Transport Infrastructure

Debate between Boris Johnson and Eddie Hughes

Tuesday 11th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

Yes, I certainly can.

[Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con)]

Infrastructure costs are frequently driven up by unforeseen ground conditions. Can the Prime Minister remind the House of the commitment by this Government to increase spending on research and development, such as at Birmingham University, which is working on quantum technology to map those ground conditions?

[The Prime Minister]

I thank my hon. Friend. He is entirely right. HS2’s investment will not just drive the construction sector—it will drive the economy across this country, including in higher education.

European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill

Debate between Boris Johnson and Eddie Hughes

2nd reading: House of Commons & Programme motion: House of Commons
Tuesday 22nd October 2019 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

By your leave, Mr Speaker, I shall make some progress.

Let us pause for a second and reflect on the scale of the choices before us. If we rejected this new deal, what would the House be saying to the country and to the world? What alternative course of action is open to us? Is it to undo Brexit and cancel the greatest democratic exercise in the country’s history? Even now, I find it impossible to believe that any democrat would contemplate such a course. Time and again, the House has promised to honour the referendum, and the fact that the Leader of the Opposition is now proposing a rerun shows a regrettable contempt for the verdict of the British people. The House has repeatedly rejected a second referendum, and, in my view, must emphatically do so again.

[Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con)]

Does the Prime Minister agree that a referendum took place and a decision was made by the British people? It is up to Parliament to accept that decision and work with it. Those are not my words, but the words of the Leader of the Opposition.

[The Prime Minister]

My hon. Friend has encapsulated the point perfectly, and I think that the Leader of the Opposition should reflect on what he has said.

Prime Minister's Update

Debate between Boris Johnson and Eddie Hughes

Wednesday 25th September 2019 Commons Chamber

[Eddie Hughes]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I was inspired to get to my feet by the excitement in the Chamber. I want to draw attention to the fact that on 27 April the Prime Minister, then a humble Back Bencher, visited my constituency. Four or five days later the Conservatives won two more council seats. However, the Leader of the Opposition visited my constituency about 10 days ago, and since then I have had five new party members. Does the Prime Minister believe that this net effect might explain the hesitance on the part of the Leader of the Opposition to try to call a general election?

[The Prime Minister]

I remember well that happy afternoon we spent in J.D. Wetherspoon’s. I noted the popularity of my hon. Friend with his constituents, and I also noted their determination to get Brexit done on 31 October. That is what we are going to do, and I hope for the support of Members on the Opposition Benches.

Priorities for Government

Debate between Boris Johnson and Eddie Hughes

Thursday 25th July 2019 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

It is like asking a tigress to choose between her cubs. I refuse to choose.

[Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con)]

Will the Prime Minister commit to fighting on behalf of persecuted Christians worldwide, following the release of the recent Truro report?

[The Prime Minister]

I certainly will. I thank my hon. Friend for his question.