argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
European Union (Withdrawal) Act — House of Commons, 2019-01-15
Topic: International Affairs
Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and that is why I am appealing to every Member in the House to think about the people—about the people who have already lost their jobs, about the thousand people in the European Medicines Agency, about the thousand people in the European Banking Authority, about the workers at Jaguar Land Rover, who know that the Labour party today is not going to lift a finger to protect their economic interests. That is the reality: a party that was once of the people but is now sitting back and failing to accept its responsibilities. Thank goodness in Scotland we have an alternative The people of Scotland have watched everything that has gone on over the last two and half years. "Taking back control", the Conservatives say. My goodness, they have taken back control from the Parliament of Scotland. When this House pushed through the withdrawal Act, it took back responsibility for fisheries, agriculture and the environment, which were laid down in the Scotland Act 1998 when the Parliament was established as devolved matters, and which were supposed to be protected by the Sewel convention. Nevertheless, the Government said, "These are not normal times", and they grabbed back powers not so much from the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament, but from the people of Scotland, who had voted for it in the referendum 1997. That is the reality of the Conservatives, who have always been hostile to devolution Of course, we are told, "The people voted in 2016 and we should accept it", but the people of Scotland were told in our referendum in 2014 that if we stayed in the UK our rights within the EU would be respected. The fact that 62% of the people of Scotland voted to stay in the EU is ignored by this Government. The fact that the Scottish Parliament has said we wish to stay, as a very minimum, in the single market and the customs union has been ignored by this Government. They have shown contempt for the institutions in Scotland and for the cross-party unity that existed on these matters in Scotland The time is coming when the people of Scotland will have to reflect on how we are being treated and ignored. The Scottish Parliament has a mandate for an independence referendum, and if and when the First Minister and the Scottish Government choose to enforce that mandate, this House will have to respect the wishes of the Scottish people. I hope tonight that this House votes down the Government’s deal and has the confidence to extend article 50 and to give the responsibility back to the people, but if the House is determined to push ahead with Brexit, the day will come when the people of Scotland will have to determine their own future—do we wish to be tied to a United Kingdom that is going to damage our economic interests, or will we accept our responsibilities as a historic, independent European nation? That day is coming and it is coming soon.
European Union (Withdrawal) Act — House of Commons, 2019-01-15
Topic: International Affairs
Neil Charles Gray (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): I wish to set out why I will vote against the Prime Minister’s deal. I start from the position of respecting the result of the EU referendum in Scotland. The people of Scotland resoundingly rejected the idea of Brexit. According to the polls, they continue to reject Brexit and the Prime Minister’s deal in even greater numbers. And no wonder: it has all been about self-interest for this Prime Minister and the Tory party. She triggered article 50 without a plan. She held a snap general election for her own self- interest, but lost her majority. She ignored the Scottish Government’s offer of a compromise, which would have carried the House. She set herself red lines aimed at satisfying her extreme Brexiteer Back Benchers, but that boxed her into an impossible corner and left her facing a no-confidence vote anyway Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, which is why the biggest mistake was triggering article 50 when the Prime Minister had not done her homework. She tipped the hourglass with no plan, no idea and no backing. Today—two years on—as the sands start to run out, nothing has changed. She has no credible plan, no idea and no backing. Now she is trying to make it a Hobson’s choice in order to deflect from the politically inconvenient choices that do remain open to us. She should request an extension to article 50 to allow the people to have their say The Tory leadership is not the only one to have acted purely out of self-interest in this process. The Leader of the Opposition wants to renegotiate Brexit, but will not say what he would renegotiate. He wants a general election, but no plan to achieve one, and he will not say what his Brexit policy would be. He cannot decide whether to back another EU referendum, and does not know if he would campaign for leave or remain. It could have been so different. On BBC Radio Scotland this morning, the hon. Member for East Renfrewshire (Paul Masterton) rightly encouraged the Prime Minister to ignore the extreme Brexiteers. Sadly, his very sensible advice was two years too late. The sands of time have moved on. Instead, the warnings of Brexit leading to a greater chance of independence are becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.
European Union (Withdrawal) Act — House of Commons, 2019-01-15
Topic: International Affairs
Joanna Catherine Cherry (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): Yesterday the Prime Minister wondered what the history books will make of all this, and I would like to venture a few suggestions. She will be remembered as the Prime Minister who presided over the biggest failure of government and leadership in the United Kingdom in modern times. Instead of having the moral courage to face up to the fact that the EU referendum was won on the back of lies and fraud, she set out to achieve the unachievable—a deal better than the deal we currently enjoy In doing so, she has ignored the weight of expert evidence. She has ignored the economic assessments of her own Government and advisers, presided over a regime so incompetent and questionable that no-deal Government contracts are being awarded without competitive tendering to dubious entities without any legal justification whatsoever, and spent hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money trying to prevent us from knowing the answer to the question of whether article 50 could be unilaterally revoked. She barely has the confidence of her own party, and its Members only put up with her because none of them has the gumption to step up to the plate to sort out this mess It is likely that the Prime Minister soon will not have the confidence of this House. In Scotland, she has never had our confidence and never will. She should not take the Scots for fools. The majority of us voted to remain, and the majority of Scots now realise that they were lied to during the 2014 independence referendum. Those lies were that Scotland was an equal partner and that the only way to guarantee staying in the EU was to vote to stay in the UK. The results of referendums won on the back of lies cannot stand. That is why I am voting down this deal. I want a second EU referendum and there should also be a second Scottish independence referendum.
European Union (Withdrawal) Act — House of Commons, 2019-01-15
Topic: International Affairs
Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): On any of the analyses of Brexit, economic growth will be lower than if we stay in the EU. Will the Prime Minister not realise, on the basis of the knowledge and the fact that people will lose opportunities as a consequence of Brexit, that the alternative is to extend article 50, go back and give the people a say? Let’s act in all our interests on the basis of the information we now have.
European Union (Withdrawal) Act — House of Commons, 2019-01-15
Topic: International Affairs
Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): Further to the Prime Minister’s point of order, Mr Speaker. We should be aware of the situation we are in. The clock is ticking and we have little time to resolve this. The fact that it has taken us so long to get to this point is frankly shameful. This is a humiliating defeat for the Government. When I listen to the Prime Minister, it sounds like everyone else is at fault rather than her. She has to accept responsibility for what has happened this evening I am delighted that the Leader of the Opposition has come round to a motion of no confidence. That should have happened before, but we will support it. As I mentioned, it is clear that the clock is ticking. The Government need to secure the safety of all our nations, and they should immediately postpone the article 50 process and immediately have talks with all the leaders of the Opposition parties. Let us work together in all our interests, but let us listen to the voices of the parliamentarians who have been sent here. There is no support for the deal. It must not come back again. The obvious and right thing to do is to suspend article 50 and put the matter to the people in a people’s vote.
European Union (Withdrawal) Act — House of Commons, 2019-01-15
Topic: International Affairs
Angus Brendan MacNeil (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. The Prime Minister spoke about the will of Parliament, and we have to investigate that further. When can we test the will of this House on the choices that are now left—no deal versus revoking article 50? Can we test those in the House, bearing in mind that in Scotland the European Union is more popular in the polls than the United Kingdom, as the Prime Minister should know?
Leaving the EU: Devolution Settlement — House of Commons, 2019-05-08
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.
Alan Brown (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): It is because of nonsense like this and Brexit being imposed on Scotland that many Scots now want a say in their future as regards independence. The Secretary of State’s Government accepted the Scottish National party motion on the Claim of Right, which states that it is the sovereign right of the Scottish people to decide their form of government and their constitutional future. Does he still agree with that principle?
Leaving the EU: Devolution Settlement — House of Commons, 2019-05-08
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.
Alison Emily Thewliss (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): During the Scottish Tory conference, Ruth Davidson told STV that she was getting ready to fight an independence referendum. Is there something the Secretary of State would like to tell us? Has the Tory party finally realised that it cannot deny the people of Scotland their right to have a choice over their own future?
Leaving the EU: Devolution Settlement — House of Commons, 2019-05-08
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.
Patrick John Grady (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): It’s comedy hour in the House of Commons I am not sure whether the Secretary of State fully recognises the implications of accepting the Claim of Right, as he did last year. Can he really believe that 20 years after devolution, once the Brexit process is complete constitutional perfection will have been reached on these islands? Is he really channelling Charles Parnell in reverse and saying to Scotland, "Thus far shalt thou go but no further"?
Leaving the EU: Devolution Settlement — House of Commons, 2019-05-08
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.
Thomas Sheppard (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): Two weeks tomorrow the people of Scotland go to the polls, and the Scottish National party will be fighting that election not just resisting the shambles of the Tory Brexit but demanding that the voice of Scotland be heard and the people of Scotland be given a choice over their own future. If my party wins that election, will the Secretary of State abandon his resistance to the Scottish Government being able to consult people on their own future?
Leaving the EU: Devolution Settlement — House of Commons, 2019-05-08
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.
Deidre Leanne Brock (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): It has emerged that the polling company Ipsos MORI has been commissioned by the Cabinet Office to conduct polling in Scotland on the state of the Union. That is surely a sign that this Government are deeply rattled by the growing support for independence. Was the Secretary of State made aware of this, and will he support the full publication of this taxpayer-funded polling?
Leaving the EU: Devolution Settlement — House of Commons, 2019-05-08
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.
Mhairi Black (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): The Secretary of State asked for context in an earlier answer. The House of Commons Library has a Government-issued leaflet from 2014 explaining why people should vote against Scottish independence. Under the heading "An influential voice in important places", it says: "As one of the EU’s ‘big four’ nations, the UK is more able to protect Scottish interests" Ruth Davidson herself said that voting no meant that we would stay in the EU. Will the Secretary of State take this opportunity to get his story straight?
Leaving the EU: Devolution Settlement — House of Commons, 2019-05-08
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.; What recent discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the potential effect on the devolution settlement of the UK leaving the EU.
Andrew Egan Henderson Hendry (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): It was reported at the weekend that the Secretary of State could not even get toast out of a toaster. We cannot get an answer out of him. Are there any circumstances whereby he would support the right of the Scottish people to determine their own future through a referendum?
Engagements — House of Commons, 2019-05-08
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: School funding is a huge issue on doorsteps in Lewes, because for decades schools in Lewes have had significantly less funding than neighbouring authorities such as Brighton and Hove. Last year, schools in Sussex got a 6% increase in funding, and this year schools such as Priory School in Lewes should be getting a 7.6% increase in their per-pupil funding, but the council is keeping back £64,000 of it. Will the Prime Minister do all she can to ensure that schools get the funding they have been awarded?; May I join the Prime Minister in congratulating the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the birth of their son? Was it not wonderful to see Prince Harry bursting with happiness as he shared the news with the nation? I do hope that he will be taking some time off to spend with Meghan and the baby, but statutory paternity leave is just two weeks and take-up of shared parental leave is low. Will my right hon. Friend consider introducing a longer period of paid parental leave just for partners, which will be good for new dads, mums and their children?
Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): Scotland does not want a Labour-Tory Brexit stitch-up. Scotland voted to remain, and once again—with no Scottish representation in the talks—our nation is being ignored. Does the Prime Minister think that this is good enough for a supposed Union of equals? She must confirm today that any deal will be put back to the people for a final say.
Iran Nuclear Deal — House of Commons, 2019-05-08
Topic: International Affairs
Stephen Patrick Gethins (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): I thank the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron) for securing this urgent question and for his remarks. I agree that we have to note the painstaking diplomacy that led to the agreement These latest developments are incredibly concerning to all Members, who are worried about the impact on global and regional security, as the Minister mentioned. If the UK has influence, it must be used to urge the US and Iran to re-engage and, critically, to work towards not just an agreement, but a world free from these appalling weapons of mass destruction. Noting the remarks of the right hon. Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), which were considered, as always, I must say with great respect to the Minister, who has an awful lot on his plate, that dysfunction at the heart of Government should not be allowed to spread elsewhere. Does the Minister know when a Minister for the Middle East will be appointed? I say that with respect to him and all the work he has on his plate. What conversations has the Foreign Secretary had with his counterparts in the US and the EU on the need to get an agreement back on track and also to build a stable, nuclear-free world?
TV Licences for Over-75s — House of Commons, 2019-05-08
Topic: Social Welfare
Patricia Gibson (Scottish National Party, Centre-left): I am delighted to speak in this debate but it feels as though, when I get on my feet in this place, it is increasingly because the Government appear to be completely abrogating their responsibilities towards our older people. Whether they are removing pension credits from mixed-age couples, or failing to keep their side of the bargain and pay the pensions due to women born in the 1950s who received little or no notice of the rise in the state pension age, it seems that this is happening more and more. I wonder whether the Minister is comfortable with the undeniable narrative that is emerging Today we are talking about the UK Government’s decision—and it is their decision—to have a go at the over-75s. I have already raised this matter several times in the Chamber and I have written to the Secretary of State, as have others; but I have never had a proper or meaningful response. Today I had been hoping for that response, but sadly we have just heard a wee bit more of the same. It is important to be clear that the Government have maintained—we heard this again today—that they are not scrapping TV licences for the over-75s, and that they are simply delegating responsibility for those licences to the BBC. This is a game of semantics that tells us that the Government want to scrap the free TV licences but do not want to take responsibility for doing so. It simply will not wash.