"I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that useful reminder that the Labour party did nothing on the issue. Few individuals—if any—would reject a benefit payment, even if in their hearts they were confused about why they were receiving it or uncomfortable with that. The then Chancellor knew well …..." Alun Cairns - View Speech
"I will in a moment but I want to develop my argument a little further. Presumably in an effort to drive the landscape even further to the left, tax credits increased dramatically—strangely—in the run-up to the 2005 general election, and, by coincidence, in the run-up to the 2010 general election...." Alun Cairns - View Speech
"My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. The previous Prime Minister knew exactly what he was doing and he did it for party political ends rather than to support and help families who needed tax credits...." Alun Cairns - View Speech
"That is right on cue because I remember the 50% tax rate as being temporary. Is the hon. Gentleman saying that he is committed to that rate leading up to and beyond the next general election?..." Alun Cairns - View Speech
"I would have much more respect for the hon. Gentleman if he told the House that that will be his commitment at the next general election...." Alun Cairns - View Speech
"It is obvious that there are two options. Either that will not be a commitment going into the next general election, or the Labour Government introduced the only temporary tax rate that would last almost 10 years. I hope the hon. Gentleman will allow me, in the minute I have …..." Alun Cairns - View Speech
"Given what the hon. Gentleman has said, is he comfortable that welfare payments are rising at twice the rate of earnings?..." Alun Cairns - View Speech
"I pay tribute to the Secretary of State, the Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the hon. Member for Wantage (Mr Vaizey) and Ofcom for the auction arrangements, which satisfy all the mobile phone operators. However, will Ministers reassure the House that planning guidance will be put in …..." Alun Cairns - View Speech
"18. What progress has been made on the implementation of the recommendations in Professor Harrington’s review of work capability assessments...." Alun Cairns - View Speech
"I thank the Minister for his response. One third of employment and support allowance claimants have mental health conditions and a significant number of initial work capability assessment decisions are overturned on appeal when further evidence becomes available about their condition. What action is the Minister taking to ensure that …..." Alun Cairns - View Speech