I am here. On the substantive question, the question of equivalence is one the EU will grant on the basis of an objective rules-based process; it is not a matter for negotiations. Equivalence on both financial services and data adequacy flows as a result of the EU’s internal processes, rather than an external negotiation.
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Craig Paul Tracey (Conservative, Centre-right): I welcome the statement. From speaking to businesses in my constituency, it is clear that they have gone through an unprecedented time of uncertainty with not only the current pandemic, but the prolonged Brexit saga. What we need to do now is give them clarity, so does my right hon. Friend agree that by rejecting calls to extend the transition period, we will give businesses right across the UK the certainty that they need to successfully plan for life outside the EU and get themselves ready for the many opportunities as part of a more globalised economy?
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend makes a very, very good point. He echoes the words of Carolyn Fairbairn of the Confederation of British Industry, who said: "We have left the EU politically. We do now need to leave the EU economically. Business does not have any interest in delaying that because that is uncertainty magnified"— I agree.
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Agriculture
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): It is the case that we have a clear negotiating position—one that was supported in the general election last year—and it will be the case that the hon. Member’s constituents will benefit from the new opportunities that being outside the European Union will bring—being outside the common fisheries policy, having access so that Scots farmers can secure new markets for their high-quality produce, and, at the same time, safeguarding the high-quality standards on environment and animal welfare that are at the heart of the UK’s world brand.
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Stephen Daniel Double (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government were elected with a substantial majority and a clear mandate: to get Brexit done, without delay or extension to the negotiations. Does my right hon. Friend agree that those who are calling for an extension, although it might enhance their standing in their party leadership campaign, are doing no favours for our country? All they are doing is prolonging the agony and deepening divisions when we all need to unite together, get through our current challenges and grasp the opportunities that Brexit brings.
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: International Affairs
Kieran John Mullan (Conservative, Centre-right): Does my right hon. Friend agree that every time Opposition Members seek to find yet another way to keep us locked into EU bureaucracy to achieve their policy aims, they are actually saying, in a very clear sense, that they do not trust British voters to make those policy decisions for our country?
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Foreign Trade
Shaun Stephen Bailey (Conservative, Centre-right): Without repeating what many of my colleagues have said, businesses in the Black Country have one simple ask: they want clarity, and they want us to get this done. Will my right hon. Friend give a message to my businesses in Wednesbury, Oldbury and Tipton that rejecting an extension and getting this done, with the simple ask of a free trade agreement in line with what the EU has with every other country, will give them the clarity they deserve as we come out of these unprecedented times?
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Foreign Trade
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman makes two important points. He is right that the avionics industry is a jewel in Wales’s and the United Kingdom’s crown, and everything we do in these trade negotiations will be intended to support it. He is also right that Welsh lamb is second to none—well, apart from Scottish lamb.
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Agriculture
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): You don’t know who my relatives are, Chris. All UK lamb is excellent, and we need to ensure that the Welsh lamb industry secures access to not only the European market but new markets as well. In the United States and, indeed, in the middle and near east, there is growing demand for excellent Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish and English lamb. Access to those markets will make our farmers more secure financially and better able to steward the environment.
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Foreign Trade
Jonathan Edward Gullis (Conservative, Centre-right): I want to pass on to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the thanks of the 72% of people in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke who overwhelmingly voted to leave and are delighted that we are not extending the transition period. I am sure that he has a fine collection of ceramics from Stoke-on-Trent in his home and office. Ceramics manufacturers such as Churchill China in my constituency are keen to see us get a really good free trade deal. Ceramics has been put at the heart of the international trade agenda of the Secretary of State for International Trade. I am sure that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will confirm that ceramics is at the heart of the free trade negotiation on manufacturing and will happily meet me and members of the British Ceramic Confederation.
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Foreign Trade
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): I certainly will. Only last night, I was talking to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade about what more we can do to support the ceramics industry, which is so vital to the economic health of Staffordshire and is a source of pride for all of us across the United Kingdom. Whether it is Churchill China, Royal Doulton, Emma Bridgewater or others, we should do everything we can to ensure that there are new markets for UK ceramics. I know my right hon. Friend will also ensure that we have an appropriate trade remedies authority in the UK, so that inappropriate dumping of ceramics does not undermine UK production.
UK-EU Negotiations — House of Commons, 2020-06-16
Topic: Energy
Robert Henry Halfon (Conservative, Centre-right): I am glad that you are able to hear me, Madam Deputy Speaker. Given that leaving the EU means that we can control our VAT rates and cut VAT, what progress has been made in taking back control of VAT rates so that we can cut our energy bills and the cost of living for hard-working residents in Harlow and across the country?