Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Chris Ruane and Tom Greatrex(11 years, 1 month ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab)
2. What discussions she has had with Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive on the Government’s proposed welfare reforms.
Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/Co-op)
4. What assessment she has made of the potential effect of the Government’s welfare reforms in Northern Ireland.
The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mike Penning)
Earlier this morning, I discussed these matters with the First and Deputy First Ministers at the Joint Ministerial Committee. I am sure that the whole House would say that a simpler benefit system will reward those in work and the vulnerable in our society.
High-speed Rail
Debate between Chris Ruane and Tom Greatrex(12 years, 9 months ago)
Westminster HallRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
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Tom Greatrex
I agree that all parts of the United Kingdom should benefit from HS2, which is why it is important that we look beyond the initial stage and start some of the planning discussion now, and why I want an assurance on looking at the feasibility of building from north to south.
Chris Ruane
The hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) has mentioned Northern Ireland, but it is important to connect the whole island of Ireland. Holyhead to Dublin is part of a trans-European network route connecting Ireland to the centre of Europe. We ought to be good Europeans and support that route, ensuring that the link is put all the way through to Holyhead.
Tom Greatrex
I am sure we all support the benefits of greater connectivity. Every Member who has made a contribution, and those who will subsequently do so, would attest to that. I hope therefore that the Minister will respond favourably to my points, which I made in particular about Scotland.