argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Policing Budgets — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: A recent report by Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary on the National Police Air Service concluded that the service was financially unsustainable and that flying hours had halved despite the cost of flight hours doubling. Is it not the reality that the centralisation of police air support on an England and Wales basis has been an unmitigated failure, and that the decision of the British Government to steal our dedicated police helicopter in Dyfed-Powys has led to a second-rate service for my constituents?
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): As the hon. Gentleman will know, the responsibility for overseeing NPAS lies with its strategic board, which is made up of police and crime commissioners and chief constables, including the Dyfed-Powys PCC. Both NPAS and the National Police Chiefs Council have already announced that they are undertaking work to address the issues that he has raised, and Mark Burns-Williamson has said that many of the areas identified in the report have already been recognised and they are doing work to address them.
Rail Links with England — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Transportation
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): The Secretary of State and I hold regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues and the Welsh Government on modernising cross-border rail connectivity. Improving connectivity drives economic growth and spreads prosperity to our communities on both sides of the border.
Rail Links with England — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Transportation
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): I was about to be very complimentary and say that the hon. Gentleman had been a doughty campaigner on this issue, as have many people across the House. The western rail link to Heathrow would significantly improve rail journey times, and it is named in Network Rail’s enhancement pipeline. Network Rail is progressing the design and development of the link, and a final consultation on the proposed alignment is expected to commence this month.
Rail Links with England — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Transportation
Philip Martin Dunne (Conservative, Centre-right): Since the Secretary of State for Transport has agreed to give the power to award the next Cardiff to Manchester rail franchise to the Welsh Assembly, will my hon. Friend give the English MPs through whose constituencies—which include the beautiful towns of Church Stretton, Craven Arms and Ludlow—this line passes some indication of how we can hold the Welsh Government to account on this matter?
Rail Links with England — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Transportation
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): It is a line that I have used many times myself, and my hon. Friend is right to say that parts of his constituency are very beautiful. We have ensured that there is an agency agreement between the UK Government and the Welsh Government, so that English passengers—and Members of this House—can go to the Secretary of State for Transport and he can raise their questions directly with the Welsh Government.
Industrial Strategy — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Technology
Alun Hugh Cairns (Conservative, Centre-right): There are significant opportunities for Wales from the industrial strategy, particularly in relation to innovation, where there is a commitment to raise the total research and development spend to 2.4% of the economy. This is already benefiting Wales, with almost £6 million committed to 17 Welsh partner projects.
Industrial Strategy — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Technology
Thomas Christopher John Pursglove (Conservative, Centre-right): I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that answer, but will he outline how he is ensuring that research and innovation, which is a key part of the industrial strategy in Wales, is recognised across the world?
Industrial Strategy — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Macroeconomics
Kevin John Foster (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my right hon. Friend for his answers so far. Does he agree that the combination of scrapping the Severn tolls and the cross-border commitment to the industrial strategy represents a significant boost for south Wales, mid-Wales and even south-west England?
Industrial Strategy — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Macroeconomics
Alun Hugh Cairns (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend rightly draws attention to our commitment to scrap the Severn tolls by the end of this year, which will benefit south-west England and his constituency, as well as the south Wales economy. We are developing a new economic region and the industrial strategy commits to cross-border growth corridors. There is a great deal of excitement in south Wales and the south-west.
Industrial Strategy — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Foreign Trade
Alun Hugh Cairns (Conservative, Centre-right): I have already referred to the national Steel and Metals Institute at Swansea University, which is important for the sustainability of the steel sector. On the US trading arrangements on steel, the UK and European exemption was extended last week, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade has travelled to the US specifically to discuss the matter. I have also raised the matter with the US ambassador here, and we are optimistic.
Industrial Strategy — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Technology
Alun Hugh Cairns (Conservative, Centre-right): I point to the commitment to the Swansea bay city deal and to our ambition for Cardiff to be a 5G testbed, and we are excited for the opportunities that they will bring. As for connectivity, the Welsh Government have a significant responsibility and, although they have recently committed more money, I ask them to look at their planning rules. The highest that a mast can be in Wales is 15 metres, whereas masts can go to 25 metres in England.
Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Energy
Questions: What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the effect on the Welsh economy of the Government not yet having made a decision on the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon.
Alun Hugh Cairns (Conservative, Centre-right): I have regular discussions with Ministers at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on energy matters pertaining to Wales, including the potential role that tidal could play in our energy mix. As I have said previously, it is an untried technology, so it is quite right that we take time to consider both the opportunities and challenges that it presents.
Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Energy
Questions: What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the effect on the Welsh economy of the Government not yet having made a decision on the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon.
Alun Hugh Cairns (Conservative, Centre-right): I have regular discussions with my colleagues in BEIS and with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy about the project. We would like it to go forward, but it must provide value for money, so it is right that we take time to consider the matter. Data has been shared with the Welsh Government, demonstrating the partnership approach that we are determined to take, but no one should want the project to go ahead if it does not represent good value for money for the taxpayer.
Leaving the EU: Welsh Economy — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What recent assessment he has made of the effect on the Welsh economy of the time being taken to legislate on the UK leaving the EU.; What recent assessment he has made of the effect on the Welsh economy of the time being taken to legislate on the UK leaving the EU.
Alun Hugh Cairns (Conservative, Centre-right): The agreement reached between the UK Government and the Welsh Government on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill will ensure that we exit from the EU with the certainty and continuity that businesses and communities across Wales have called for.
Leaving the EU: Welsh Economy — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Foreign Trade
Questions: What recent assessment he has made of the effect on the Welsh economy of the time being taken to legislate on the UK leaving the EU.; What recent assessment he has made of the effect on the Welsh economy of the time being taken to legislate on the UK leaving the EU.
Alun Hugh Cairns (Conservative, Centre-right): I am grateful that the hon. Gentleman is looking at the opportunities that leaving the European Union provides. Obviously, exports from Wales to the rest of the world are expanding at a much quicker rate than exports to the European Union, which demonstrates that businesses are already looking to those new opportunities, and more Members are looking to those opportunities as we have them.
Leaving the EU: Welsh Economy — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Foreign Trade
Questions: What recent assessment he has made of the effect on the Welsh economy of the time being taken to legislate on the UK leaving the EU.; What recent assessment he has made of the effect on the Welsh economy of the time being taken to legislate on the UK leaving the EU.
Alun Hugh Cairns (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is absolutely clear that we will be leaving the customs union but, of course, we are keen to negotiate to allow for the most frictionless trade possible with the European Union. We are also keen to take the new opportunities that leaving the European Union provides. We are keen to strike trade agreements right around the world, and to strike free trade agreements in due course.
Leaving the EU: Welsh Economy — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Macroeconomics
Questions: What recent assessment he has made of the effect on the Welsh economy of the time being taken to legislate on the UK leaving the EU.; What recent assessment he has made of the effect on the Welsh economy of the time being taken to legislate on the UK leaving the EU.
David Thomas Charles Davies (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend will know that Labour’s economic development spokesman in the Welsh Government, Ken Skates, has spoken of the fact that Wales is receiving record amounts of inward investment. He said that Wales is "punching above its weight" at the moment. Is it not time that Labour Members started to listen to their own economic development Minister in Wales and stopped talking down the Welsh economy, which is booming under this Government?
Leaving the EU: Welsh Economy — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Foreign Trade
Questions: What recent assessment he has made of the effect on the Welsh economy of the time being taken to legislate on the UK leaving the EU.; What recent assessment he has made of the effect on the Welsh economy of the time being taken to legislate on the UK leaving the EU.
Alun Hugh Cairns (Conservative, Centre-right): Having met international investors from Japan, Qatar, the US and elsewhere over recent months, I am excited and optimistic about our prospects outside the European Union. Yesterday it was a privilege to be part of the inaugural flight from Qatar to Cardiff, which demonstrates that the industrial strategy, and the wider approach taken by the UK Government in seeking new markets, is already working.
Reoffending Rates — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Law and Crime
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): Continuing the success of the "Wales reducing reoffending strategy", the Prison Service in Wales, working with the Welsh Government, recently launched a joint framework to support those at risk of offending in Wales by focusing on early intervention to reduce the number of people entering the criminal justice system.
Reoffending Rates — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Law and Crime
Robert John Blackman (Conservative, Centre-right): Does my hon. Friend agree it is vital that prison governors prepare offenders for life outside prison? For that purpose, will he therefore draw on the lessons from the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, which has already been implemented in England?
Reoffending Rates — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Law and Crime
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend knows more about the Homelessness Reduction Act than anyone, and I congratulate him on the hard work he did to introduce the Act. He will be pleased to hear that the Ministry of Justice recently reached its target early to recruit 2,500 additional prison officers so that prisons can start to introduce a key worker model. This new model will mean prisoners have a dedicated officer to help them access services, many of which are devolved in Wales.
Engagements — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Law and Crime
Theresa Mary May (Conservative, Centre-right): May I first say to the hon. Lady that I share the outrage at this intrusive behaviour that she has referred to and the distress it can cause to victims? We are determined to ensure that victims do have confidence that their complaints will be taken seriously. It is possible currently to bring prosecutions, but my right hon. Friend the Justice Secretary is examining the state of the law at the moment to make sure it is fit for purpose and, as part of that work, he is considering her Bill in detail.
Engagements — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Macroeconomics
Questions: Medway has recently been shortlisted to receive £170 million from the Government’s housing infrastructure fund, which will help to build and support 12,000 houses locally, having also benefited from the £6 billion Government lower Thames crossing. Can the Prime Minister confirm that this demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting local communities?
Theresa Mary May (Conservative, Centre-right): First, may I say to the right hon. Gentleman, on the Windrush generation, I was Home Secretary when some of these decisions were taken and mistakes were made about individual cases, and I have apologised for that. The former Home Secretary also apologised for that. The right hon. Gentleman is right in saying that these are decisions that have been taken under successive Home Secretaries, including under the last Labour Government, and if he wants to talk about the economy, let’s just look at what we have seen in our economy in recent weeks: day-to-day spending in surplus for the first time in 16 years; the lowest net borrowing in over a decade; exports of goods and services at a record high; employment at a record high; and real wages up. That is a Conservative Government delivering an economy fit for the future.
Engagements — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Education
Questions: Medway has recently been shortlisted to receive £170 million from the Government’s housing infrastructure fund, which will help to build and support 12,000 houses locally, having also benefited from the £6 billion Government lower Thames crossing. Can the Prime Minister confirm that this demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting local communities?
Theresa Mary May (Conservative, Centre-right): The right hon. Gentleman is wrong. What we are doing is ensuring that there is more money available to schools. We are ensuring that we are protecting that core budget, because we want to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, gets the education that they need and the education that fulfils their potential. That is why, once again, it is not just a question of the money you put in; it is about how you spend the money you are spending. That is why I am pleased to say that 1.9 million more children are in good or outstanding schools under this Government and education standards are going up under this Government. That means more opportunities for our young people.
Engagements — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Law and Crime
Questions: Medway has recently been shortlisted to receive £170 million from the Government’s housing infrastructure fund, which will help to build and support 12,000 houses locally, having also benefited from the £6 billion Government lower Thames crossing. Can the Prime Minister confirm that this demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting local communities?
Theresa Mary May (Conservative, Centre-right): First, on crime and police budgets, we are of course this year making available £450 million more for police forces across the country. We have been protecting police budgets, which is in direct contrast to what it was suggested to me I should do by the former shadow Home Secretary and Labour Member who is now Mayor of Manchester. He suggested 5% to 10% cuts could be made in police budgets The right hon. Gentleman talks about the relationship between police numbers and crime. His own shadow Police Minister has said in terms that there is not that relationship between police funding and the number of crimes that take place. Once again, it is about how we ensure we are dealing with these issues. It is about ensuring about that the police are able to deal with the challenges and crimes of today, and that is what we are doing with our serious violence strategy and our National Crime Agency—taking action across the board to ensure that our police are able to keep people safe.
Engagements — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Labor
Questions: Medway has recently been shortlisted to receive £170 million from the Government’s housing infrastructure fund, which will help to build and support 12,000 houses locally, having also benefited from the £6 billion Government lower Thames crossing. Can the Prime Minister confirm that this demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting local communities?; In 331 days, 11 hours, 40 minutes and 22 seconds, the Prime Minister will be leading us out of the European Union. She will end the free movement of people, we will stop sending billions of pounds each and every year to the EU, and we will make our own laws in our own country, judged by our own judges.My question to the Prime Minister is: in 332 days’ time, will she come to Wellingborough, where she will be carried shoulder high through the streets to the echoing of cheering crowds? I will be able to show her the site where a statue to the Brexit queen will be erected.; Carver barracks in my constituency of Saffron Walden is home to the Royal Engineers’ bomb disposal unit, which carries out life-saving but very dangerous work on behalf of all us. Will the Prime Minister tell the House what the Government’s veterans strategy is, and how it will help soldiers such as those at Carver barracks in their transition to civilian life?; Evidence of the inhumane and cruel impact of the Government’s flagship universal credit policy is clear for all to see. Its impact has been devastating, and the Prime Minister can no longer bury their head in the sand as they have done with the Windrush scandal. Therefore, will the Prime Minister get a grip and take action to protect families from being forced further into crisis; or does the Prime Minister simply believe that the damage being done to the poorest and most vulnerable in our communities is a price worth paying?
Theresa Mary May (Conservative, Centre-right): We have been rolling out universal credit at a pace that ensures we have been able to hear from those who have been affected by it and to make changes—and changes have been made in the way that universal credit is introduced in this country. We have ensured that we have reduced the seven days’ waiting time, for example. But what lies behind universal credit is the belief that the important thing to help to sustain families is to get people into work. The evidence on universal credit is that it is doing just that: it is helping people into work. I would have thought that the hon. Gentleman should welcome a policy that helps people to get into the workplace.
Engagements — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Transportation
Questions: Medway has recently been shortlisted to receive £170 million from the Government’s housing infrastructure fund, which will help to build and support 12,000 houses locally, having also benefited from the £6 billion Government lower Thames crossing. Can the Prime Minister confirm that this demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting local communities?; In 331 days, 11 hours, 40 minutes and 22 seconds, the Prime Minister will be leading us out of the European Union. She will end the free movement of people, we will stop sending billions of pounds each and every year to the EU, and we will make our own laws in our own country, judged by our own judges.My question to the Prime Minister is: in 332 days’ time, will she come to Wellingborough, where she will be carried shoulder high through the streets to the echoing of cheering crowds? I will be able to show her the site where a statue to the Brexit queen will be erected.; Carver barracks in my constituency of Saffron Walden is home to the Royal Engineers’ bomb disposal unit, which carries out life-saving but very dangerous work on behalf of all us. Will the Prime Minister tell the House what the Government’s veterans strategy is, and how it will help soldiers such as those at Carver barracks in their transition to civilian life?; Evidence of the inhumane and cruel impact of the Government’s flagship universal credit policy is clear for all to see. Its impact has been devastating, and the Prime Minister can no longer bury their head in the sand as they have done with the Windrush scandal. Therefore, will the Prime Minister get a grip and take action to protect families from being forced further into crisis; or does the Prime Minister simply believe that the damage being done to the poorest and most vulnerable in our communities is a price worth paying?; A couple of weeks ago, the Prime Minister indicated that she was minded to visit my constituency of Carlisle. I am delighted to inform her that from 4 June she will be able to fly into Carlisle on a commercial flight for the first time in 30 years. She will arrive in a city that is at the centre of the United Kingdom and a city recently described as “the beating heart” of the borderlands region. But if Carlisle and the borderlands are to succeed, thrive and grow, we need Government support. Can the Prime Minister confirm that she will give the borderlands such support?
Theresa Mary May (Conservative, Centre-right): First of all, I join my hon. Friend in welcoming the return of commercial flights to Carlisle airport, which will allow more people to access the borderlands region. He talks about support for the borderlands. Of course, the borderlands growth deal that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor committed to is an important part of that. I would like to congratulate my hon. Friend on his recent appointment as borderlands growth deal champion. I am sure that he will be doing all he can to ensure that that Government support is there and that the borderlands continue to thrive.
Breast Cancer Screening — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Education
Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt (Conservative, Centre-right): I do not know the answer to that question, but I will look into it. If we find that the uptake was lower than expected in that age group, it will be a very important clue about something that may have gone wrong, and I am sure that the review panel will want to examine it. The overall uptake rate is about 80%, but I agree with the hon. Gentleman that we should look into what the rates were in specific age cohorts.
Breast Cancer Screening — House of Commons, 2018-05-02
Topic: Government Operations
Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt (Conservative, Centre-right): I will have to get back to the hon. Gentleman with a detailed answer to that question. Ministers were informed of this issue in March, and we are responsible, as Ministers, for the effective functioning of that system—in the way all Ministers have responsibility for their various areas—so one of the questions we need to ask is whether the right escalation procedures and checks and balances were in place so that Ministers could be informed if there was likely to be a problem.