argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh — House of Commons, 2021-04-12
Topic: Other
David Thomas Morris (Conservative, Centre-right): I welcome this extraordinary recall of Parliament. I declare my interests: I am a patron of the British Monarchists Society and a member of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners—His Royal Highness Prince Philip was our master and then our admiral His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was an extraordinary man. His military service was exemplary, and he was one of the youngest officers in the Royal Navy to see action in world war two. He was awarded the Greek Cross of Valour, and was mentioned in dispatches for his service during the battle of Cape Matapan His Royal Highness was the patron or president of more than 800 organisations. He founded the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which has brought out the best in the young people in my community, and attended more than 22,000 engagements. He also had the foresight to be a passionate, vocal advocate of many environmental issues and organisations Prince Philip visited my constituency twice officially over the years. In 1995, he crossed Morecambe bay at low tide from Silverdale to Kents Bank on a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by Cedric Robinson, the Queen’s Guide to the Sands. It was the first time that was done for more than 130 years. In 1999, Prince Philip accompanied the Queen to unveil the Eric Morecambe statue in Morecambe to honour her most famous son. I know that they were both fans of Morecambe and Wise, as we all are, and that more than endeared the royals to my community in Morecambe This is a sad time for the nation. Along with my community, I convey our heartfelt sadness for the great loss to Her Majesty the Queen, Duke of Lancaster and the royal family. God save the Queen.
His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh — House of Commons, 2021-04-12
Topic: Mixed Topics
Lucy Allan (Conservative, Centre-right): It is a very great privilege to be able to pay tribute to Prince Philip on behalf of my constituents in Telford Prince Philip first came to Telford on a warm, sunny day in July 1972 on one of the 22,000 solo engagements that we just heard about. He came to see our new town while it was still under construction and to meet people who had just moved to a brand new estate known as Brookside. People were so delighted that he had made the effort to see their new town and their new lives, and to talk to them personally. He had a genuine interest in new towns, as we have already heard from my right hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon). When Prince Philip was in Telford, he took the time to examine the plans and model for the new town centre. Importantly, he also wanted to understand what it meant to people to move to a new town and start a new life. There was a sense of optimism that day, and of hope for better times to come. For some, it was a day that they will never forget: they recall Prince Philip’s empathy and openness, and how he made them feel at ease with his humour A lifetime of service to others; a lifetime of service to Queen and country—what a remarkable inspiration to us all. I hope that on 10 June, which would have been his 100th birthday, we may be able to attend memorial services across the country to give thanks for his life. My constituents in Telford would very much like to express their deep gratitude for a remarkable life that touched theirs in so many ways, and their deep sympathy with Her Majesty on her loss.
His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh — House of Commons, 2021-04-12
Topic: Mixed Topics
Neil Peter Hammerton Hudson (Conservative, Centre-right): It is a great honour and privilege to pay tribute today, on behalf of the constituents of Penrith and The Border, to His Royal Highness Prince Philip was a true public servant, serving the Queen, the country and the Commonwealth with humbling dedication. He had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy, including active service in world war two. In many ways, he was a trailblazer in raising the profile and importance of looking after our planet and all that is on it, with his pioneering work with organisations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Australian Conservation Foundation. In setting up the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, he influenced the lives of literally millions of young people through a life-affirming programme that exists in over 130 countries. Cumbria is blessed with natural settings that allow people to enjoy nature through schemes such as the DofE and in outdoor education centres such as Blencathra and the Outward Bound Trust centres, which Prince Philip visited as the trust’s patron. Sadly, the pandemic has halted many of the activities for our young people that are encapsulated by the DofE and outdoor education. It is heartening that those sectors are set to re-open; I know that they will once again play a big part in our young people’s lives Sadly, I did not have the honour of meeting Prince Philip, but a constituent, Debbie Wicks, whose family knew him well in the world of carriage driving, shared this with me: "Prince Philip, the Royal family and carriage driving were (and remain) an important part of our lives. Prince Philip was an exceptional horseman, a keen competitor and liked to be treated as other competitors at events. I remember when he was driving his Fell ponies at Lowther in Cumbria and they came to the water obstacle—now obstacles are meant to be driven in the fastest speed possible, but nobody had briefed the Prince’s Fell ponies, who naturally thought they would stop for a drink. Prince Philip didn’t agree—and needless to say with his honest and frank approach the language was ‘ripe’!" We have heard much today about Prince Philip’s humour and humanity. That should remind us above all that the royal family are humans just like the rest of us, grieving the loss of a much-loved family member. Our prayers are with Her Majesty and her family at this time. Rest in peace, Prince Philip; in your own words, you’ve done your bit.
His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh — House of Commons, 2021-04-12
Topic: Other
Nusrat Munir Ul-Ghani (Conservative, Centre-right): It is a great honour to contribute to this Humble Address on behalf of my constituents in Wealden in East Sussex, as the House celebrates and records tributes to His Royal Highness The Prince Philip. I express our heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family at this time of personal loss The Duke will be greatly missed by so many locals in Wealden, as he had long links to the area on so many levels. One example dates back to the 1960s. The Duke was a patron of London Youth and was instrumental in setting up an outdoor youth project called Hindleap where, nestled in a forest, London kids got to explore new skills. I recall meeting the Duke at Hindleap—he was utterly charming. He was obviously very frank with his banter: on shaking my hand, he declared that MPs were getting younger and younger these days. I took it as a compliment As Members can see, the Duke was one of those rare people who can span generations and people of all backgrounds. He touched us with his infectious enthusiasm: all the kids in Hindleap, these London kids, were just beaming from their momentary introduction to the Prince If our small interactions with the Duke had such a lasting effect, one cannot imagine the impact of the loss on Her Majesty, having had 73 years of companionship from a loving husband. It was by all accounts a very modern love affair. The Prince was a modern man and recognised his role in the life of his leading wife. I want to reflect on a letter he wrote on his honeymoon in 1947 to his mother-in-law the Queen. He wrote: "Lilibet is the only ‘thing’ in the world which is absolutely real to me and my ambition is to weld the two of us into a new combined existence that will not only be able to withstand the shocks directed at us but will have a positive existence for the good" The Prince was thinking about public service on his honeymoon. The letter continues: "Cherish Lilibet? I wonder if that word is enough to express what is in me. Does one cherish one’s sense of humour or one’s musical ear or one’s eyes? I am not sure, but I know that I thank God for them and so, very humbly, I thank God for Lilibet and us." What a love letter! We can all thank God for the huge good done by the Duke’s choosing to devote himself to Queen, country and Commonwealth—the huge good done over seven decades by the power of the combined existence of the Duke and the Queen The Duke will be fondly remembered and much missed. On behalf of Wealden, I humbly send our heartfelt sympathies to Her Majesty. God save the Queen.
His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh — House of Commons, 2021-04-12
Topic: Other
Jane Fiona Catherine Stevenson (Conservative, Centre-right): It is a great pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Wealden (Ms Ghani), who shared such beautiful words from Prince Philip about his beloved wife. I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to pay tribute to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. As we mourn his passing, I send not only my sincere condolences but those of many constituents in Wolverhampton North East to Her Majesty the Queen, to Prince Philip’s wider family and to all those who loved him I was moved by the words of Princess Anne that she wished to emulate her father’s "example of a life well lived and service freely given" The Duke’s example of service to others was simply extraordinary. From his early career in the Royal Navy to being "strength and stay" to our Queen for over seven decades, his life was an example of duty and selflessness that we must celebrate His Royal Highness visited Wolverhampton on several occasions. The earliest visit was in 1948, when he came to view industrial sites; the most recent was in 2014, with Her Majesty the Queen, to open the new Jaguar Land Rover factory in Fordhouses The Duke had a keen interest in industry, innovation, engineering and conservation, and he will be remembered for his bright, curious mind, his drive and determination to get things done, and for his wonderful, quick sense of humour. I remember Prince Philip’s visit in 2009 to one of the schools I taught at, Box Hill, where he opened the new music block. This was one of over 22,000 royal engagements that Prince Philip completed. As always, this visit was carried out with genuine interest and obvious enthusiasm Box Hill, like Gordonstoun, was founded on the principles of Kurt Hahn, supporting young people to overcome diverse challenges, value service to others, find their talents and develop into confident young adults. From these principles came Prince Philip’s most enduring legacy, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. To measure the value and size of his legacy, we should listen to award winners speak about how the skills they learned and the confidence they gained changed their lives and changed their life chances To leave this world knowing we have changed even a few lives for the better should be something we all strive for. The Duke of Edinburgh leaves this world having changed millions of lives around the world for the better. His scheme will continue to change many millions more. I am so grateful to be able to put on record my thanks for the life of such an amazing man, who used his position for the benefit and service of others. Indeed this was a life well lived. May he rest in peace.
His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh — House of Commons, 2021-04-12
Topic: Other
Sarah Elizabeth Dines (Conservative, Centre-right): I am here today to express the heartfelt condolences of the people of Derbyshire Dales to Her Majesty and her family on the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He was truly a man among men, in times of both war and peace. His steadfast sense of duty and public service, as well as his sense of humour, will be missed in the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and internationally. His was truly a lifetime of service A 2018 YouGov survey revealed that no fewer than 22% of those polled had either seen or met Prince Philip. This would have been in the course of the many thousands of official engagements he had carried out up and down the country. I was one of those many people who saw him on such an occasion. It was in August 1974; I was just nine years old at the time, on a family holiday in Scotland. We saw Prince Philip from the roadside as he visited the Highlands Fabricators yard on the Cromarty firth, which was manufacturing oil rigs for use by BP in the North sea, something on which British engineering had led the way. This visit was just one of many examples of Prince Philip’s lifelong interest in, and commitment to, British engineering, excellence and innovation I asked one of my constituents in Derbyshire Dales, a Royal Marine to whose unit—41 Commando—Prince Philip had presented its colours in 1961, how he would describe the Duke. "As a hero", he responded simply. That is, in many ways, a very apt description of Prince Philip. Of course, he was a decorated war hero in the international global struggle to defeat national socialism and fascism. He had both witnessed, and helped to make, history. Together with Her Majesty the Queen, Prince Philip has been part of the cement that held together this great United Kingdom. On his watch, Britain emerged from the grey post-war years to be the vibrant, buoyant and multi-faceted country that we are today. The people from Derbyshire Dales are grateful for this life. God save the Queen.
His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh — House of Commons, 2021-04-12
Topic: Other
Nicola Faye Richards (Conservative, Centre-right): Echoing all Members who have spoken so far, my deepest condolences go out to Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family during these difficult times. It is entirely fitting for Parliament to be recalled for us to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh on this sad occasion. As there are so many Members yet to speak, I will keep my remarks short My social media channels and inbox have been flooded with messages of condolence and support from my West Bromwich East constituents. We love the royal family here in West Bromwich East. As Prince Edward said over the weekend, it feels as though we have all, collectively, lost the grandfather of the nation. The outpouring of tributes and emotion from the public has been simply wonderful. I make special mention of my own nan, who gave me many books on the royals from a young age and encouraged my own love for the monarchy. An interest in and love for the royal family was not optional in my family For those who have not seen it, the local Express & Star ran a lovely piece on its website over the weekend, which featured Prince Philip’s numerous visits to the Black Country, including a trip in 1971 to open Tipton Sports Union’s new stadium. Perhaps Prince Philip’s lasting legacy will be the famous Duke of Edinburgh Award, which has enhanced so many young lives. As the active figurehead of the award for so many years, Prince Philip provided generations of young people with hope and inspiration. It is staggering to think that around 300,000 young people are doing the award at any one time One of the Duke’s major passions was encouraging young people to get involved in all sorts of activities. He was never content with sitting back and taking it easy. He brought his enthusiasm to everything he did. He was an inspiration to us all, from his service in the Royal Navy to his duties as royal consort at the Queen’s side for so many years. Above all, I will remember His Royal Highness as a symbol of Britain’s decency and courage in the world, here and across the Commonwealth On behalf of all my constituents in West Bromwich East, thank you, Prince Philip, for your service to our country and for the way you touched so many lives. You were the best of Britain.
His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh — House of Commons, 2021-04-12
Topic: Mixed Topics
Ruth Rosamond Edwards (Conservative, Centre-right): Earlier today, I was searching for a biography of the Duke of Edinburgh on a well-known online shopping platform. Among the commemorative mugs, key rings and general Duke-related bric-a-brac that filled the virtual shelves, one item caught my eye. It was a T-shirt emblazoned with a large photo of a clearly irritated Duke pointing at the camera. It carried the simple caption, "Take the bloody photo!" I was struck by the sheer variety of books and pamphlets in which His Royal Highness had a hand. He was a truly extraordinary man: a war hero, a pioneer, and a devoted and steadfast partner to Her Majesty the Queen. Surely there can be no more fitting metaphor for his service to our country than his final resting place, Windsor castle, for he was the Queen’s fortress and her stronghold. He gave up his promising career in the Royal Navy to be with her, to serve at her side, and he remained by her side, her loyal guide and companion, until the very last In so many ways, Prince Philip was ahead of his time. He saw the need to protect our natural world long before many others were persuaded. The Duke of Edinburgh Award shaped and steered so many young lives. A highly perceptive man, he was acutely aware of the need for the monarchy to evolve with the nation. He devised new ways to help people to feel more connected to the royal family. Britain today is almost unrecognisable from the country it was at the start of the Queen’s reign, but the monarchy is still at the heart of public life and affection. That is in no small part thanks to the Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke’s long life and career of service touched every corner of the country. Here in Rushcliffe, people recall with pride his visits to the cricket at Trent Bridge and the football at City Ground. He has been at the centre of our national life for over seven decades. We will not be the same without him. My heart and the hearts of people in Rushcliffe go out to Her Majesty the Queen and her family. A nation mourns with her.
His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh — House of Commons, 2021-04-12
Topic: Other
Mohammad Saqib Bhatti (Conservative, Centre-right): It is a privilege to speak in this debate, and on behalf of my constituents, I would like to convey my condolences to Her Majesty and the royal family on their loss. With the passing of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, our nation has been left poorer. We have lost one of the greatest symbols of public service that we have had—a man who put his country and family and his wife above all else, and a role model for us all Many of my constituents have contacted me to express their great sadness, and I am grateful for all the dedications that have been made to honour His Royal Highness across the constituency. In particular, I thank Castle Bromwich parish council, Chadwick End parish council, Hampton-in-Arden church and Knowle church. The support and love for the royal family and for Her Majesty remain strong wherever you are in my constituency, and I am proud to represent such fine people The Duke of Edinburgh’s commitment to public life, the Royal Navy, the youth of our nation, our planet and, of course, Her Majesty as her consort was unparalleled. As public servants ourselves, as parliamentarians, we can only aspire to emulate such a life of dedication. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme has transformed the lives of so many. I, too, participated in the scheme and found myself climbing mountains and supporting local community activities, instilling a level of confidence without which, quite frankly, I would not have been part of this House When someone of this stature passes, it is natural to reflect on what it takes to create a legacy. The test of someone’s legacy, in my view, is not the letters after their name or the number of statues created in their honour, but rather the people who have been impacted by that individual and had their lives changed for the better. Remarkably, the Duke of Edinburgh will be remembered by millions across the country and the world despite never having met them. Over the coming days, life will start to return to a degree of normality. Many will be visiting pubs with friends and family, and I ask them, while respecting covid guidelines, to raise a glass to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. May he rest in peace, and God save the Queen.
His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh — House of Commons, 2021-04-12
Topic: Mixed Topics
James Oliver Wild (Conservative, Centre-right): Norfolk, and particularly Sandringham in my constituency, was a special place for the Duke of Edinburgh, and I pay tribute to his incredibly rich life and immense service to Her Majesty the Queen and to our country. The estate has long been held in strong affection by the royal family, with George V describing "dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the world". The Duke of Edinburgh took on management of the estate at the start of Her Majesty’s reign and put conservation at the heart of his approach. It was at Sandringham, aged 50, that he decided to try carriage driving, saying, "well, we’ve got horses and carriages so why don’t I have a go?" In his typically pioneering way, he established carriage driving as a sport and won team gold at the world championship When the Duke retired from public life in 2017, he chose Wood Farm at Sandringham as his home, enjoying its sanctuary to read, paint and entertain. In the historic villages around Sandringham, there are small, close-knit communities where there is great respect and admiration for him. Villagers recall how approachable the Duke was, the keen interest he took in their lives and how he enjoyed chatting at the sawmill and other parts of the estate to find out the gossip and how things were going. Prince Philip, Her Majesty and the royal family are much-loved members of these communities. On Christmas day, Prince Philip would lead the royal family to church, striding ahead and talking to the crowds. He opened village and school halls and unveiled the plaque at Snettisham in memory of those who lost their lives in the 1953 floods. He was generous in giving support and time to local groups away from the spotlight People in west Norfolk are rightly proud and protective of our royal links. That is why those communities feel that they have lost not only a remarkable national and international figure and their Queen’s husband but a much-loved one of their own. On behalf of the people of North West Norfolk, I send the deepest condolences to Her Majesty and to the royal family.