argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
European Affairs — House of Commons, 2018-03-14
Topic: Other
Eleanor Fulton Laing (Conservative, Centre-right): Order. Before I call the Opposition spokesman, let me say that while it is clear that a great many Members wish to speak, we have limited time, so there will be an initial time limit of eight minutes on Back-Bench speeches, which is likely to reduce. I make this announcement so that Members can tailor their speeches accordingly.
European Affairs — House of Commons, 2018-03-14
Topic: Other
Eleanor Fulton Laing (Conservative, Centre-right): I am glad that the House is much better behaved today than it was yesterday, because we are being observed this afternoon by our colleagues and friends from the Parliament of Afghanistan, whom I am delighted to welcome to Westminster. I hope that they will find our deliberations on Europe enlightening.
European Affairs — House of Commons, 2018-03-14
Topic: Other
John Robert Lamont (Conservative, Centre-right): I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s point, although I suggest he read very carefully what the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament has said, and I remind him that the Lord Advocate is a Scottish Government Minister and so of course supports the Scottish Government’s proposal. The Presiding Officer is the ultimate determiner of which Bills are competent to come through the Scottish Government.
European Affairs — House of Commons, 2018-03-14
Topic: Mixed Topics
Ross Thomson (Conservative, Centre-right): I would like to make some progress, given that I have only three minutes left Companies in Aberdeen such as Saltire Seed and Alan Twatt are exporting seed potatoes to Thailand, Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Brazil. Those are just some examples of what is happening in my region.
Banking in North Ayrshire — House of Commons, 2018-03-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce
William Grant (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the hon. Lady on several counts. I thank her for securing the debate, for the good work that she and her fellow councillors have done in her constituency to hold RBS to account and for using the word "jookery-pawkrie" —the "jiggery-pokery" that I can understand.
Banking in North Ayrshire — House of Commons, 2018-03-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce
William Grant (Conservative, Centre-right): I am left-handed and I am from a different party as well. Will the hon. Lady join me in expressing dismay that none of the 10 banks that was given that reprieve was from Ayrshire? Indeed, the 10-month reprieve is simply a stay of execution and it is derisory for the people of Scotland. RBS could do better for the people, who have been customers for generations. It was a world leader and it has let down the people who made it.
Banking in North Ayrshire — House of Commons, 2018-03-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce
John Philip Glen (Conservative, Centre-right): I sincerely commend the hon. Member for North Ayrshire and Arran (Patricia Gibson) for securing this debate. She has once again spoken very powerfully on behalf of her constituents, and I know that she is passionate about this issue. The RBS executives will note that there are more than 20 Members of Parliament here and that a number have spoken. They will also want to reflect on the views that have been expressed Since becoming Economic Secretary on 9 January, I have had the privilege of responding to a number of debates on the closures of bank branches across the UK and in specific local areas. In each, I have heard important stories about what the local bank branch can mean to the community, as I have heard again this evening. It means a great deal in terms of practical access to services. I will return to that point in more detail. Banks can also be at the heart of how people feel about their local high street and the future of their community. Putting my Treasury responsibilities aside, I visited a bank in my constituency that is facing closure in exactly the same way that the hon. Lady set out. I had to sit down with the bank manager and go through the same sorts of arguments, but these are commercial decisions. I will say a little bit more about that.
Banking in North Ayrshire — House of Commons, 2018-03-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce
John Philip Glen (Conservative, Centre-right): No, I am not going to give way because I have only eight and a half minutes, and I want to do justice to all the points that have been raised This Government are very aware of the issues. I will talk about the challenges facing the banking sector and our communities. I think that the hon. Lady has said in a previous debate that she does not bank online, and that is her choice, but whatever our personal preferences, banking is going through a period of unprecedented technological change and consumer behaviour is changing significantly. Banks are having to adapt to those shifting patterns of behaviour. The decisions that they are making are sometimes not popular and I understand why, but the hon. Lady will be well aware that those decisions are not for the Government The hon. Lady made a point about the former Chancellor, the former Member for Tatton, signing off on the chief executive post. There is a big difference between signing off on strategic leadership and getting involved in day-to-day commercial decisions.
Banking in North Ayrshire — House of Commons, 2018-03-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce
John Philip Glen (Conservative, Centre-right): I am not going to give way; I am just going to continue Each bank’s branch strategy, including whether to open or close individual branches, is for the management of that bank to determine. I understand that that is frustrating. It is frustrating to all of us who face this issue. The Government rightly do not intervene in these commercial decisions, nor do the Government manage the RBS Group. RBS is headed by its own board, which is responsible for strategic direction and management decisions. All businesses strive to deliver for their customers, but they also need to be able to plan for the future and to make changes where they are needed. These are complex commercial decisions. RBS has made its decisions in line with its commercial strategy.
Banking in North Ayrshire — House of Commons, 2018-03-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce
John Philip Glen (Conservative, Centre-right): No, I will not The hon. Lady and her colleagues are entitled to ask questions, as they have done very effectively this evening, and to press RBS on its rationale. Although I do not agree that the Government should or could cancel RBS’s decisions, I am certain that the hon. Lady’s views, expressed here again this evening on behalf of her constituents, will have been heard by RBS I turn to the Government’s role with respect to the Post Office. The hon. Lady has previously said that the Government have "not lifted a finger" to help. I beg to differ. The Government are taking action, and I welcome the opportunity to reiterate that. For those who still need or want to bank in person, we have helped to expand and improve face-to-face banking services at the Post Office. There are 11,600 post office branches in the UK, 24 of them in the hon. Lady’s constituency. There is a post office in each of the three towns that she mentioned—Kilwinning, Kilbirnie, and Saltcoats. Indeed, across the UK, 99% of personal customers and 95% of business customers can do their day-to-day banking at the post office In response to the hon. and learned Member for Edinburgh South West (Joanna Cherry), who was concerned about—
Banking in North Ayrshire — House of Commons, 2018-03-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce
John Philip Glen (Conservative, Centre-right): I am going to response to the points raised. I have five minutes On the concern about small businesses and cash lodgements, RBS offers cash courier services, while the post office can accept up to £2,000 without prior notice, and further arrangements can be made on a case-by-case basis. As the hon. Member for North Ayrshire and Arran has mentioned previously, this might not be a service that people are yet fully familiar with, but I believe that it offers a valuable alternative and that people are adjusting to the reality of what can be obtained from a post office. It is important that the people who can benefit from these services know about them, so I will keep pushing the banks and the Post Office to do more to raise awareness of the expanded services that they jointly offer. It is important that they make this case proactively and publicly. We should spread the message far and wide. We can all do our day-to-day banking at the post office. We in this House can help to reassure people who may be worried about this issue On the oversight of banks, where they do decide to close branches, the Government’s ongoing support for the industry’s access to banking standard is making a real difference. All the major high street banks have signed up to the standard, which commits banks to a number of outcomes when a branch closes: first, that they will give at least three months’ notice—I think that RBS, certainly in some cases, has given six months’ notice—secondly, that they will consider what services can still be provided locally and communicate clearly with customers about alternative ways to bank; and thirdly, that they will ensure that there is support available for customers who need extra help to bank online or to access services at the local post office The standard is not just a list of outcomes—it has teeth, because the Lending Standards Board monitors and enforces it. It is actively monitoring how RBS Group and other banks fulfil their obligations to their customers when branches close. It has a range of tools and sanctions at its disposal should a bank fall short. I know that it is very open to talking to Members on behalf of their communities, and I encourage the hon. Lady—
Banking in North Ayrshire — House of Commons, 2018-03-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce
John Philip Glen (Conservative, Centre-right): No I encourage the hon. Lady—and her colleagues—to talk to the board if she has concerns about the steps that RBS is taking, or not taking, in her constituency. The access to banking standard is the practical way to shape a bank’s approach to local areas. I encourage all Members in all parts of the House to ensure that their community is aware and able to engage with the bank directly Several Members have mentioned access to cash. The Government continue to work with industry to ensure the provision of widespread free access to cash. In December, LINK, the organisation that runs the ATM network in the UK, committed to protecting all free-to-use ATMs that are 1 km or more away from the next or nearest free-to-use ATM. This is a welcome strengthening of its financial inclusion programme, and one that I hope will reassure members across the House The hon. Lady fights hard for her constituents in North Ayrshire, as do a number of other Members who have spoken, and I am sure that their concerns have been heard. We all understand the frustration and disappointment caused by bank closures, but these are not Government decisions. The Government’s policy remains clear: RBS is responsible for these decisions, and RBS must defend them.
Banking in North Ayrshire — House of Commons, 2018-03-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce
John Philip Glen (Conservative, Centre-right): No Banking is changing rapidly—we cannot deny that reality—but the Government believe that banks must support communities across the UK when their local branches close. That is a dialogue that we are all deeply engaged with in trying to find the best solution for communities. In this place, we can help to draw attention to these issues and work constructively to help our constituents to access the services they need. For my part, I will keep pushing for everyone to be able to access the banking services they need, wherever they live Question put and agreed to.
Leaving the EU: Research and Staffing — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Mixed Topics
Questions: What assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU on future participation in EU research programmes and staffing levels in higher education.; What assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU on future participation in EU research programmes and staffing levels in higher education.
Damian Patrick George Hinds (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is correct that the United Kingdom remains an exceptionally attractive destination for international students. As he says, the number of non-EU international students is at a record high, and of course we want that to continue.
Leaving the EU: Research and Staffing — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Immigration
Questions: What assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU on future participation in EU research programmes and staffing levels in higher education.; What assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU on future participation in EU research programmes and staffing levels in higher education.
Damian Patrick George Hinds (Conservative, Centre-right): I, the Government, the Home Office and everyone else totally recognise the value of the higher education sector to our country. The Migration Advisory Committee will be looking at the question of international students, as well as the question of migration in general, so that we can consider those things fully.
Leaving the EU: Research and Staffing — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Immigration
Questions: What assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU on future participation in EU research programmes and staffing levels in higher education.; What assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU on future participation in EU research programmes and staffing levels in higher education.
Damian Patrick George Hinds (Conservative, Centre-right): I alluded a moment or two ago to the Migration Advisory Committee and the work it will be doing. This country has always been clear that we want to remain attractive to and welcome the brightest and the best. We have a very successful and very international, outward-looking higher education sector, and I anticipate that continuing.
Leaving the EU: Research and Staffing — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Immigration
Questions: What assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU on future participation in EU research programmes and staffing levels in higher education.; What assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU on future participation in EU research programmes and staffing levels in higher education.
Damian Patrick George Hinds (Conservative, Centre-right): As I say, we will be looking at all aspects of this, with regard to both students and academics. More widely, the Migration Advisory Committee is looking at immigration and the role it plays in different sectors of the economy. We continue to discuss with our European neighbours what will happen in the future, and my hon. Friend the Minister for Higher Education will be speaking to EU Science Ministers later this week. It is in everybody’s interest that we work for the good of the whole United Kingdom to ensure that we continue to have such a highly successful higher education system.
LGBT Awareness — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Civil Rights
Nicolas John Gibb (Conservative, Centre-right): Schools can teach about LGBT issues within the curriculum and they must comply with the Equality Act 2010. We have established a £3 million programme to prevent and address homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying, and we are making relationships education and relationships and sex education compulsory and engaging thoroughly with stakeholders to inform the design and content of the curriculum in those subjects, ensuring that they are both high quality and age appropriate.
LGBT Awareness — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Other
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady is thinking of a matter of great importance, but its relationship to the question under consideration is not clear. We are grateful to her, and she may be able to unburden herself further at a later stage if she is lucky.
Foreign Language Teaching — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Mixed Topics
Michael Louis David Fabricant (Conservative, Centre-right): Vielen Dank, Herr Sprecher. Do you not agree with me—[Interruption.] I should not have said, "Vielen Dank, Herr Sprecher"; I have completely thrown myself. I should have asked, does the Secretary of State agree that German is an important language to learn? Not only does German give us the grammatical structures that would otherwise be learnt from Latin, which is rarely taught in schools nowadays, but it is easy for British people to speak German with a convincing accent.
Childcare Funding — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Mixed Topics
Nadhim Zahawi (Conservative, Centre-right): We have seen no significant issues with parents gaining places with providers for 30 hours. Of course we keep monitoring the situation, but there are no significant issues. Actually, the numbers are very promising at the moment.
Schoolchildren with Autism — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Other
Nadhim Zahawi (Conservative, Centre-right): I wholeheartedly welcome the report, and I know that the Secretary of State is visiting my hon. Friend and her colleagues on Wednesday, as she said. I look forward to meeting and discussing the report fully with them.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Immigration
Questions: Figures out today show a worrying rise in the number of hate crimes being committed in schools. Does that not underline the vital role that organisations such as the Holocaust Educational Trust have to play in stamping out these abhorrent attitudes?; Under the Government’s current universal credit plans, 1 million children in poverty in working families are expected to no longer be entitled to a free school meal, including 2,800 in Sunderland. Will the Secretary of State comment on why his Department is not taking this opportunity to ensure that all children in poverty, including those in low-paid working families, receive a free school meal?; Educational institutions in my constituency have lost more than £1.3 million in the past three financial years as a result of the Government’s decision to redirect the underspend in the 16-to-19 education budget away from sixth-form students. Can the Minister confirm whether the review of funding of tertiary education that was promised by the Prime Minister will investigate that underspend and look at returning it to schools and colleges?; In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire, our bereaved community needs its local education services more than ever. I was pleased to see that the proposed merger between Kensington and Chelsea College and Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College has been halted and that an overdue consultation on the future of Wornington College is to be opened. Will the Secretary of State act to secure the financial future of a community-led college along with a diverse and locally representative board, if that is what the consultation requests?; Universities Scotland told the Scottish Affairs Committee after the Brexit vote that the Scottish higher education sector could lose out “big time”, while the Royal Society of Edinburgh has called for the reintroduction of the post-study work visa. I welcome its introduction in Edinburgh and Glasgow universities, but can the Minister confirm when he will roll that out across Scotland, or will he ensure that Scotland will be able to tailor its own immigration policy for students?
Samuel Phillip Gyimah (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the hon. Gentleman for that question. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made clear, a lot of work is being done on international students by the Migration Advisory Committee. I am happy to consider the issue of Scottish visas specifically and come back to him on it.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Mixed Topics
Anna Mary Soubry (Conservative, Centre-right): The CBI, which represents thousands of businesses of all sizes and from all sectors across the United Kingdom, called on the Government just over a week ago to put the interests of the economy over and above ideology. Does the Minister agree with that, and if he does, when are the Government going to stand up against the hard Brexiteers, who mainly inhabit these Benches—there are only about 35 of them—and see them off to ensure that we get a sensible Brexit? If we do not do that, we will be sleepwalking into a disastrous Brexit for generations to come.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Mixed Topics
Bernard Christison Jenkin (Conservative, Centre-right): I commend my hon. Friend and, indeed, the Government for refusing to break faith with the British people by insisting that we shall leave on 29 March 2019 and that, at the end of any implementation period, as the Prime Minister told the House on 11 December, the United Kingdom will have full regulatory autonomy and be free to do our own trade deals with third countries.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Civil Rights
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I am grateful to my hon. Friend. It is very important that we respect the referendum, which of course Members of this House voted for in huge numbers and then voted to respect. The challenge for the Opposition Front-Bench team is to reconcile its ever-changing positions with that decision.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce
David Ian Jones (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend has now indicated twice that he anticipates the implementation period will be in the region of two years. Given that uncertainty is the greatest enemy of business confidence, does he not think it would improve business confidence, and indeed assist in the negotiations, if he were to make it absolutely clear that the implementation period will not exceed two years?
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Immigration
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): We have of course already confirmed, and agreed through the joint report, that those people who are already in this country—he refers to some in his constituency—are going to be able to stay. They will be able to apply for a new settled status. We are about to enter into the negotiations on the implementation period. We have been clear that people will continue to be able to come to the UK during that period, but they will need to register.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): Right from the start of this process, we have been listening to the voices of industry and to businesses large and small. When the Prime Minister set out the implementation period in her Lancaster House speech last January, she was responding to some of those concerns. I am delighted that we can now move forward to secure the implementation period, which will help businesses in the years to come.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Mixed Topics
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I am sure that the hon. Lady will join me in welcoming the fact that the Secretary of State delivered his speech on the implementation period, making it clear that we are seeking an implementation period in the north-east of England.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Mixed Topics
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I hear my hon. Friend’s point and I am sure that it will be heard by others on our team. We want this negotiation to secure the stability and certainty that business wants and that will be good for our economy. It is important to enter that negotiation seeking to bring the position of the UK and the European Union—which, indeed, at the moment seems to be closer to my hon. Friend’s position—closer together.