Business of the House
Debate between Roger Gale and Lindsay Hoyle(4 days, 7 hours ago)
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Mr Speaker
Order. My intention is for business questions to run until around 11.45, so if we can help each other by speeding through, that would be really good. I call Sir Roger Gale to set a good example.
Sir Roger Gale (Herne Bay and Sandwich) (Con)
The Government have pledged to enhance the record of the previous Conservative Government and uphold animal welfare. Retained European regulations currently prohibit the handling of chickens by their legs, but in their first act of animal welfare, the Government are proposing to pass regulations to permit that harmful practice. Will the Leader of the House ask the agriculture Minister to write to me—and place a copy of the letter in the Library —to explain why the Government are choosing to lower the legal standard rather than to uphold the law and protect animal welfare?
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Roger Gale and Lindsay Hoyle(6 days, 7 hours ago)
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Sir Roger Gale (Herne Bay and Sandwich) (Con)
Mr Speaker, The Times has told the world how old you are today.
Sir Roger Gale
I do not propose to write it into the record, but I note that you are catching up on me. [Laughter.] Happy birthday.
Sir Roger Gale
Yesterday, a Minister said from the Dispatch Box that only 1% of farmland was being damaged by development, yet solar panels are smothering east Kent’s best farmland. It must stop. Given what the Secretary of State has said, what further steps will he take to protect our farmland and really do move solar panels on to rooftops, car parks and public buildings?
Government Announcements
Debate between Roger Gale and Lindsay Hoyle(2 weeks ago)
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Mr Speaker
Order. May I thank the Leader of the House for reminding me of the mistakes of the previous Government in not coming to the Floor of the House? I would have hoped that this Government had learned from the mistakes that have just been highlighted. To try to defend what you criticise is not a way forward.
I am trying to ensure that Members on both sides of the House are allowed to question Ministers first, rather than watching announcements on Sky News. It is interesting that the SDR has been offered to journalists but that the Members here have not had the chance to see it. I agree with the Leader of the House, and I thank her again for reminding me, but let us now see the Government treat this House in the way that I expect.
Sir Roger Gale (Herne Bay and Sandwich) (Con)
Will you take a point of order now, Mr Speaker?
Mr Speaker
No, I will not, because we have to wait till the end, as you well know, Sir Roger, as one of the most senior Members.
Point of Order
Debate between Roger Gale and Lindsay Hoyle
Mr Speaker
Points of order should come after statements, as you well know, Sir Roger, unless this is specifically about this point.
Mr Speaker
Well, in that case—I knew you knew better than me.
Sir Roger Gale
Were you given any indication as to why the Secretary of State was not here to answer the urgent question, Mr Speaker?
Mr Speaker
Absolutely not. I granted the urgent question because I know how important the issue is, including to my good farmers in Chorley.