argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-11-23
Topic: Government Operations
Scott Leslie Mann (Conservative, Centre-right): I speak with a bit of personal experience, having been a Royal Mail employee and having benefited down the line. My right hon. Friend is absolutely right: apart from the trade unionists who drive the Royal Mail train, a huge number of workers have benefited greatly from having that share option. I pay tribute to those workers, who are doing a good job and who will be delivering our post during the Christmas period.
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-11-23
Topic: Foreign Trade
Michael Fallon (Conservative, Centre-right): I echo that tribute. I should like that example of share options to be followed much more widely. Let us incentivise our companies, with a lower tax rate, to offer free shares to all their employees Finally, let me say something about exports. Our constituents benefit, of course, from cheap imported goods, but we are now importing far more than we export. We have run deficits of more than £30 billion in goods and services in each of the past five years, and a deficit of more than £43 billion in the last year alone—and this on an island of entrepreneurs, of engineering excellence, of innovation and of ingenuity. It is good that, according to the CBI, a quarter of manufacturers now expect an increasing order book, but the cheaper pound should not obscure the reality that outside the single market we will live or die by what we can sell to the world in goods and services It is not just down to this Government. There were serious deficits in the Labour years as well. Too many medium-sized companies do not bother to export at all, but, post-Brexit, we must clearly put exports at the front and centre of our economic policies. Campaigns such as GREAT and Global Britain are important, but they are just campaigns. We now need to hard-wire exporting into every British business: exporting should be a condition of all our major Government support schemes, our grants and our loans. In return, the Chancellor is beefing up our export finance, making it easier for first-time exporters to take the plunge, and I fully support that A fairer economy, much wider employee share ownership, putting exporting at the heart of every Government industrial programme: those are some of the necessary steps towards our new economic future. Let us agree across the House, Brexiteers and Europhiles alike, that muddling along—mere managerialism—is not going to be enough. Brexit Britain demands a bigger vision: more confident, outward-looking, self-rewarding. Let us build on this successful, sensible Budget to enable Britain to be bolder still.
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-11-23
Topic: Macroeconomics
Stephen Charles Kerr (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government are not dragging us out; the people of this country voted in the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU There are many questions that could be asked of the SNP Government. For example, will the Scottish Government lift their broadband tax? In England, new broadband infrastructure will attract tax relief, so we are waiting for the Scottish Government to act. Will the SNP Government match the Chancellor’s commitment to remove stamp duty for first-time buyers by removing said buyers from having to pay the discredited land and buildings transaction tax? We will wait and see. Will the SNP Government continue to make Scotland the highest taxed part of the United Kingdom? Will they press on with their plans to increase personal taxes for everyone in Scotland earning over £24,000 a year, which is the average income in Scotland? It is a disgrace. It is hardly progressive politics. The SNP want to foment grievance, and the people of Scotland are seeing through that. We need a Conservative Government in Holyrood with Ruth Davidson as First Minister. That is the only way that we will be able to realise the full benefits of Scotland’s place at the heart of the United Kingdom. I am proud to be present in the Chamber for my first Budget debate as Stirling’s Member of Parliament, and I welcome this Budget.
Political Situation — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): Northern Ireland remains without a fully functioning, power-sharing devolved Government. Our clear and resolute focus is to re-establish devolved government at Stormont. Together with the Irish Government, we are continuing to support the parties’ efforts to find resolution and form an Executive. However, time is short and I urge the parties to continue to work to reach agreement.
Political Situation — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
Edward John Comport Argar (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the Secretary of State for that answer, as I thank him, as I hope would all Members, for his clear determination, commitment and hard work in the cause of seeking a return to the power-sharing devolved Administration we all wish to see. With that in mind, does he share my view that it is vital that all parties in Northern Ireland continue to approach these discussions in a spirit of compromise and co-operation, with our eyes firmly fixed on the need to secure agreement?
Political Situation — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Government Operations
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): I agree with my hon. Friend on the intent that we must have and the approach to be taken. Clearly, we will do all that we can to support the parties in the days ahead. The time for action is now. I stress that we are seeing engagement between the DUP and Sinn Féin. I have been encouraged by the nature of the intensive engagement that they have shown, but agreement has not been reached. A high number of issues remain outstanding and we must focus on finding that resolution and seeing devolved government restored.
Political Situation — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady is right; the Prime Minister has been engaged, and she spoke to the party leaders of the DUP and Sinn Féin last night and underlined the need to be constructive in discussions and to find that resolution. She will remain closely engaged and will play whatever role is needed to support and find that positive outcome.
Political Situation — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Andrew William Murrison (Conservative, Centre-right): While it lacks its 10 political members, the Northern Ireland Policing Board remains severely constrained. Although I hope that my right hon. Friend’s efforts bear fruit, in the event that the Executive are not restored, what contingency plans does he have to enable the Policing Board to function effectively?
Political Situation — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Government Operations
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): I welcome the statement that the right hon. Gentleman has made on behalf of his party, and indeed the comments that Arlene Foster has made about seeing that desire to get back into an Executive. I would also point to the comments of Michelle O’Neill, who has said that she believes that, while there are difficulties, a deal is still doable. I would certainly encourage the right hon. Gentleman and his party to engage in the way that they have, and encourage all parties to have that focus on seeing devolution restored.
Executive Accountability — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Government Operations
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): The people of Northern Ireland need a fully functioning Executive where strategic decisions can be made in the interests of the whole community. That is clearly in line with what they voted for in the Assembly election in March and that is the appropriate means to ensure local accountability and accessibility for all the people of Northern Ireland.
Executive Accountability — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Macroeconomics
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman knows that time is running short. There is the lack of a budget in Northern Ireland and that cannot continue for much longer. The more we head into October the bigger the challenges will be. He makes a point about accountability. Obviously, as the UK Government we have a primary responsibility in respect of political stability in Northern Ireland, but I note the point he makes about responses from Departments within the Northern Ireland civil service and I will certainly raise that with David Sterling.
Executive Accountability — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Agriculture
Simon James Hoare (Conservative, Centre-right): While backing British farming both on the mainland and in Northern Ireland, may I ask my right hon. Friend, in the absence of the devolved Executive, what steps he and his Department are taking to ensure that the views of local politicians are being conveyed to Bombardier, Boeing and the Government of the United States?
Executive Accountability — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend makes an important point. Our priority is to encourage Boeing to drop its case and seek a negotiated settlement. I note that the leaders of both the DUP and Sinn Féin have issued a joint letter to the vice-president underlining the particular circumstances and the real significance of this matter to Northern Ireland, and I would encourage everyone to play their part in seeking a resolution.
Executive Accountability — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady fundamentally mischaracterises what the EU (Withdrawal) Bill is about. It is about creating UK-wide frameworks to ensure that we have a smooth transition, and I would have thought that was in the best interests of all of the United Kingdom and that everybody should get behind it.
Cross-border Security — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): The UK Government have regular discussions with the Irish Government on a range of issues, including cross-border security. We work closely together to tackle security challenges and keep people on both sides of the border safe.
Cross-border Security — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
Chris Ian Brian Mynott Philp (Conservative, Centre-right): Does my hon. Friend agree that, as we leave the European Union, close co-operation with the Government of Ireland on security will be extremely important? Can she assure the House that that will be a top priority in the coming negotiations?
Cross-border Security — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes—in short, I certainly can. Co-operation with the Irish authorities is already strong. We wish to see that continue. If I may, I will take this opportunity to commend the security services and police on both sides of the border for all that they do to keep individuals safe.
Cross-border Security — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): There has been close co-operation with the Irish Government every step of the way in seeking to re-establish the devolved Government, which is a common and shared priority. As the hon. Gentleman has said, that spirit is shared not only by Members on both sides of the House, but by the Governments. I am clear, however, that the UK Government have the specific responsibility of delivering public services and good governance in Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom. We act consistently in accordance with our obligations under the Belfast agreement and we are not looking for any principle that might be inconsistent with that agreement.
Common Travel Area — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government’s position on Northern Ireland and Ireland affirmed our commitment to maintaining the common travel area. That is supported by the EU, as confirmed in its recent paper on Ireland. I have regular discussions with the Irish Government and know that they, too, are supportive of maintaining the common travel area.
Common Travel Area — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): I point the hon. Gentleman to the paper that the EU itself issued, which said: "The continued operation of the Common Travel Area is fundamental to facilitating the interaction of people in Ireland and the United Kingdom…Continuation of the Common Travel Area arrangements, in conformity with European Union law, should be recognised." I encourage the hon. Gentleman to do so.
Common Travel Area — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Transportation
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend highlights the strong co-operation between the Irish and UK Governments in respect of the common travel area. We want that to continue in the future. It has served us well over many decades, which is why our paper highlights its importance. Indeed, I think that the EU itself recognises that too.
Common Travel Area — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): The Irish Government recognise the particular challenges. We encourage all those involved to engage positively and proactively with the position paper we published to encourage further discussion. It has workable proposals and we need to get down to having a detailed discussion on them.
Common Travel Area — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
Kevin John Foster (Conservative, Centre-right): In his discussions with the Taoiseach, has the Secretary of State reflected on the fact that the common travel area is based on neither country being in Schengen, and that the real threat to Ireland and the UK would come from a part of mainland UK joining Schengen, for which the Scottish National party keeps arguing?
Common Travel Area — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend makes a very important point about Schengen. Our common framework on the common travel area has operated since the 1920s, and the UK, the Irish Government and the EU recognise its significance. We are determined to find a positive way through, and that can be achieved.
Northern Ireland Powerhouse — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Macroeconomics
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): This Government fully support business groups and civic leaders collaborating across boundaries to grow local economies. We are committed to doing our part to build prosperity right across the United Kingdom. For example, in Northern Ireland our UK industrial strategy will support business growth, employment and innovation, and boost levels of trade and investment.
Northern Ireland Powerhouse — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Macroeconomics
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): I would hope that those on both sides of the House would agree that in every part of the United Kingdom we need to see jobs growth, the growth of key industries and people living a secure and prosperous life. I am pleased to note that this morning it was announced that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate for the May to July quarter of this year has decreased again. I hope that the hon. Lady would welcome that kind of growth. I also hope that she would turn her attention to what she could do to support the economy in her own constituency. [Interruption.]
Northern Ireland Powerhouse — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Macroeconomics
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): There are two things to say. First, we would like to see additional economic co-operation within Northern Ireland—namely, the possibility of there being city deals. Secondly, the hon. Gentleman’s comments about corporation tax clearly remind us that we need to work towards the restoration of an Executive who can take such decisions for the good of the people of Northern Ireland.
Governance and Political Stability — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Government Operations
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): I have pressed the parties on the urgent need to resolve the current impasse in the interests of the entire community and I believe a deal remains possible. Locally accountable government is essential for the delivery of public services, good governance and political stability in Northern Ireland.
Governance and Political Stability — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Government Operations
Robert John Blackman (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer and his patience and perseverance in restoring the Executive. How concerned is he about the lack of accountability to locally elected politicians of civil servants who are delivering public services in Northern Ireland?
Governance and Political Stability — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Government Operations
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): I am concerned, because it is not right that we do not have locally elected politicians making decisions and, yes, making sure that civil servants who act to deliver those services are held accountable. That is why we need to see the restoration of the Executive at the earliest possible opportunity, serving all communities, and delivering those public services that people need.
Governance and Political Stability — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): I certainly hear that message loud and clear. There is no direct way in which I can intervene; there is no legislation that would authorise me to do so. As I said in a speech in Cambridge on Friday, if we were to be in the situation where the UK Government have to make direct directions, that is certainly an issue that I would have to consider.
Brexit Discussions — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): UK Government Ministers have held a number of meetings with Northern Ireland’s political parties about EU exit. However, our priority remains restoring the Northern Ireland Executive, which will enable direct ministerial engagement on matters relating to the UK’s departure from the EU.
Brexit Discussions — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Agriculture
Johanna Peta Churchill (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the Secretary of State for his answer, but people still need food and drink. Six million cases of Baileys and other cream liqueurs are made in Ireland every year. In Northern Ireland, production crosses the border several times, as is the case for most products. What is he doing to ensure frictionless borders for our farmers and for food production, and ensure that Baileys and Guinness get here?
Brexit Discussions — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
James Peter Brokenshire (Conservative, Centre-right): We have been clear about the maintenance of the common travel area, and we have set out two alternatives for the operation of customs arrangements. On the question of clarity, I would encourage the hon. Gentleman to ask for clarity from the Leader of the Opposition, who has been anything but clear about whether his party supports membership of the single market or not. I encourage him to work on his own side to deliver that clarity.
Security Situation — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): The threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism continues to be severe in Northern Ireland, meaning that an attack is highly likely. Our response to terrorism and paramilitary activity is co-ordinated, effective and fully resourced. This Government remain fully committed to keeping people safe and secure and ensuring that terrorism never succeeds.
Security Situation — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Henry Bellingham (Conservative, Centre-right): As part of the security review, will the Minister look at the case of Dennis Hutchings and other veterans, who have been hounded and charged in respect of alleged shootings nearly 50 years ago? There is no new evidence, so surely the time has come to restore humanity and natural justice, and bring in some form of time limitation.
Security Situation — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Scott Leslie Mann (Conservative, Centre-right): Will my hon. Friend join me in sending a message of support and thanks to the brave men and women of the Police Service of Northern Ireland who keep us safe in the light of the severe terrorist threat at present?
Security Situation — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): This Government have committed £25 million of funding to support the Northern Ireland Executive’s tackling paramilitarism programme. However, I return to the point that this reminds us why we need an Executive back up and running to keep people safe, on this most acute of issues.
Security Situation — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): More broadly, this is a matter being taken forward by the Foreign Office, but I would be happy to meet, or indeed to arrange a meeting, with members of the Government to discuss the issues in more detail.
Security Situation — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: Law and Crime
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes, is the principal answer. It is crucial that people have the confidence to come forward to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, to ensure a safe and prosperous future for all parts of the community.
Engagements — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
Theresa Mary May (Conservative, Centre-right): I am sure that the thoughts of Members across the House remain with all those affected by Hurricane Irma, particularly in our overseas territories. I would like to update the House briefly. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has travelled to the overseas territories to see the recovery work at first hand and assess what more is needed. As I told the House last week, we had a Navy ship pre-positioned in the region and humanitarian experts on the ground to co-ordinate the UK response. Since Thursday Cobra has met regularly to co-ordinate the Government’s response, bringing together military, aid and consular effort, and today I am announcing an additional £25 million to support the recovery effort, further to the £32 million of assistance that I announced last week. We have now deployed over 1,000 military personnel to the region, with an additional 200 to arrive in the next few days, along with over 60 police. More than 40 tonnes of aid has now arrived. I am sure that Members across the House would like to join me in paying tribute to the hard work of the many people, military and civilian, who are doing an incredible job in difficult circumstances This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall have further such meetings later today.
Engagements — House of Commons, 2017-09-13
Topic: International Affairs
Theresa Mary May (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady’s view of what is going to happen when we leave the European Union is not the right one. If she is telling her constituents that, then she needs to think again. She needs to work with the Government to ensure that as we leave the European Union we get the deal that gives us access to the single market and enables us not just to have that access, but to do trade deals around the world and bring prosperity and jobs here to the UK.