argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Future Funding for S4C — House of Commons, 2016-01-05
Topic: Technology
Edward Vaizey (Conservative, Centre-right): It is worth considering the funding issue facing S4C. When we made the change after entering government, the overall funding for S4C did not fall significantly, but a lot of the funding was transferred to the BBC. I remember having extensive discussions then with Welsh Members, obviously with the S4C management and with Members of the other House who had held senior positions in previous Governments. Unless my maths is askew—it might well be; I claim no great credit for it—the overall funding was at around £100 million for S4C then, and it is in the region of £80 million now. It is worth reminding the House of how that funding works. S4C gets roughly £6.8 million directly from DCMS, but gets something like £74 million from the BBC. It is important to stress that that funding is still independent: the BBC has no say in how the money is spent by S4C. It is also worth remembering that the BBC has an obligation to provide S4C with some 10 hours of free programming every week, which in equivalent cash terms amounts to something like £20 million. We are talking about an organisation that receives about £100 million in total in annual funding The cuts that we are talking about, although headlined as being 25%, amount to just £1.5 million within that overall budget. It is an overall cut of less than 2%. Although I understand the strong feelings about S4C—I share them, as I have worked to preserve its future for the last five years, continuing the good work carried out by previous Conservative Governments—to characterise this as somehow a devastating cut is quite wrong. Having said that, it is certainly the case that we will continue to listen to all hon. Members on this important issue.
Future Funding for S4C — House of Commons, 2016-01-05
Topic: Technology
Edward Vaizey (Conservative, Centre-right): I always enjoy the contributions of the hon. Gentleman, who is a great advocate for his constituency, particularly on the issue of broadband, about which we have had many discussions. It does not surprise me that he makes pertinent points about S4C. On those points, we will continue to listen to hon. Members about the funding, as I said. It is incredibly important to hear the arguments put both by my hon. Friends and Opposition Members. Secondly, we are sympathetic to the point about having an independent review of S4C and Welsh language broadcasting. That is certainly something that we will look at with the utmost seriousness. Thirdly, we have heard about the contribution of S4C to Welsh culture and Wales in general—again, a view that we strongly share In calling this important debate, my hon. Friend the Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire argued effectively about S4C’s contributions to Wales. Let us start with the Welsh economy, for example, and its support for independent production. We should also note the international recognition that S4C has brought to Welsh broadcasting. I hope hon. Members will not regard me as facetious if I praise the fact that a Welsh hill farmer is now presenting a French television programme. Members might be interested to know that Gareth Wyn Jones, a farmer from Conwy, stars in "The Hill Farm", which incidentally won a BAFTA award, as a result of which he was asked to front a travel show on Wales for a major French television channel.
Future Funding for S4C — House of Commons, 2016-01-05
Topic: Government Operations
Edward Vaizey (Conservative, Centre-right): It is important to remind Members of an earlier intervention by my right hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd West (Mr Jones) about comparing the reduction in funding for S4C from the DCMS grant with the reduction in funding in other parts of the DCMS portfolio. It is worth remembering that the funding for S4C was safeguarded two years ago. We worked very hard to safeguard and protect that funding at a time when we were having to make quite deep cuts to other national organisations. It has always been our intention—we said it in the manifesto—to safeguard S4C’s funding. I would argue that that is what we have done. Nevertheless, as I have said time and again, we will listen to hon. Members on both sides of the House when they make their representations in this important debate and in other forums. We will listen to them on the issue of funding and the impact that may have. We will listen to them as well on the point about whether there should be an independent review. However, I want to continue to emphasise how much I am enjoying the contributions by Members in all these debates, which is why I want to take another intervention.
Future Funding for S4C — House of Commons, 2016-01-05
Topic: Technology
Edward Vaizey (Conservative, Centre-right): I have missed the hon. lady’s contributions and it is good to hear her again. I prefer to think that this is not a bedtime story but an early morning wake-up call to all of us who care about S4C and want to preserve its future. It serves a base of Welsh-language speakers, which, according to the last census, is forecast to grow, as my hon. Friend the Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire said, by more than half a million people. It is also important to note that, although S4C’s viewing figures have gone down in Wales, its overall viewing figures have increased if we take into account the whole of the UK.
Future Funding for S4C — House of Commons, 2016-01-05
Topic: Technology
Edward Vaizey (Conservative, Centre-right): I was pointing out that the viewing figures as a whole had gone up, but that is exactly the point that may have to be considered in any forthcoming review, whether it is an independent review or part of the charter review. We will continue to engage on that important issue. I hope that I have impressed upon you, Mr Speaker, the importance of S4C.
Foreign National Offenders — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries.; What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries.; What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries. [R]
Robert John Blackman (Conservative, Centre-right): In London, we welcome people who come here to study, be tourists or add to our economy, but not those who commit crime and are then imprisoned. With 40% of crime in London committed by foreign nationals, what more can my hon. Friend do to ensure that those responsible are deported at the end of their sentences and not allowed back into this country?
Foreign National Offenders — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries.; What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries.; What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries. [R]
Dominic Rennie Raab (Conservative, Centre-right): The number of foreign national offenders in the prison population went down by 1,240 between June 2010 and December 2015, but my hon. Friend is right and we strive to do better. Further action is being taken. As the Prime Minister announced on 8 February, we have introduced in the Policing and Crime Bill a new clause that requires defendants appearing in court to provide their name, date of birth and nationality. That is an important tool, backed up by a criminal offence for failure to respond that will help us to remove even more FNOs. That is vital for public protection and vital to saving precious taxpayers’ money.
Foreign National Offenders — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries.; What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries.; What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries. [R]
Dominic Rennie Raab (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is right. We have a range of existing measures, as well as the new action I have just described. The early release scheme allows for the early removal of foreign national offenders. We remove about 1,800 prisoners per year under that scheme and there are also prisoner transfer agreements. Overall, 29,000 FNOs have been removed between 2010 and 2015.
Foreign National Offenders — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries.; What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries.; What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries. [R]
Philip Thomas Hollobone (Conservative, Centre-right): What efforts are made to ensure that EU national foreign offenders who have been returned to their countries are banned from returning to the United Kingdom—or is that sort of sensible precaution not possible while we are a member of the European Union?
Foreign National Offenders — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries.; What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries.; What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries. [R]
Dominic Rennie Raab (Conservative, Centre-right): We have more than 100 bilateral prisoner transfer agreements, as well as Council of Europe and Commonwealth schemes. If the hon. Gentleman wishes, I can write to him in due course on the particular numbers under the Albanian agreement.
Foreign National Offenders — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries.; What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries.; What recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on steps to remove foreign national offenders from UK prisons to their home countries. [R]
Dominic Rennie Raab (Conservative, Centre-right): I think the hon. Lady is slightly confused about the difference between extradition and deportation. As a result of European law, it has become harder and harder to deport foreign national offenders, while unfortunately the fast-track extradition of innocent British citizens has become easier and easier. That balance should be addressed, and in that I hope we can enlist her support.
Mental Health Treatment: Young Offenders — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: What steps his Department is taking to improve mental health treatment for young people serving custodial sentences; and if he will make a statement.
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady makes a very good point. As part of the youth justice review, I have tasked Charlie Taylor with making sure that purposeful activity—education, sporting activity and time outside—is part of the regime that all young offenders in custody can enjoy.
Mental Health Treatment: Young Offenders — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: What steps his Department is taking to improve mental health treatment for young people serving custodial sentences; and if he will make a statement.
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend makes an important point. It is important to ensure that families have access to prisoners. Sometimes, of course, that is facilitated by the prison or secure training centre being close to families, but there are ways to ensure that even geographically distant families have effective access to their loved ones.
Mental Health Treatment: Young Offenders — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Education
Questions: What steps his Department is taking to improve mental health treatment for young people serving custodial sentences; and if he will make a statement.
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): I can only apologise again, through you, Mr Speaker, to the hon. Lady. She has been persistent on this important issue, and I am truly sorry she has not received answers to her questions. She will be aware, of course, that G4S has said it wants to remove itself from the administration of secure training centres for young people, but it is important that there be full accountability about how public money is spent and how these organisations have operated. I will make sure that a reply comes to her as soon as possible.
Legal Services (Brexit) — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: International Affairs
Shailesh Lakhman Vara (Conservative, Centre-right): May I make it absolutely clear to the hon. Gentleman that the Government’s position is that we would be better off in the European Union and that we would be safer and more secure in it? It is also the case that the deal struck by the Prime Minister in Brussels very much achieves those objectives.
Legal Services (Brexit) — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Shailesh Lakhman Vara (Conservative, Centre-right): We have one of the best legal sectors in the world. We are thriving both within and outside the European Union. Whatever the decision on 23 June, I am confident that our legal sector will continue to thrive.
Legal Services (Brexit) — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: International Affairs
Shailesh Lakhman Vara (Conservative, Centre-right): As I said earlier, the Government’s position is very clear—that we will be better off in the European Union. As for any potential disagreements, let me gently say to Opposition Members that it is a bit rich for them to be engaging in this sort of conversation in view of the level of unity in their own party. I am prepared to bet a substantial amount with any Labour Member that tomorrow, in 24 hours’ time, when we have Prime Minister’s Questions, the cheer for my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will be a lot louder than the cheer that the leader of the Labour party will receive.
Legal Services (Brexit) — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: International Affairs
Christopher Robert Chope (Conservative, Centre-right): May I invite my hon. Friend to think about how he would choose to spend part of the £350 million that we will save every week when we leave the European Union? Will he also confirm that there will be a big saving in translation services currently expended on foreign national offenders?
Legal Services (Brexit) — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: International Affairs
Shailesh Lakhman Vara (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend makes his point as robustly as he always does. I simply say that the Government position is that we would be better off in the European Union; he might wish to reflect on the 3 million-odd jobs that we have secured that are linked to our being in the European Union.
Prisoners: Employment after Release — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Andrew Edmund Armstrong Selous (Conservative, Centre-right): I hope you will allow me, Mr Speaker, to express on behalf of the whole House our utter disgust at the attempted murder of a prison officer in east Belfast on Friday. I am sure that prison officers throughout the United Kingdom will join us in wishing him a full recovery from his injuries I meet regularly with businesses and trade bodies to talk about the benefits of employing offenders on release. Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of changes to recruitment practices for the civil service, to give offenders a fair chance of a job, I am keen to encourage all employers to "ban the box" when recruiting.
Prisoners: Employment after Release — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Michael James Tomlinson-Mynors (Conservative, Centre-right): May I associate myself with the Minister’s initial remarks Given the reoffending rates of those who leave prison and manage to secure employment—the evidence shows that fewer than half reoffend, compared with those who do not secure employment—will the Minister support initiatives such as the excellent Footprints project in Dorset, which provides help and mentoring through its team of volunteers? Will he ensure that such projects operate a clear and transparent process of referrals from the new community rehabilitation companies?
Prisoners: Employment after Release — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Andrew Edmund Armstrong Selous (Conservative, Centre-right): I warmly commend the important work that Footprints is doing in Dorset. I want to see greater use of the voluntary sector, and an increased focus on offender employment on the part of CRCs. I made those points to CRC leaders only last week.
Prisoners: Employment after Release — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Oliver Newton Colvile (Conservative, Centre-right): As a member of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, I, too, wish to associate myself with the Minister’s initial comments How can we ensure that prisoners do not become institutionalised as a result of seeing prisons as "safe havens", rather than rebuilding their lives once they have been released?
Prisoners: Employment after Release — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Labor
Andrew Edmund Armstrong Selous (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend has raised an important point. We need to help prisoners to take responsibility for their lives, and that includes helping them to find legal work in order to support their families. I believe that the Prime Minister’s announcement that we will measure employment outcomes for prisoners will drive further progress.
Prisoners: Employment after Release — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Labor
David James Mackintosh (Conservative, Centre-right): Will my hon. Friend join me in welcoming the work of Goodwill Solutions in Northampton, which is running a "back to work" programme that is helping ex-offenders, homeless people, those with substance dependencies, and vulnerable young people to secure training and employment in the logistics sector?
Prisoners: Employment after Release — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Labor
Andrew Edmund Armstrong Selous (Conservative, Centre-right): I certainly welcome the work of Goodwill Solutions in my hon. Friend’s constituency, but the truth is that we do not have labour shortages only in the logistics area. We have them in construction, engineering, catering and many other areas, which is why I am very ambitious about increasing offender employment.
Prisoners: Employment after Release — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Labor
Stephen William Hammond (Conservative, Centre-right): As was noted by my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole (Michael Tomlinson), the key to rehabilitation is employment, and the key to employment is training. What is the Department doing to encourage all employers to take an interest in training inside prisons, in order to help offenders to find employment?
Prisoners: Employment after Release — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Andrew Edmund Armstrong Selous (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady has made a valid point. The good news is that last year we appointed 2,250 prison officers—that is a net increase of 440—and we will continue to recruit the prison officers whom we need.
Prisoners: Employment after Release — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Social Welfare
Andrew Edmund Armstrong Selous (Conservative, Centre-right): I can tell the hon. Gentleman that there is indeed some very good cross-departmental working. The Social Justice Cabinet Committee takes the issue very seriously, and I have had outstanding help from the Employment Minister, who has been extremely supportive. We have been given plenty of practical help by the DWP, the construction industry and training organisations. Buses are sent into prisons so that prisoners can complete their construction skills certification scheme cards, and sewing machines have been bought so that they can use them after their release.
Prisoners: Employment after Release — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Andrew Edmund Armstrong Selous (Conservative, Centre-right): What I can say to the hon. Lady is that we are building a prison estate that is fit for purpose. The Chancellor has just given us £1.3 billion to build nine new prisons, we are opening two new house blocks and we are about to open HMP Berwyn in February next year, so we are in the process of building a fit-for-purpose prison estate.
Women in Prisons — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Caroline Julia Dinenage (Conservative, Centre-right): I have been clear that I want to see far fewer women ending up in prison. We are committed to improving the treatment of female offenders and to putting in place the interventions needed at each stage to help them to turn their lives away from crime.
Women in Prisons — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Caroline Julia Dinenage (Conservative, Centre-right): Absolutely. We are keen to learn from any experiences in Scotland and elsewhere in the world that are successful in diverting women away from prison. Here in England and Wales, we have awarded £200,000 of grant funding to pilot earlier and more sequenced interventions with the right sort of multi-agency approach, which should see fewer women ending up in prison for short periods.
Women in Prisons — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Caroline Julia Dinenage (Conservative, Centre-right): We know that almost 45% of the women who were released from prison in 2010 reoffended within 12 months, and the hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to suggest that the maintaining of family ties and the education and rehabilitation of women while they are in our care will have a good impact on their life outside prison. That is why our transforming rehabilitation changes are showing unprecedented levels of support for offenders who have been released after very short sentences.
Women in Prisons — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Antoinette Geraldine Sherratt (Sandbach) (Conservative, Centre-right): Research by the Prison Reform Trust shows that female prisoners are far more likely to receive custodial sentences even when they have no previous convictions or cautions. What interventions are being used at the sentencing stage to keep women out of prison?
Women in Prisons — House of Commons, 2016-03-08
Topic: Law and Crime
Caroline Julia Dinenage (Conservative, Centre-right): Sentencing is a matter entirely for the courts, and they take into account the circumstances not only of the offence but of the offender. As the Prime Minister set out in a speech earlier in the year, we are also looking into how tagging, problem-solving courts and alternative resettlement units can support us to deal appropriately with female offenders, especially where children are involved.