argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
UK's Nuclear Deterrent — House of Commons, 2016-07-18
Topic: Energy
Theresa Mary May (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend makes a very important point. Some constituencies—obviously, Morecambe and Lunesdale, and Barrow and Furness—are particularly affected by this, but as I have just said, there are jobs across about 350 constituencies in this country that are related to this industry. If we were not going to renew our nuclear deterrent, those people would of course be at risk of losing their jobs as a result.
UK's Nuclear Deterrent — House of Commons, 2016-07-18
Topic: International Affairs
Alec Shelbrooke (Conservative, Centre-right): It is all very well looking at the cost of building and running the submarines, but the cost of instability in the world if there is no counterbalance reduces our ability to trade and reduces GDP. This is not just about what it costs; it is about what would happen if we did not have this system and there was more instability in the world.
UK's Nuclear Deterrent — House of Commons, 2016-07-18
Topic: International Affairs
James Michael Ellwood Berry (Conservative, Centre-right): How would the right hon. Gentleman persuade my thousands of Korean constituents that it is a good idea to disarm unilaterally while their families and friends living in our ally South Korea face a constant nuclear threat from a belligerent regime over their northern border?
UK's Nuclear Deterrent — House of Commons, 2016-07-18
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander John Gervase Chalk (Conservative, Centre-right): Does my hon. Friend agree that the use of huge figures in isolation is at best unhelpful and at worst misleading? When applied across a 35-year time horizon, such massive figures would, in fact, be dwarfed by our international aid budget.
UK's Nuclear Deterrent — House of Commons, 2016-07-18
Topic: International Affairs
Julian Murray Lewis (Conservative, Centre-right): I appreciate what the hon. Gentleman is saying, and he is being very reasonable in his approach. The point about the second centre of decision making, which both Republican and Democrat American Governments have supported since 1958, is about the danger that another country might think it could pick off the UK without the Americans responding on our behalf. They probably would respond but it would be too late by the time the aggressor found that out. That is why knowing that the UK can defend itself is welcomed by the Americans, so that no fatal miscalculation of that sort can be made.
UK's Nuclear Deterrent — House of Commons, 2016-07-18
Topic: International Affairs
Robert Edward Jenrick (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman makes a sensible point. As I understand it, the Secretary of State is committed to reporting annually on the progress of the project, and I hope that will give some comfort to the hon. Gentleman and to all of us who want to see it proceed successfully In the time I have available, let me summarise the arguments as I see them. First, deterrence is not simply for the cold war history books, as some have said this evening. Deterrence remains essential to prevent major wars from occurring between nation states, and to prevent our being coerced and blackmailed by threats from those who possess nuclear weapons. Deterrence also extends into war itself, ensuring—or attempting to ensure—that any war, whether large or small, is a limited war Secondly, we still live in a uniquely dangerous world, at risk of terrorist attack, as we heard from the Prime Minister earlier. We are also at risk and uncertain in terms of nation states and other major powers around the world, as other hon. Members have said. A couple of days ago, I saw on television the dignified face of Marina Litvinenko, as she stood on College Green, outside this building. She is a living testament to the danger and unpredictability of the regime in Russia We have seen further evidence of the growing long-term instability in Asia with the escalation of the South China sea dispute. That is surely one of the disputes that will mark out our generation and beyond, and which in turn will encourage the United States to pivot its attention and resources further towards the Pacific and away from Europe’s security. In late June, North Korea succeeded in launching a home-grown intermediate-range ballistic missile, which flew a distance of 250 miles to the Sea of Japan after five previous failed attempts. And let us not forget that it is little over a year since the signing of Iran’s nuclear deal, which I suspect will only delay the prospect of that country’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. Hon. Members might not be aware that Iran celebrated the first anniversary of the signing of that deal by firing a long-range ballistic missile using North Korean technology.
UK's Nuclear Deterrent — House of Commons, 2016-07-18
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander John Gervase Chalk (Conservative, Centre-right): On the subject of Russia’s actions, would not the annexation of territory on our continent have been unimaginable two years ago? This just goes to show that we need to be prepared for things that are completely beyond our expectations.
Manufacturing — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Macroeconomics
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): Our long-term plan is delivering a stronger economy across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. We are keeping interest rates low by dealing with the deficit, and we are boosting enterprise and investment by cutting corporation tax.
Manufacturing — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Macroeconomics
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government’s position on this is clear, and we are united in delivering our long-term economic plan to ensure that we deliver economic stability for Northern Ireland. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will welcome confirmation in the Assembly only this week that 80,000 people are working in manufacturing in Northern Ireland—more than at any point since Labour crashed the economy in 2008.
Manufacturing — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Energy
Laurence Anthony Robertson (Conservative, Centre-right): Just this morning the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee began an inquiry into the energy sector, in particular the electricity sector, in Northern Ireland, and high energy costs are a problem for the manufacturing sector. No doubt we will speak to the Secretary of State, or perhaps a Minister, about that issue, but does she have any initial thoughts on that problem?
Manufacturing — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Energy
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): I gather that my hon. Friend has been having lively discussions in his Committee on these matters, including on issues relating to the super-connector. It is important that those issues are resolved, so that everything possible can be done to keep energy costs low in Northern Ireland. The UK Government have taken action to support high-energy industries, saving them around £400 million over this Parliament, including exemptions from certain EU obligations.
Manufacturing — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Macroeconomics
Robert John Blackman (Conservative, Centre-right): It is clearly good news that manufacturing jobs and output are increasing in Northern Ireland. What further steps can my right hon. Friend take to ensure that the Northern Ireland economy is further rebalanced in favour of the private sector?
Manufacturing — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Macroeconomics
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): The implementation of the Stormont House agreement, and the measures on economic reform that it contains, are vital, as it is that the Government continue with their long-term economic plan, which is delivering the stability that manufacturing needs to flourish in Northern Ireland.
Manufacturing — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Foreign Trade
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): We will continue with our "Exporting is GREAT" programme which, as the hon. Gentleman said, has a strong focus in Northern Ireland, and we will use our network of embassies around the world to promote Northern Ireland. It is positive that there is a commitment to devolving corporation tax setting powers to the Northern Ireland Executive as soon as finances are sustainable enough to make that possible, and the forthcoming reduction in corporation tax will be an even greater support for exports.
Manufacturing — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Foreign Trade
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): I agree with the Prime Minister’s statement that trade will continue after the referendum, whatever the result. He was clear that we would continue to trade with the EU if the British people choose on 23 June to leave the EU.
Security Situation — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government are determined to do everything possible to keep people in Northern Ireland safe. I meet the Chief Constable, the Justice Minister and others regularly to discuss the security situation. I would like to acknowledge the exceptional work of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, which does an outstanding job tackling the terrorism threat.
Security Situation — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that there are limits to what I can share with the House, but I can assure him that the police are doing everything they can to bring to justice whoever was responsible for this cache of arms and that efforts, both north and south of the border, remain intense in seeking to press down on the terrorist threat. Sadly, there continues to be a significant amount of activity from small groupings seeking to pursue their aims by terror, but, thankfully, in the vast majority of cases, their plans do not result in harm being carried out, and that is because of the excellent work of the police.
Security Situation — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: It is obviously excellent and heartening news that the number of shooting incidents has fallen to its lowest level since 1969, but there obviously remains a credible threat from dissidents. Does the Secretary of State agree that even more needs to be done to choke off funding from organised crime and smuggling on both sides of the border?
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): A huge amount of work is being done on these matters, but my hon. Friend is right that more can always be done. I warmly welcome the publication of the report on paramilitary activity by the panel this week. We have managed to get national security attacks down to 16 in 2015 from 40 at their peak in 2010, but it is crucial that Northern Ireland as a whole moves forward, away from paramilitarism. Many of the recommendations in the panel’s report will help us to achieve the goal of ending paramilitary activity.
Security Situation — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: It is obviously excellent and heartening news that the number of shooting incidents has fallen to its lowest level since 1969, but there obviously remains a credible threat from dissidents. Does the Secretary of State agree that even more needs to be done to choke off funding from organised crime and smuggling on both sides of the border?
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): I share the right hon. Gentleman’s sentiments on the Northern Ireland football team and the other teams from the British Isles. I wish them well in the competition On the security situation, the Government of course support the efforts by the police, not just through the block grant but through the additional security funding, and further funding will be made available to tackle paramilitarism under the "Fresh Start" agreement. It is crucial that every effort be made in this area. The UK Government will continue to do all they can to support efforts to keep people in Northern Ireland safe and secure.
Security Situation — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Government Operations
Questions: It is obviously excellent and heartening news that the number of shooting incidents has fallen to its lowest level since 1969, but there obviously remains a credible threat from dissidents. Does the Secretary of State agree that even more needs to be done to choke off funding from organised crime and smuggling on both sides of the border?
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): The panel makes reference to certain contacts that have taken place on an informal basis with some of these groupings. The panel’s report sets out a road map to seeing an end to those kinds of interactions. It is something that we shall work towards in the future because we do not want these organisations to exist any more.
EU Referendum — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Foreign Trade
Questions: What discussions she has had with the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU; and if she will make a statement.; What discussions she has had with the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU; and if she will make a statement.
Robert Ben Lobban Wallace (Conservative, Centre-right): If I may correct the hon. Gentleman, I fully support remaining in the European Union, and so do the United Kingdom Government. We are acutely aware of the points he raised, as 87% of the agricultural exports of Northern Ireland go south to the Republic, and we do not want to see any trade barriers put in the way. That is why we want to remain in the European Union.
EU Referendum — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Foreign Trade
Questions: What discussions she has had with the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU; and if she will make a statement.; What discussions she has had with the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU; and if she will make a statement.
David Nuttall (Conservative, Centre-right): Does the Minister not agree that the reality is that trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will continue very much as it has for centuries—regardless of whether we are in or out of the European Union?
EU Referendum — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Foreign Trade
Questions: What discussions she has had with the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU; and if she will make a statement.; What discussions she has had with the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU; and if she will make a statement.
Robert Ben Lobban Wallace (Conservative, Centre-right): What my hon. Friend misses is that export into the Republic of Ireland is also a gateway into the rest of the European Union and provides access to 500 million customers for United Kingdom goods. If we leave the European Union, that will, of course, be hampered; there will be a customs union on our borders, which will mean delays and barriers to our trade.
EU Referendum — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: What discussions she has had with the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU; and if she will make a statement.; What discussions she has had with the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU; and if she will make a statement.
Robert Ben Lobban Wallace (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman is absolutely correct. The ability to remove people whom we do not want so that they face trial elsewhere in Europe is a very powerful tool for our forces of law and order in Northern Ireland. We have deported 190 people to face trial, including terrorists from Spain, and we have managed to bring back 34 people to face justice in the United Kingdom. That is a tool that we need: it keeps people safe in Northern Ireland and in the United Kingdom as a whole, and to turn our backs on it would be foolish.
EU Referendum — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What discussions she has had with the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU; and if she will make a statement.; What discussions she has had with the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU; and if she will make a statement.
Robert Ben Lobban Wallace (Conservative, Centre-right): The common travel area existed before the European Union, but the hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. It is totally unclear what arrangements would exist after a Brexit. That is why the best solution is to remain in the European Union, so that we can take advantage of both the single market and the free travel of people, skills and trade that we enjoyed before membership.
Terrorism Threat — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): Our first duty is to keep people safe, and we give our full support to the police and the intelligence services. The threat level in Great Britain recently changed to "substantial", meaning that an attack by dissidents is a strong possibility. People should be vigilant and alert, but not alarmed.
Terrorism Threat — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): An extensive range of measures are being taken. The protection of police and prison officers is at the heart of our efforts to counter the terrorist threat in Northern Ireland, because the threat that they face is one of the most serious faced by any profession. The additional security funding provided by the Government under the "Fresh Start" agreement is contributing to necessary protections for the police and prison officers who do such an important job for our whole community, and we will continue to do all that we can to protect them.
Terrorism Threat — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): It is certainly true that dissident republican terrorist groupings have the aspiration to attack in Great Britain. Their main focus remains Northern Ireland, but they do have that capability and lethal intent. Every effort is being made to counter their activities, including their activities south of the border, through the co-operation that now exists between the police services and other security organisations in the north and the south.
Organised Crime and Terrorism — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): In December, as part of the implementation of the "Fresh Start" agreement, I attended a meeting with the Irish Government and Northern Ireland Executive at which we agreed on new measures to enhance co-operation on cross-border organised crime.
Organised Crime and Terrorism — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Thomas Christopher John Pursglove (Conservative, Centre-right): I strongly welcome the arrangements that have been agreed as part of the "Fresh Start" agreement, but does the Secretary of State agree that there must be both strategic and operational co-operation to dismantle gangs and their activities?
Organised Crime and Terrorism — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): I would agree, and that is exactly what is happening. The new joint agency taskforce established as a result of the "Fresh Start" agreement enables exactly that kind of operational co-operation on cross-border crimes such as fuel laundering, human trafficking and drug smuggling, and I welcome the progress that has been made on that.
Organised Crime and Terrorism — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): There is absolute determination on the part of the Governments of the UK and Ireland and the law enforcement agencies of both countries that we should continue to do everything we can to co-operate in countering the terrorist threat and the criminality associated with terrorist and paramilitary groups.
Organised Crime and Terrorism — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Theresa Anne Villiers (Conservative, Centre-right): I agree, and it will be well worth considering the views in the panel’s report on the laws that apply to organised crime in Scotland and the ways of cracking down on this kind of criminality there. It will be worth considering whether we could learn lessons from Scotland and impose statutory changes of that nature in Northern Ireland
Implications of the UK Leaving the EU — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: International Affairs
Robert Ben Lobban Wallace (Conservative, Centre-right): Having the UK and Ireland in the EU guarantees the free movement of people and goods across the border, boosting cross-border co-operation and trade. The UK and Ireland will always co-operate closely on security matters, but membership of the EU enhances our ability to co-operate with member states to combat crime and terrorism and keep our country safe.
Implications of the UK Leaving the EU — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: International Affairs
Robert Ben Lobban Wallace (Conservative, Centre-right): I know that the hon. Gentleman is a keen campaigner for Brexit and he no doubt also wants to control his borders. He cannot have it both ways. He cannot want to control his borders and make checks while letting everything just carry on as normal. With all due respect to the Republic of Ireland, it would be up to the European Union to decide what it did on the border of its customs union and not necessarily up to individual states. That is why Brexit would put our safety at risk and put barriers to trade across that border.
Implications of the UK Leaving the EU — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: International Affairs
Kevin John Foster (Conservative, Centre-right): As has been mentioned, we have had a common travel area between southern Ireland and Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom as a whole for 100 years. What reassurances can the Minister give me that, regardless of the outcome of the referendum—he will know that I back remain—cross-border co-operation and security will remain a priority in Westminster and in Stormont?
Implications of the UK Leaving the EU — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Robert Ben Lobban Wallace (Conservative, Centre-right): We will of course seek continued security co-operation. No one is alleging that that would stop, but we would perhaps lose the European arrest warrant, Europol and all the organisations that allow us to build trust and to carry out successful intelligence work in order to counter terrorism.
Implications of the UK Leaving the EU — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: International Affairs
Robert Ben Lobban Wallace (Conservative, Centre-right): Were the United Kingdom to choose to leave the European Union, the negotiations about what would happen between the sovereign state of the United Kingdom and the European Union would be done between the European Union and that country. The Republic of Ireland would therefore have a say in that, but it would not have an overall say on the terms of our exit. That is why the best solution is to remain in the European Union and to take advantage of its security, because we are better, safer and stronger in it.
Implications of the UK Leaving the EU — House of Commons, 2016-06-08
Topic: International Affairs
Robert Ben Lobban Wallace (Conservative, Centre-right): It is delightful to hear the Scottish National party talk about Great Britain from time to time. We will of course be delighted to ensure that we maintain the European arrest warrant and our membership of Europol by staying in the European Union, so I suggest that we all get out and campaign.