argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Questions: Businesses and individuals in my constituency are eager to see the greatest degree of certainty possible about the Brexit process. Does my right hon. Friend share my concern that amendment 3 to the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill passed in the other place risks adding further uncertainty and further complexity—the exact opposite of what my constituents want?; In response to the question from my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Keir Starmer), the Secretary of State implied that there was some difference between frictionless trade arrangements and tariff and barrier-free arrangements. What exactly are those differences?; The Secretary of State will be aware that the principle of consent was the cornerstone of our Good Friday agreement and settlement in Northern Ireland. What assessment has he made of the Taoiseach’s comments recently in Brussels when he said that that consent principle would have to be embedded in any future agreement between the UK and the EU?; Last week the all-party parliamentary group on Africa, which I chair, published its report on relations with Africa post-Brexit. A recent delegation highlighted the opportunities of Brexit but also the uncertainty over the relationship with the UK and between the European Union and Africa. May I urge the Minister and the Secretary of State to read the report and ensure that our exiting of the European Union supports positive relations with Africa?; Given that yesterday was International Women’s Day, can the Secretary of State tell us whether his discussions in Europe have brought us any closer to seeing an end, finally, to the tampon tax?; The manufacturers’ organisation EEF last week highlighted the difficulties that manufacturers are having in filling skilled engineering posts. Manufacturers warn that if the situation is not to get worse post-Brexit, they will need the flexibility to employ and deploy people across Europe. What consideration has the Secretary of State given to the representations from EEF, and what reassurance can he give?; The success of our economy is riding on the successful negotiation of our exit from the European Union, but the former Chancellor, the right hon. Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), has told the House: “the Government have chosen…not to make the economy the priority”.—[Official Report, 1 February 2017; Vol. 620, c. 1034.]He was right, was he not?; In the north-east, the voluntary sector relies heavily on the European Social Fund to carry out its fantastic work. As the region receives the highest per-head funding from the ESF, how will the Minister address the sector’s concerns about funding post-Brexit?
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the approach of the great repeal Bill, which is to ensure stability and continuity. We are of course engaging with British business and we will continue to do so throughout the process across the country and in every sector.
Points of Order — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Other
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): I think the hon. Gentleman has found his own salvation. He has leapt to his feet and contrived to raise an entirely bogus point of order in order to register his concern about the company in question, of which, I confess, I know nothing, and in which dispute it would not be proper for me in any way to involve myself. I simply note, en passant, that the hon. Gentleman is indefatigable and remorseless in pursuit of his chosen campaigns and objectives.
Points of Order — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Other
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): May I very gently suggest, in the hope that such a practice has not been altogether discontinued in modern politics, that two hon. Members, especially when one hon. Member and the other right hon. Member are members of the same party, and obviously joined by an insatiable interest in this important matter, might consider partaking of a cup of tea in the Tea Room with each other in order courteously, and doubtless fully, to discuss it?
Points of Order — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Other
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): Why did I not appreciate that? I should have done and I now do so. We will leave it there for now. I am glad that colleagues are in such a good mood: at least, they are at 11.47 am; we do not know how long it will last.
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Mixed Topics
Sajid Javid (Conservative, Centre-right): If the hon. Gentleman had cared to look at a written ministerial statement published on 9 February, he would have seen that it states very clearly that Surrey approached the Department, as do many other councils before a financial statement, asking for more money. It made a request for a business rates retention plan, which was firmly rejected.
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Other
Eleanor Fulton Laing (Conservative, Centre-right): Order. If Members want to intervene, they can stand up and intervene, but we must not have chuntering from a sedentary position; or rather—let us be honest about it—when you are sitting down, you do not speak in here. Otherwise, we cannot hear who is actually speaking. We must hear one person at a time, and now it is Mr Charles Walker.
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Housing
Charles Ashley Rupert Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): Thank you very much for that protection, Madam Deputy Speaker. It is much appreciated I thank my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for visiting Broxbourne last week. May I divert him from Surrey to Hertfordshire, where a much bigger problem relates to an incinerator application? The awarding local authority, Hertfordshire, is also the planning authority in this instance, which strikes me as a conflict of interests. I suspect that my right hon. Friend cannot focus on that now, but will he take into consideration such conflicts of interest in local authorities?
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Housing
Sajid Javid (Conservative, Centre-right): I think my hon. Friend will understand that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on a particular planning application, but if he would care to furnish me with more information, I am sure that officials in the Department will take a look at it.
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Housing
Peter James Bottomley (Conservative, Centre-right): The Chancellor has announced that there is to be a Green Paper on dealing with unfair clauses and terms in consumer contracts. I do not know whether the Secretary of State has been paying attention to the difficulties that leaseholders are facing, but will he ensure that, one way or another—preferably one way and another—those are taken into account, if necessary through a super-complaint, so that unfair terms can be struck out and those who exploit leaseholders can be dealt with firmly?
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Rishi Sunak (Conservative, Centre-right): If the hon. Lady does not mind, I will make some progress and come back to her I begin with small businesses. My predecessor, Lord Hague, has a well-documented enthusiasm for beer, so it will come as no surprise to Members that pubs are a cornerstone of my rural constituency’s economy. Following in his footsteps is difficult enough, but it is impossible for me to visit a pub in my constituency without seeing a picture on the wall of William pulling a pint with the landlord. Not only is my constituency home to more than 200 pubs, but I am proud to say that it hosts the Campaign for Real Ale’s 2017 pub of the year: the community-owned George & Dragon in Hudswell. I was delighted to be in Hudswell just last Friday when the landlord Stu Miller, his family and team received their award in the loud company of everybody from the village In recent months I, like many other hon. Members, raised concerns that the revaluation of business rates risks penalising such small, enterprising businesses. I am delighted to say that this was the Budget of a Chancellor who, like any good barman, listens to our concerns. For the landlords who run them, the jobs that depend on them and the communities that enjoy them, this Budget’s £1,000 business rate discount will make a real difference to many pubs at a time when money is still tight But pubs are not the only rural businesses that the Budget will help. Auction marts and livery yards across North Yorkshire have seen particularly steep rises in their business rates because the idiosyncrasies of such companies are not well understood by officials and because the last revaluation coincided with the disastrous foot and mouth epidemic. Such idiosyncrasies are more than even the most ingenious civil servant could be expected to foresee. Auction marts, livery yards and riding schools are particularly important to the fabric of our rural community, so I thank the Chancellor for the extremely welcome creation of the new £300 million discretionary business rates fund, which will put decision making back in the hands of communities and allow businesses in constituencies such as mine to benefit from the local knowledge of councils in ensuring a smooth transition to the new schedule.
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Mixed Topics
Rishi Sunak (Conservative, Centre-right): What I say to customers and to the hon. Gentleman is that I am sure that the Minister doing the wind-up will be able to say how much better off customers are from having benefited from several years of freezes in beer duty that would otherwise have been put in place. I am sure they would also like to hear that this Government will be consulting on new duty rates for white cider and still wine to see what more could be done to help customers who drink those alcoholic beverages. Lastly, let me say that I would welcome him back to my constituency any time and will be happy to share a pint with him next time he is there.
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Other
Eleanor Fulton Laing (Conservative, Centre-right): I can quite understand why the hon. Gentleman wishes to make his point of order, but, as he knows and as the House appreciates, it is not a point that can be dealt with by the Chair. However, he asks how he can set the record straight, and my simple answer is: he has done so, and I am sure his setting straight of the record will be properly recorded in Hansard.
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Mixed Topics
Dominic Rennie Raab (Conservative, Centre-right): It is a pleasure to follow other hon. Members. I hope that the hon. Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle) will not be too offended if I say that I agree with more of what my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Rishi Sunak) said than what she said, but I find that the Budget debate always produces insightful contributions from both sides.
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Mixed Topics
Stewart Jackson (Conservative, Centre-right): I cannot allow the hon. Gentleman to propagate this myth. The gap between the poorest and richest 10% of our population was the highest that it has ever been under a Labour Government. This Government, I am proud to say, have delivered something that was never delivered in 13 years of a Labour Government: a national living wage to assist the poorest members of our community who are in work.
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Mixed Topics
Stewart Jackson (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is, as I am, a vice-president of the Local Government Association. Does he agree that there is probably a case to be made for introducing a regional aspect to non-domestic or business rates? The potential difficulties in Greater London and the south-east are not replicated throughout the rest of the country, where bills are being reduced. That speaks to a need to look at London as a unique entity.
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Mixed Topics
Stewart Jackson (Conservative, Centre-right): Before my hon. Friend moves on from vices, does he agree that the Red Book shows that there is only a commitment to consult on white cider and other high-strength ciders? Given the argument that they cause disproportionate harm—with policing, health and so on—is there a case for increasing the duties on such high-strength alcoholic products?
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Mixed Topics
James Michael Ellwood Berry (Conservative, Centre-right): The right hon. Gentleman brings a lot of experience from his time in office. Before the Budget, his party was advocating £2 billion of immediate spending on adult social care and £2 billion of immediate spending on the NHS. The sum of £4 billion is a lot of money. I have no doubt that he has arguments for why that amount is needed, but will he enlighten the House as to how the money would be raised?
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Other
Eleanor Fulton Laing (Conservative, Centre-right): Order Believe it or not, although we started off with a lot of time for this debate, speeches tend to expand to fill the time available. Therefore, I now ask that colleagues—being honourable and decent to other colleagues—take no more than 12 minutes each. Twelve minutes is a very long time. I know that I can rely on Mr Keith Vaz, who can count and will know when 12 minutes have expired.
Budget Resolutions — House of Commons, 2017-03-09
Topic: Other
Eleanor Fulton Laing (Conservative, Centre-right): I appreciate that some hon. Members have been sitting here all afternoon. There is something a little unfair about this but, c’est la vie, I am afraid that I have to limit Members to 10 minutes.
Tourism — House of Commons, 2017-04-27
Topic: Mixed Topics
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I welcome the fact that tourism is at its highest levels ever, with foreign visitors contributing £22.4 billion to our economy and the industry as a whole supporting some 1.6 million jobs. The start of this year was the strongest on record, and VisitBritain research shows that since the referendum more Europeans say they are more likely, rather than less likely, to visit the UK.
Tourism — House of Commons, 2017-04-27
Topic: Mixed Topics
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend raises an important point both about regional aviation and the beautiful part of the world he represents. That part of the world is known for its common sense, which I am sure will be reflected on 8 June. We have been very clear that we are working to ensure the best possible liberal access to European aviation markets and are seeking to replicate third-country arrangements with the likes of the US and Canada. We are committed to working with the sector to get the best deal for the UK, and I will be delighted to meet him to discuss how we can boost tourism in Southend.
Tourism — House of Commons, 2017-04-27
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): Tourism employs 12,000 people in Norwich, where the value of the sector has grown 87% over the last 10 years—my fine city is a top 10 destination. Tourism is a quarter of the city’s employment. Will my hon. Friend reassure me and Norwich employers, first, that the position of valued members of staff who may be citizens of other European countries will be a personal priority and, secondly, that in seeking a strong future, especially for our young people, the Government will address the skills that British workers could develop to offer Norwich’s growing tourism industry?
Tourism — House of Commons, 2017-04-27
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is right to champion tourism in Norwich. As the Prime Minister has said, it is right that we ensure that tourism and hospitality businesses can access the skills they need from the EU and that we ensure that young people in the UK have the right skills to work in this sector. I know she will continue to support tourism through her Norwich jobs initiative and as vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on youth employment, on which I enjoyed working with her.
Tourism — House of Commons, 2017-04-27
Topic: Mixed Topics
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I recognise the importance of that issue. I discussed some of those issues directly with the Scottish hospitality sector during my last visit to Scotland. Of course we want to ensure that visitors from Europe can continue to come to the UK and spend their money here, and we want to ensure that we have the best access for tourists in both directions. That will be a subject for the negotiations to come.
Tourism — House of Commons, 2017-04-27
Topic: Mixed Topics
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): We have been working closely with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and our colleagues in the territorial Departments to ensure that we have the best approach to selling the UK brand around the world. I recognise that Northern Ireland has a fantastic tourism offer, and I was delighted to meet representatives of the Northern Irish hospitality industry during my visit last autumn.
Tourism — House of Commons, 2017-04-27
Topic: Public Lands
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.
Jeremy John Elton Lefroy (Conservative, Centre-right): As you know, Mr Speaker, some of the finest parts of the Peak District national park are in Staffordshire, alongside Shugborough, Doxey marshes, Cannock Chase and many other beautiful places. One of the skills that our young people need so that we can benefit from the tourism industry lies in the teaching of languages. What is my hon. Friend doing, together with the Department for Education, to ensure that that is a priority?
Tourism — House of Commons, 2017-04-27
Topic: Mixed Topics
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.
Nigel Paul Huddleston (Conservative, Centre-right): The Minister is obviously aware that a record 37.6 million overseas visitors came to the UK in the past year. Is he aware that 70% of those came from the EU? Does he agree that those figures show that although the UK may be leaving the EU, we are very much welcoming and open to visitors from the EU and the rest of the world?
Tourism — House of Commons, 2017-04-27
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the tourism sector on the implications for that sector of the UK leaving the EU.
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I wholly agree with what my hon. Friend and neighbour says. He is a great champion for the tourism industry, and may I thank him once again for the work he has done to make sure that our Department gets to hear directly from the tourism and hospitality industry across the UK?
Northern Ireland — House of Commons, 2017-04-27
Topic: Mixed Topics
Questions: Whether he has had discussions with representatives of Sinn Féin on that party’s priorities for Northern Ireland in the negotiations on the UK leaving the EU; and if he will make a statement.; Whether he has had discussions with representatives of Sinn Féin on that party’s priorities for Northern Ireland in the negotiations on the UK leaving the EU; and if he will make a statement.
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): Absolutely. One great strength of our electoral system is that it allows constituencies and their voters to choose the best candidate to represent them, and not stitch-ups between politicians and parties. Like the hon. Gentleman, I campaigned on the remain side during the referendum but am now working as hard as I can to make the decision of the UK a success for the whole of the United Kingdom. I think voters should reflect on whether their representatives are working constructively to get the best outcome for their constituencies and for the United Kingdom, rather than on deals behind closed doors.
Financial Services Industry — House of Commons, 2017-04-27
Topic: Mixed Topics
Steven John Baker (Conservative, Centre-right): Was my hon. Friend as impressed as I was by the new spirit of resolve and optimism witnessed yesterday among senior City figures at the Prosperity UK conference, at which the Secretary of State spoke so inspirationally?
Financial Services Industry — House of Commons, 2017-04-27
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s question. Of course we welcome the engagement of so many businesses from across different sectors, including the financial sector, in making this process the greatest success it can be.