argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Overseas Electors Bill — House of Commons, 2018-02-23
Topic: International Affairs
Christopher James Skidmore (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman is raising quite an important point; there is a big difference between elected representatives and their constituents, but there will be roughly 3 million British expats watching this debate on their news channels across the world. Is he really saying that the Labour party is now telling all those British expats that they have made and are making no contribution to British life and to our British state?
Overseas Electors Bill — House of Commons, 2018-02-23
Topic: Macroeconomics
Mark Robert Timothy Garnier (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman will be aware that if he wants to pay more tax he is perfectly entitled to. People can make arrangements with HMRC to pay more tax, and if he believes that he is not paying enough, he should by all means go ahead and pay more.
Overseas Electors Bill — House of Commons, 2018-02-23
Topic: Macroeconomics
Michelle Emma May Elizabeth Donelan (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman’s speech is confusing for the ex-pat community, because it is factually incorrect. For instance, in 2006, Spain signed a double taxation treaty with the UK, which means that residents can choose whether they pay their taxes to the UK or to Spain. A great number of ex-pats pay their tax to the UK, which makes the core of his argument null and void. I suggest that he allow the rest of the Members in the Chamber to discuss the merits of this very important Bill, which will enfranchise thousands, if not millions, of potential voters around the world.
Overseas Electors Bill — House of Commons, 2018-02-23
Topic: Macroeconomics
Michelle Emma May Elizabeth Donelan (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman is oversimplifying the issue. Those people might have pensions that are still being taxed at source in the UK. In fact, the majority are of pensionable age and do just that, so the argument is completely oversimplified. He is trying to base his argument on linking voting to taxation, which is impossible to do.
Overseas Electors Bill — House of Commons, 2018-02-23
Topic: Labor
Roger James Gale (Conservative, Centre-right): I beg the pardon of the hon. Member for Ilford South (Mike Gapes)—I could not remember, either. We are all fallible The hon. Member for Ipswich referred to the fact that people who live in Commonwealth countries did not have their pensions uprated. I happen to be the chairman of the all-party group on frozen British pensions. I do not recall the hon. Gentleman attending any one of the meetings we have held to try to redress the injustice to which he referred—and yes, it is an injustice. Had he attended, he would have got his facts right, because there are Commonwealth countries—of which Jamaica is one, to pluck an example out of the sky—in which pensions are uprated. We want to see them uprated across the board. I mention that not to score points but to demonstrate how very wrong the hon. Gentleman was in virtually everything that he said I do not need to say any more. I want Harry Shindler, and the millions of expats like him who are proudly British, who take a keen interest in this country and regard it as their mother country, who have children and grandchildren living here, and who may well want to return to vote but wish to vote while they are overseas as well, to have that right. I do not believe that any part of this House will find any favour, not only with those people but with their very many UK-resident family members, by disagreeing with that. I hope the House will remember that, if and when we get the chance to vote on the Bill. It is a good measure that redresses an injustice and its time has come. We should let it pass.
Overseas Electors Bill — House of Commons, 2018-02-23
Topic: Government Operations
Christopher James Skidmore (Conservative, Centre-right): Having briefly been a Minister for the constitution with responsibility for the franchise, I would like to enlighten the hon. Lady. When it comes to referendums, the franchise is set individually by a referendum Act. Each referendum is described and detailed by its own separate piece of legislation. Even if my hon. Friend the Member for Montgomeryshire (Glyn Davies) wanted to add this to his Bill, he would not be able to because referendums are discretely contained in how they define the franchise, which is why the franchise was slightly different for the Scottish referendum in 2014.
Overseas Electors Bill — House of Commons, 2018-02-23
Topic: Agriculture
Oliver Heald (Conservative, Centre-right): Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the opinions of people in a country such as Canada or America could inform our political discourse? Those countries have service animal protection—something I am calling for—and people there could inform our debate, so that we can see how well it works there.
Raunds Library — House of Commons, 2018-02-23
Topic: Education
Thomas Christopher John Pursglove (Conservative, Centre-right): I am presenting this petition on the future of Raunds library on behalf of the pupils of St Peter’s School in Raunds, who are very concerned that the library might close. The petition declares that the pupils of St Peter’s School want Raunds library to remain open. A similar petition—[Interruption.]
Raunds Library — House of Commons, 2018-02-23
Topic: Education
Thomas Christopher John Pursglove (Conservative, Centre-right): Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I am sure that the pupils of St Peter’s School will be watching that discipline with interest. You are absolutely right to make that point A similar petition has received 241 signatures, and it has been superbly organised by the pupils of the school, including Mason and Alex Bandy The petition states: The petition of residents of the United Kingdom, Declares that Raunds Library should remain open The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to compel Northamptonshire County Council to ensure that Raunds Library remains open And the petitioners remain, etc [P002114]
Turkey (Afrin) — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Alan James Carter Duncan (Conservative, Centre-right): The Foreign Secretary has spoken to Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu about the operation in Afrin. We have called for de-escalation for the protection of civilians, while recognising Turkey’s legitimate interest in the security of its borders. It remains in our shared interests to focus on achieving a political settlement in Syria.
Turkey (Afrin) — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Alan James Carter Duncan (Conservative, Centre-right): I understand what the hon. Gentleman is saying, but we must also recognise the legitimate security interests of Syria. They consider that, having launched Operation Olive Branch in January, it is in response to attacks from the Afrin area, and they believe that they are in compliance with proper UN standards.[Official Report, 21 February 2018, Vol. 636, c. 4MC.]
Turkey (Afrin) — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Alan James Carter Duncan (Conservative, Centre-right): That is primarily a question on Syria, rather than Turkey. However, I would point out to the right hon. Lady that the PKK is a proscribed organisation in the UK, whereas the organisations to which she principally refers are not and so can be spoken to.
Turkey (Afrin) — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: Energy
Alan James Carter Duncan (Conservative, Centre-right): I understand the issue to which my right hon. Friend refers, which is the drilling for oil and gas on the edge of Cyprus. We are assessing what has been reported over the past day or so about what exactly is happening in that area.
Turkey (Afrin) — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Alan James Carter Duncan (Conservative, Centre-right): I do not think it is exactly as the right hon. Lady says. We need to recognise Turkey’s legitimate interests. Of course we condemn any kind of attacks on civilians and we wish to see a de-escalation of that, but the legitimate rights of Turkey should be recognised.
Girls’ Education — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: Education
Harriett Mary Morison Baldwin (Conservative, Centre-right): Girls’ education is a moral imperative. Women and girls have the right to be educated, equal, empowered and safe. This is one of the Foreign Secretary’s top priorities, and he has instructed his officials to put girls’ education at the heart of their work.
Girls’ Education — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
David Thomas Charles Davies (Conservative, Centre-right): Given the appalling revelations about some employees in Oxfam and the subsequent attempts to cover that up, could the Minister assure us that any organisation that is asked to deliver education for girls’ programmes anywhere in the world by the British Government is fit for purpose?
Girls’ Education — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Harriett Mary Morison Baldwin (Conservative, Centre-right): I share my hon. Friend’s assessment that this is an utterly despicable example. I hope he agrees that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development has shown real leadership by writing to all the organisations with which we contract to ensure that safeguarding levels are raised. I believe that you have allowed her to make a statement on this subject later this afternoon, Mr Speaker.
Girls’ Education — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: Law and Crime
Harriett Mary Morison Baldwin (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady is absolutely right to highlight the important work that a range of different organisations do, often in partnership with us. If she has specific examples on which she would like me to make representations to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, I would be delighted to receive her correspondence.
Girls’ Education — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: Education
Harriett Mary Morison Baldwin (Conservative, Centre-right): It is certainly very significant. Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting two very impressive education Ministers from different parts of Pakistan. As the hon. Gentleman will be aware, education is quite devolved across different parts of Pakistan. As for the specific statistics that he wishes me to provide, I will follow that up in a letter to him.
Girls’ Education — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
David Anthony Evennett (Conservative, Centre-right): I welcome the work that my hon. Friend and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are doing in this field, but does she agree that in a place such as Africa, a huge amount more needs to be done?
Girls’ Education — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Harriett Mary Morison Baldwin (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. There is a huge amount to be done. Something like 136 million girls around the world are not in education. As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has said, this is truly the Swiss army knife of development, because it works in so many different ways. It helps to resolve issues of conflict and is also important to advance global prosperity.
Girls’ Education — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Harriett Mary Morison Baldwin (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady is absolutely right to highlight a particular example that illustrates the challenges faced by girls around the world. The UK Government have demonstrated significant leadership on this issue as a way of progressing peace and development around the world, and are urging all parties to the conflict in Yemen to make a political solution.
New Channel Link — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: Transportation
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on crowbarring Brexit into that question. Most people appreciate that the existing channel tunnel is likely, at the current rate, to be full within the next seven years, which is a very short time in the lifetime of a great infrastructure project. It is a curiosity that two of the most powerful economies in the world, separated by barely 21 miles of water, are connected by only one railway line. I think that is a matter for legitimate reflection by our two countries on the way forward.
New Channel Link — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Richard Michael John Ogilvie Graham (Conservative, Centre-right): With regard to links across the channel with France and many other European partners, yesterday the Exiting the European Union Committee heard evidence from Michel Barnier, Guy Verhofstadt and many others, and it is absolutely clear that the deep partnership we are seeking with the European Union will be a unique and specific agreement that will benefit those on both sides of the channel enormously. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that that should be the outcome of the talks that will be starting again soon?
New Channel Link — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): Order. On the subject of crowbarring, or indeed shoehorning, I remind the Foreign Secretary—I am sure that he requires no reminding—that the question is not about Brexit; it is about a fixed link across the channel. That is the pertinent matter upon which he will focus.
New Channel Link — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: Foreign Trade
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): If I may say so, I think that my hon. Friend has hit upon the notion of a metaphorical fixed link: a great, swollen, throbbing umbilicus of trade—I will not say which way it is going—with each side mutually nourishing the other. I very much approve of the note of optimism that he strikes.
New Channel Link — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady makes an important point, but she will recognise that we are beefing up our diplomatic representation in the EU and seizing the opportunity to build new links and revive old partnerships around the world. Nobody could have been more eloquent about our unconditional commitment to our friends and partners in the EU than the Prime Minister was in Munich last week.
New Channel Link — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: Transportation
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): I remind those Opposition Members who have been jeering from a sedentary position about great infrastructure projects that it has invariably been Conservative Administrations who have come forward with these schemes. It was the Conservatives who revived the east end of London with the Canary Wharf project, and it was Margaret Thatcher who green-lighted the first channel tunnel.
New Channel Link — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: Macroeconomics
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): I hope that the hon. Gentleman will forgive me if I defer the economic analysis to the comité—the committee of wise people. However, the first channel tunnel will be full within the next few years, by the middle of the next decade. I think it incumbent on us to be responsible enough to reflect on the future development of our economies, and I look forward to the committee’s findings.
New Channel Link — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): I assure the hon. Gentleman that I have nothing but admiration for the hard work and dedication of the Whitehall civil servants who are preparing the Brexit negotiations. Believe me, they are doing a superb job.
Illegal Wildlife Trade — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: Environment
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): As my hon. Friend will know, we are nearing the conclusion of a consultation about a total ban on ivory, which I think many people in the House and in the country would agree is devoutly to be wished for. We will see where we get to, but I think my hon. Friend can count on us once again to be in the lead, and I believe that the October summit will produce some very substantive conclusions on saving elephants.
Iraqi Elections — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): I was able to meet with both Prime Minister Abadi and Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani in Munich at the weekend, when on behalf of the UK I encouraged the continuing dialogue recently begun between them individually, which is essential to the long-term stability of Iraq. We have no current plans for observers from the UK to attend May’s elections, but we are working with others to ensure efficient and effective monitoring.
Iraqi Elections — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Giacomo Lopresti (Conservative, Centre-right): Will British diplomats study the Federal Government’s progress in implementing the Iraqi constitution, especially in disputed areas like Kirkuk, where there have been reports of murder, looting and expropriation, and where the autonomy promised under the Iraqi constitution is under threat?
Iraqi Elections — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): There is no doubt that both sides see the opportunity under the constitution to ensure that the relationships between them are strong and good. There has been a great deal of conciliation in an area that could be one of much greater conflict, and the UK is encouraging that dialogue to minimise the risk of the issues that my hon. Friend raises.
Iraqi Elections — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Robert Henry Halfon (Conservative, Centre-right): Will my right hon. Friend accept the Foreign Affairs Committee’s observation that many Kurds feel imprisoned in a country they see as not implementing the commitment to equality for them? Does he also agree that the five month-long blockade of international flights to and from Kurdistan has been a needless outrage, separating families, obstructing medical treatment and impairing the economy, and will he encourage Baghdad to lift the blockade?
Iraqi Elections — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): The issue of the airport is foremost in the discussions between the respective Prime Ministers, and there is a recognition that if the arrangements for the airport could be changed, that would make a difference. It is essential for the future of a Kurdish region in Iraq that it is stable and secure and that rights are honoured on both sides, and that the constitution is seen to be effective.
Iraqi Elections — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the right hon. Lady for her steadfast support of Iraq over many years. Indeed, she and colleagues from the Inter-Parliamentary Union were over there to talk to those in the Iraqi Parliament about governance issues, and the contribution she has made over many years is immensely valuable. Of course, technical assistance from the UK to assist in this process is part of the support we provide, and I will certainly be looking into what more we can do in relation to the elections.
Iraqi Elections — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe and the Americas referred to the Turkish issue earlier. Certainly there is concern about what is happening on the border and a recognition that the needs of the Kurdish peoples, who are represented by a number of different parties, should be recognised. The UK is always conscious of the relationship we have with those peoples, and with the people of Iraq.
Iraqi Elections — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Thomas Georg John Tugendhat (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend is a noted expert on the region, and it is a pleasure to see him representing Her Majesty’s Government in the middle east, but can he bring a little clarity, which the FAC asked for, on the difference between the YPG and the PKK? We received evidence after evidence that there is indeed no real difference, yet Her Majesty’s Government are supporting a group that appears, at least slightly, to be linked to a group that, as my right hon. Friend’s colleague the Minister for Europe and the Americas said just now, is a proscribed organisation.
Iraqi Elections — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my hon. Friend not only for his question but for his leadership of the FAC, and we will study its report carefully. It asked for clarity in some situations in which it is genuinely difficult to provide clarity. There will be a full written response from the Foreign Office in due course, but we do designate the PKK as a proscribed organisation; that is the situation at present.
Syria: Chemical Weapons — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): We are deeply concerned by recent reports of chemical weapons use in Syria. UK officials are in contact with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which is investigating. We condemn all use of chemical weapons and are working with international partners to identify and hold to account those responsible.
Syria: Chemical Weapons — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, the UK has been working to equip civilians on the ground with the tools they need to collect evidence that can be used to ensure accountability and justice. We have been doing that work for some years, and we will continue to do it. The hon. Lady has called attention to the increased use of chemical weapons in the past few weeks, which is an outrage. The world community is entitled to be outraged by it, and we must ensure that, through the UN, we do something effective to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Middle East — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for International Development on supporting the creation of an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace.; What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for International Development on the political obstacles to the provision of healthcare to Palestinians in the west bank and Gaza.
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): The United Kingdom supports the concept of an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace. The Department for International Development’s people-to-people programme has similar aims, and brings together individuals from both sides to build support for a durable solution. We also remain concerned about the provision of healthcare in Gaza, and we are urging all the parties to take the necessary steps to improve conditions there.
Middle East — House of Commons, 2018-02-20
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for International Development on supporting the creation of an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace.; What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for International Development on the political obstacles to the provision of healthcare to Palestinians in the west bank and Gaza.
Alistair James Hendrie Burt (Conservative, Centre-right): Many of us have worried over the years that one of the worst aspects of the conflict has been the separation of peoples. To that extent, we are following the concept of the development of this fund very carefully, and I will continue to take a strong personal interest in it. The sentiment behind it is exactly why we have the £3 million programme, but we will be watching the development of the international fund and giving it support where we can.