argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Voter ID Pilots — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Civil Rights
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): If this is about voter suppression, the Labour party clearly does not want any members, because it uses it for its own party membership. This is not about voter suppression, nor is it about disenfranchisement. I object strongly to the use of those words to describe what is being done. This is a reasonable step to protect voters’ choices. It is simple common sense, as the hon. Member for Vauxhall (Kate Hoey) said, that people should be able to show who they are at the polling station I pay tribute to the hon. Gentleman for his campaigning over time on these issues, because he is right to keep consistent scrutiny on how we can help as many people as possible to be registered in this country. I hope he knows that I share his determination to make our registers as complete and accurate as they can be, and to have as many people taking part in our elections as possible. Recent figures suggest that we have record levels of electoral registration in this country. They fluctuate slightly throughout electoral cycles, as he will know because he looks at these things closely. The point is that we do have a thriving democracy in this country—let’s keep it that way.
Voter ID Pilots — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Civil Rights
Stephen Charles Kerr (Conservative, Centre-right): One of the many things about Stirling constituency that I am really proud of is the level of democratic engagement. Turnouts in my constituency are always well above any kind of average that can be picked out of all the statistics that are available on elections. When will the Minister be able to update the House on the specifics of how her Department is trying to drive up engagement in the democratic process across all parts of our society?
Voter ID Pilots — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Mixed Topics
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): No, it is not. As I have set out, every council that participates in the pilots will make ID arrangements that are free of charge. That is as the House would expect it to be. Frankly, if the situation were as the hon. Gentleman describes it, I would agree with him, but it is not. He is simply not giving an accurate picture of the pilots. Crucially, the 10 pilots, which are being done in slightly different ways across the country, are operating a broader list of ID than only driving licences or passports, and as I have emphasised, there will be a free-of-charge alternative. What I would say to his constituents and to anybody else who is listening is that they need not have that concern. This policy has been well planned, with them at its heart.
Voter ID Pilots — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Civil Rights
Michael Penning (Conservative, Centre-right): Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker—it all comes to those who wait. I was here in 2003, not in the Chamber but up in the Press Gallery, and I listened to the Labour Minister explain why there needed to be voter ID in Northern Ireland. There was a debate in the Chamber at that time. I do not think that that Government could be called right-wing—it was led by Tony Blair, so it could not possibly have been right-wing. At the end of the day, has that been a huge success in Northern Ireland? I can say as a former Minister of State for Northern Ireland, yes it has. Why is it different in Northern Ireland? Why can we not protect votes from being stolen in England, Scotland and Wales?
Voter ID Pilots — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Mixed Topics
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): That is absolutely right. My right hon. Friend helpfully reminds us of the history of how we got to this place, and I am grateful to him for placing it on the record. He makes the crucial point that this is about protecting voters. Why should it be acceptable for a voter potentially to be subject to having their vote stolen? That would be a dreadful crime—it is hardly some kind of victimless crime. It is a crime that, unfortunately, does happen in this country, albeit not in large numbers. That means that we have to act. These are the actions of a responsible Government to make sure that voters have their voice protected.
Voter ID Pilots — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Civil Rights
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): I am really pleased that the hon. Lady has contributed the voice of experience, has contributed. She is correct about the experience in Northern Ireland. She is also correct that such cards have other uses. I give an example from last year’s pilots: in one pilot a group of homeless electors—I hope right hon. and hon. Members are aware that it can be difficult for homeless people to vote, which in itself is a separate disgrace that the Government are working to improve—were able to take advantage of the council-issued alternative and go to claim other benefits and take other steps in their lives that they felt were really helpful. She is right that that can happen On how we will take the pilots forward into a broader scheme, we are open to looking at what the next steps may be. They may not be identical to the Northern Ireland card, but as I have already emphasised all councils taking part in the pilots will provide a free-of-charge alternative ID that provides some form of verification that voters are who they say they are. That will certainly be a feature, and I will look at all the experiences around the UK as a guide towards the next steps of the programme.
Voter ID Pilots — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Civil Rights
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): I have already said that the Government are absolutely committed to wanting to have as many people as possible registered to vote. I have focused on that relentlessly through the two occasions on which I have held this ministerial post with responsibility for electoral regulation. We need to be able to work with a range of people to do that, and we need to use a range of tools. Yes, we are using pilots to look at ways to secure people’s votes, but that goes alongside a very large other body of work to ensure that our democracy thrives and is fit for the 21st century. I would welcome the hon. Gentleman’s support in that.
Voter ID Pilots — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Civil Rights
Chloe Rebecca Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): That is a really good question. To be able to honour the spirit of it properly in answering it, I will confirm to the hon. Lady in writing the precise situation about the ordering deadlines for those devices, should that apply to any potential upcoming elections. I think the House will be well aware of the situation regarding the European parliamentary elections, and I do not think the question is generally about those, but I will be happy to take up that question in more detail More broadly, the hon. Lady is right: disabled voters should be as welcome in our system as anyone else. That is a crucial, fundamental tenet of our democracy. I was pleased to meet her to talk through some of these issues, just as I have been keen to meet charities and civil society groups working on behalf of people with disabilities as part of our work to make elections more accessible. The tactile voting devices are but one part of that landscape, but these are vital issues that I want to get right, and I reassure the House that they have been well considered in these pilots.
Voter ID Pilots — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Other
Eleanor Fulton Laing (Conservative, Centre-right): I would like to point out that the Minister has been extremely good, bouncing up and down to the Dispatch Box, given the imminent arrival of her next child. We all wish her well and hope that it is soon.
Parental Rights (Rapists) and Family Courts — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Other
Michael Penning (Conservative, Centre-right): On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. During the excellent 10-minute rule Bill speech by the hon. Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Louise Haigh) there was commentary going on not from inside the Chamber itself, but from somewhere else. That was completely inappropriate considering the importance of the Bill. Can you investigate—I am sure you are already—why that was going on and make sure it does not happen again?
Parental Rights (Rapists) and Family Courts — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Other
Eleanor Fulton Laing (Conservative, Centre-right): I am very grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for raising that point. He is correct. I was also aware that there were voices somewhere in this Chamber which I could not see. I know it was not any disruption in the Public Gallery and there was no one in the side Galleries. I have already asked for an investigation to take place, but if he, or indeed anyone else in the Chamber, has seen parts of this Chamber which I am unable to see and has an idea of where that noise is coming from, I would be grateful if they would tell me. The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely correct. It is totally inappropriate, especially when a Member is speaking on a sensitive subject and there is silence in the Chamber because everybody in here is listening intently to the hon. Lady, as they were a few minutes ago, that there should be noise from some other part of this Chamber. If I find out what exactly happened I will inform the Chamber, the hon. Lady and the right hon. Gentleman.
Constitutional Law — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Other
Claire Louise Perry (Conservative, Centre-right): I hope that the hon. Gentleman will regain his usual sunny nature should we have an Easter break next week. As he will know, what he has asked is not for me to decide. These observations are made to the Secretary of State, and it would be wrong for me to comment.
Constitutional Law — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Other
Claire Louise Perry (Conservative, Centre-right): I will give way again briefly, but I sense that the House would like me to wrap up, and I also want to give way to the Leader of the Opposition. [Laughter.] I mean the potential future Leader of the Opposition, the hon. Member for Glasgow North East.
Continuous At-Sea Deterrent — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Mixed Topics
Gavin Alexander Williamson (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady and I will probably always find room for disagreement on this. I will come on to the issue of deterrence later I want to make progress, because it would be remiss of me not to mention the town of Barrow-in-Furness and give our thanks to the people of Barrow, who have crafted these giants of the deep and continue to do so, ensuring that we have the right technology and the right vessels to deliver our nuclear deterrent.
Continuous At-Sea Deterrent — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Mixed Topics
Gavin Alexander Williamson (Conservative, Centre-right): If I recall correctly, 1,000 people in Plymouth are dependent for their jobs and livelihoods on supporting our nuclear submarines. I would very much like to add my thanks to them for the work that they do. That also demonstrates the important benefit that our nuclear deterrent provides for the whole country in jobs and skills.
Continuous At-Sea Deterrent — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Mixed Topics
Gavin Alexander Williamson (Conservative, Centre-right): It is absolutely right that my right hon. Friend mentions Aldermaston and the work that it does on our continued ability to develop our nuclear deterrent, to ensure that we remain ahead of the game. That also has an enormous benefit to the whole wider economy, and not only in the development of skills. This investment has an impact on science and technology, keeping us ahead of the game and ahead of our rivals.
Continuous At-Sea Deterrent — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Other
William Grant (Conservative, Centre-right): I am not sure what abacus the hon. Lady has bought or where she purchased it. I would return her abacus or calculator to where she bought it and ask them to check that it is indeed accurate.
Continuous At-Sea Deterrent — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Other
William Grant (Conservative, Centre-right): I am sure it will come as no surprise that I am not privy to those discussions and conversations. [Interruption.] My goodness me! I am entitled to talk. Is the hon. Gentleman taking away that entitlement of fellow parliamentarians now? What a question to the MOD!
Continuous At-Sea Deterrent — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Mixed Topics
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): No, I am still referring to the points the hon. Gentleman made, if he will just give me some time The hon. Gentleman also raised the issue of decommissioning and the NAO report. I acknowledge, as does the report, that this issue is very complex. I accept that this has gone on for too long. However, the report also recognises that the Department and the Government are actually taking the initial steps. I am personally taking an interest in this—following several meetings I have had with the hon. Member for Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport (Luke Pollard); the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife (Douglas Chapman), who represents Rosyth; and my hon. Friend the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Anne-Marie Trevelyan)—and I will continue to work on it. I should make it clear that in August we completed the initial dismantling with Swiftsure, and we are now commencing with Resolution. We are working on a plan, as, I have to say, the first Government to do so for many years.
Continuous At-Sea Deterrent — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Mixed Topics
Julian Murray Lewis (Conservative, Centre-right): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Is there any way within the rules of order that I can point out that the nuclear deterrent has been supported on this occasion by a ratio of 7:1, which is even greater than the normal ratio whenever public opinion is tested on this very important matter?
Continuous At-Sea Deterrent — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Other
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): The right hon. Gentleman has found his own salvation. He has registered that point. If memory serves me correctly, he might even have very marginally understated his case, because I think that seven times thirty-three equals slightly less than the figure that he attained, so I daresay he is satisfied with his endeavours I think that is an end to these bogus points of order, at least for today. [Hon. Members: "More!"] Well, there will be more, but not more points of order—more by the way of clarion calls of support from the SNP Benches for the petition in the name of Mr Martyn Day.
Lowestoft High Street: Revitalisation — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Peter James Guy Aldous (Conservative, Centre-right): I am pleased to have secured this debate because businesses on the high street in Lowestoft are really struggling at present, and there is an urgent need for Government, both national and local, to work with the private sector to address the problem. If we do not do so, more businesses will close, more jobs will be lost and more livelihoods will be jeopardised. While there are specific challenges that need to be addressed in Lowestoft, this is a challenge that town centres face all around the country High streets are the backbone of our economy: they are at the heart of local communities, they nurture local businesses and they provide many local jobs. Millions of people all around the country work or have worked in retail, often in town centres and often as their first experience of the workplace. High streets need to reinvent themselves, otherwise untold damage will be done to many local economies Businesses cannot do this on their own: there is a need for teamwork with businesses, landlords, business improvement districts, chambers of commerce, Government and, in the case of Lowestoft, East Suffolk Council and Lowestoft Town Council all working together. Lowestoft Town Council has an important role to play with its local knowledge and contacts In Lowestoft, there are exciting plans to reinvigorate the local economy—making the most of offshore renewables, regenerating the local fishing industry and showcasing our tourism offer as Britain’s most easterly town, with a rich maritime heritage. However for those plans to be successful, we need a vibrant high street, a beating heart at the centre of the community.
Lowestoft High Street: Revitalisation — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Mixed Topics
Martin John Vickers (Conservative, Centre-right): I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate. His description of the challenges facing Lowestoft mirrors the situation facing my constituency, because fishing, tourism and renewables are also relevant to Cleethorpes. I am sure that the Minister will mention the Greater Grimsby town deal, a private-sector-led initiative that will support Government initiatives such as the coastal communities fund, and it is vital to get the private sector involved.
Lowestoft High Street: Revitalisation — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Public Lands
Peter James Guy Aldous (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend makes the point that coastal towns face particular challenges. There is so much in Cleethorpes that is similar to Lowestoft, and the public and private sectors need to get together as a team to address those problems. I sense that we have not been able to achieve that previously, but the clock is ticking alarmingly close to midnight, so we must get on and create that team.
Lowestoft High Street: Revitalisation — House of Commons, 2019-04-10
Topic: Housing
David James Duguid (Conservative, Centre-right): Like my hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers), I share my hon. Friend’s recognition of the isolation facing coastal communities due to the 180° of sea. Does he agree that the recently announced stronger towns fund will introduce welcome funding into such communities? Will he join me encouraging the Minister to help nudge the scheme along so that it supports not just England, but the devolved nations?
Speaker’s Statement: New Zealand Terror Attacks — House of Commons, 2019-03-15
Topic: Mixed Topics
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): In respectful memory of the 49 people who horrendously lost their lives in the terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, and of the apparently dozens who were injured in the attack on the two mosques, as well as in solidarity with the people of New Zealand and Muslims around the world, I humbly suggest to the House—I know that both sides of the House are on the same page as me in this regard—that we hold one minute’s silence at 11 am. I think that some colleagues will want to say something about this matter now, before we get on to today’s business, sitting in private or any of that. I therefore call Minister Ben Wallace.
Speaker’s Statement: New Zealand Terror Attacks — House of Commons, 2019-03-15
Topic: Other
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the Minister for the clarity and passion with which he has addressed the House. Colleagues will not be surprised to know that I intend to write to my opposite number in New Zealand, and I know that I will be able to do so conveying the sympathies of the House and the collective outrage of the House at this bestial slaughter.
Speaker’s Statement: New Zealand Terror Attacks — House of Commons, 2019-03-15
Topic: Other
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): This poisonous barbarity will not prevail; I think we are all clear about that. I deeply appreciate the words of the Minister and the hon. Member for Ilford North (Wes Streeting). In saying what they have said, and doing so in the way in which they have, they have spoken for millions—if not hundreds of millions—of people around the world. I think colleagues will understand that there is a particular piquancy about me calling the hon. Member for Christchurch (Sir Christopher Chope).
Speaker’s Statement: New Zealand Terror Attacks — House of Commons, 2019-03-15
Topic: Civil Rights
Christopher Robert Chope (Conservative, Centre-right): May I, on my behalf and that of my constituents, express our sympathy and solidarity with the citizens of our twinned city of Christchurch in New Zealand? This grotesque manifestation of religious hatred is beyond comprehension, but as the Minister intimated, it requires us all to redouble our efforts to promote the virtues of tolerance and religious freedom as the best weapons against the outrage of terror.
Speaker’s Statement: New Zealand Terror Attacks — House of Commons, 2019-03-15
Topic: Mixed Topics
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): Before we proceed with the first piece of business, I have to notify the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, that Her Majesty has signified her Royal Assent to the following Acts: Supply and Appropriation (Anticipation and Adjustments) Act 2019 Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Act 2019 Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 Stalking Protection Act 2019 Children Act 1989 (Amendment) (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2019 Northern Ireland Budget (Anticipation and Adjustments) Act 2019.
Speaker’s Statement: New Zealand Terror Attacks — House of Commons, 2019-03-15
Topic: Other
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): That is entirely proper. I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on his success. I note what I have always known: that he is a real House of Commons person. He always has been, and he remains so.
Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration Etc.) Bill — House of Commons, 2019-03-15
Topic: Mixed Topics
Christopher Robert Chope (Conservative, Centre-right): Many congratulations to my hon. Friend on steering this Bill through so successfully, and on getting his timing absolutely right so that it could incorporate the decision of the Supreme Court. May I ask him whether he is concerned about the fact that subsection (1) of the new clause says: "The Secretary of State may, by regulations" thereby indicating a certain discretion, but subsection (2) says that if he exercises that discretion under subsection (1) then he "must" do so before 31 December? Is my hon. Friend suspicious that the contrast between "may" and "must" in subsections (1) and (2) could be used by the Government to undermine what he has just asserted?
Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration Etc.) Bill — House of Commons, 2019-03-15
Topic: Civil Rights
Timothy Paul Loughton (Conservative, Centre-right): I know my hon. Friend is always vigilant, rather than suspicious. Having sat through many Committees over many years in this House arguing the toss over whether the word "may" should be replaced by the word "must", I have to say that I am not concerned about the wording of the Bill. I have had many conversations with the Ministers responsible, and the Government are absolutely committed to delivering on the undertakings in this Bill. It had to be put together in such a way to give some leeway to Ministers to be able to produce the right legislation at the right time. That involved a degree of discretion, which I know my hon. Friend and others in both Houses were concerned about. A number of undertakings were therefore added to the Bill and were given orally, not least a sunset clause, so that this clause, which I know my hon. Friend has had concerns about in the past, could not be used for other purposes as something of a Trojan horse. I entirely appreciate his observation, but I do not share his concern that this will not actually be produced. I think it will be produced in a fairly short space of time. Goodness knows, we tried for long enough to get mothers’ names on marriage certificates.