Business of the House

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Thursday 6th June 2019

(4 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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One thing we all know, because I have said it myself several times—and I think the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) believes this—is that Parliament will not be evacuated from the centre stage of the decision-making process on this important matter. That is simply not going to happen; it is so blindingly obvious that it almost does not need to be stated—but apparently it does and therefore I have done.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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May I also welcome the very modern-minded Leader of the House to his role? With that in mind, he may be aware that in 1989 when cameras were first allowed in this place they were brought in with restrictions: footage can be used on news programmes and so on, but not on satirical or light entertainment programmes, presumably to maintain the dignity of this place. Given that so much of this content, in particular the more light-hearted moments—a lot of it including you, Mr Speaker—is currently available online on YouTube and so on does the Leader of the House believe it is about time to update the rules and bring them into the 21st century?

EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship (Votes)

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Wednesday 27th March 2019

(5 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I have certainly received no such indication at all. The Prime Minister was here today. To be fair, she has been a most assiduous attender in the Chamber, in making statements to the House and responding to questions, often for very appreciable periods of time. Obviously, she will be here next week for Prime Minister’s questions, and we fully anticipate and look forward to that. I have received no such notification. I am aware of media reports, but I would not have been present at any meetings that took place earlier this afternoon, for obvious reasons. The hon. Gentleman has made his own points in his own way, with his customary style and puckish grin.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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On a point of order, Mr Speaker. You have commented previously that your determinations—your rulings in this place—depend on precedents, context and circumstances. Many of us believe that the context of a meaningful vote 3 has changed in the light of the votes this evening. Could you provide some guidance as to what would constitute context and circumstances changing in your mind, so that we can be assured as to whether or not a meaningful vote 3 is possible?

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I think the hon. Gentleman can readily extrapolate from things that I have said before on this matter. I made a clear statement on 18 March, and I responded to a miscellany of questions on that occasion, possibly including an inquiry from him—I do not recall for certain but there might have been such. On that occasion, I indicated that it seemed to me that there was a matter not just of precise wording but of thrust: what was the essential thrust of the proposition that was being put, and had it changed or had it not. I invoked evidence, in support of the propriety of the second vote on 12 March, of the publication of documents consequent upon discussions that took place with the European Union. Those were examples it seemed to me of facts, of evidence and of circumstances that were relevant. I note the opinion of the hon. Gentleman that the situation has in some way now changed. He is perfectly entitled to that opinion. One has to look at the specifics. If people come with specifics, the specifics are considered. As a wise and discerning fellow, who is unfailingly fair-minded, I feel sure that the hon. Gentleman will appreciate the wisdom of such an approach.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Thursday 21st February 2019

(5 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Well, I must say I rather enjoyed that. I must say to the House that I did exhort the right hon. Gentleman to inject into his answers some philosophy, and I think he has already done that.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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2. What steps he is taking to improve welfare standards for puppies.

Northern Ireland Backstop

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Tuesday 19th February 2019

(5 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Urgent Questions are proposed each morning by backbench MPs, and up to two may be selected each day by the Speaker. Chosen Urgent Questions are announced 30 minutes before Parliament sits each day.

Each Urgent Question requires a Government Minister to give a response on the debate topic.

This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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Although I recognise the challenging position of many Opposition MPs, does the Solicitor General share my amazement at those Opposition MPs who say they cannot support the withdrawal agreement because it may include a temporary backstop, keeping us temporarily in the customs union but not paying into the coffers and without freedom of movement, and simultaneously advocate a permanent customs union that would stop us from doing international trade deals?

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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The one disadvantage of that inquiry, as the Clerk, having consulted his scholarly cranium, has just pointed out to me, is that it was not about Government policy, and therefore it does not warrant an answer. The hon. Gentleman has made his point in his own way, but he was asking about Opposition policy, which he knows he should not do.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Monday 14th January 2019

(5 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I call Ranil Jayawardena. Where is the chappie? What a pity. Very well—I call Nigel Huddleston.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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Will the Secretary of State confirm when the final clean-up in Salisbury will take place, and what further training can be provided to the armed forces to prepare them for such attacks?

Points of Order

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Monday 14th January 2019

(5 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Yes, that has always been the case, and I am not aware that there is any imminent or likely prospect of it being changed. I am not party to any such proposal. Nobody has posited to me a scenario in which I would be expected to agree to any such change. That is the reality. The position that I have set out at present is perfectly clear. The hon. Gentleman, for whom I have the highest regard, is perfectly entitled to ask me whether I understand, with reference to that which has transpired to date, his interpretation of proceedings to be correct. I do.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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On a point of order, Mr Speaker. First, I am proud to have friends in the Whips Office—and right across the House. I seek your guidance relating to the speculation in the press this weekend, because it is important and concerning. I believe that it is a very important principle in this place that we are all equal, and that means equal knowledge, access to information and knowledge about procedures. If, as has been speculated, there are likely to be changes in procedures, can I implore you, Mr Speaker, to make sure that equal and fair treatment is considered, and that we are all aware of any changes in policies and procedures to make sure that there is not asymmetry of information, or advantage or disadvantage given to one Member of this House over another?

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I am happy to assure the hon. Gentleman that, as has been my unfailing practice since 22 June 2009, I am always equally open to hearing from, and then, as best I can, responding to any Member of the House of Commons who approaches me.

Points of Order

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Wednesday 9th January 2019

(5 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I am not sure whether I want to speculate on that, but the hon. Gentleman has obviously applied his beady eye to the material on the Order Paper, and he has reached that conclusion. Others may also do so.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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On a point of order, Mr Speaker. You and your deputies have a well deserved reputation for being absolute sticklers for protocols, processes and conventions in this place, which occasionally I find quite frustrating, but which I utterly respect. To that end, would it be in order for you, in considering this important matter, to consult with your deputies as to the appropriateness of accepting this amendment?

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I am extremely grateful to the hon. Gentleman, but the short answer is no, and I shall tell him why. The clue is in the title, “The Speaker in the Chair”. The Speaker is elected to discharge his responsibilities to the House to the best of his ability. That is what I have done, diligently, conscientiously and without fail for the past nine and a half years. Mine is the responsibility. I do not seek to duck it.

Speaker’s Statement

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Wednesday 19th December 2018

(5 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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With great respect, I heard the hon. Gentleman out and it was right to do so. He has made his own point, including a point that was not germane to these exchanges or this controversy, but it stands on the record. I said I would look into it. I have looked into it. I have come back to the House and I have said what I have said. The Leader of the Opposition has said what he has said. I do not honestly think I can be expected to add to that, but I thank the hon. Gentleman.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Further to the comments made by my hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Vicky Ford), may I say to you, with the greatest of respect, Mr Speaker, that there are occasions when people do leave the Chamber feeling that they have been offended by yourself? The fact that the hon. Member felt that way, yet did not feel that there was an appropriate process in place to make that complaint or concern felt, probably suggests we still have work to do in terms of raising issues and concerns in this place.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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There is always work to do. Progress is not a matter of an isolated Act or a single initiative, but rather of a continuous process. I accept the significance of what the hon. Gentleman says in that regard, which seems to me to be unexceptionable.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Wednesday 14th November 2018

(5 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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The Minister was offering a serious and comprehensive reply to which there was a less than attentive audience, which is perhaps a tad discourteous. Let us have some order in the Chamber so that we can hear Mr Nigel Huddleston.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that the UK is actually already a world leader in cyber-security, and will the Government continue to commit, through education and training, to ensure that we continue to be so?

David Lidington Portrait Mr Lidington
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I am happy to give my hon. Friend that commitment. I could list a range of programmes that the Government are undertaking with school-age students and tertiary education students to drive up those standards, as well as working with international partners, who look to us for some of the best practice around the world.

EU Exit Negotiations

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Monday 15th October 2018

(5 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I call Nigel Huddleston.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston
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Does the Prime Minister agree that compromise on both sides, whether in politics, business or any human relationship, does not mean giving in, giving up and being humiliated, but is a perfectly sensible and reasonable route to getting a mutually beneficial and desirable outcome?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Wednesday 12th September 2018

(5 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. No gesticulation is required, Mr Brake—calm yourself. You are a former Deputy Leader of the House—behave in a statesmanlike manner. [Interruption.] Order. Let us hear the questions and the answers.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston
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Q3. We quite rightly spend quite a lot of time in this place talking about crime, criminals and prisons, but perhaps we do not spend enough time talking about the victims of crime. So I warmly welcome the Government’s announcement this week of a victims strategy. Can the Prime Minister assure me that this will not be some kind of dry document but a genuine effort to boost support for the victims?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Monday 23rd July 2018

(5 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Well, I am keen to get through the Order Paper today. I call Nigel Huddleston.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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19. What steps his Department is taking to deliver economic growth through the midlands engine.

National Security Capability Review

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Monday 15th January 2018

(6 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Urgent Questions are proposed each morning by backbench MPs, and up to two may be selected each day by the Speaker. Chosen Urgent Questions are announced 30 minutes before Parliament sits each day.

Each Urgent Question requires a Government Minister to give a response on the debate topic.

This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. This must be like opening a box of chocolates and realising that all your favourites have gone and there is just a strawberry cream left. However, I am glad that my patience has won out.

Earlier, the Secretary of State mentioned the changing nature of our security challenges. Does he agree with the Minister for Security and Economic Crime that the big tech companies must do more, and that they may face a special tax levy if they do not do more to help with combating terrorism?

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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The hon. Gentleman really should not do himself down. I have every expectation that the people of his constituency have been listening to the entirety of these exchanges principally for the purpose of waiting to hear him.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Tuesday 19th December 2017

(6 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Forgive me. I did not mean to be unkind to the Minister who was attending closely to his answer. It is just that we want the whole House to get the benefit of it.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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Will the Minister provide an update on efforts to move Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust out of special measures, and on the status of the promised £29 million for much needed capital improvement programmes?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Thursday 26th October 2017

(6 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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We trust that the Secretary of State caught something. Perhaps further and better particulars should be deposited in the Library before long.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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9. What plans he has to reform financial support for farming after the UK leaves the EU.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Tuesday 24th October 2017

(6 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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This really is finally. I call Mr Nigel Huddleston.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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16. I am very proud of the fact that this Government have taken 3 million of the lowest paid out of paying income tax altogether. These are people who cannot afford to pay more tax. Some Opposition Members—and, indeed, others—often say that they would not mind paying more tax. Can we find a mechanism for them to do so?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Wednesday 29th March 2017

(6 years, 12 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I have just been advised of an important matter: I wish to offer a happy birthday to the Secretary of State.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston
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Evenproducts is a small and innovative company based in my constituency that makes water tanks and sanitation equipment used throughout the developing world. It is also part of DFID’s rapid response group. What is the Department doing to encourage even more small businesses and charities to engage with this work?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Monday 13th March 2017

(7 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston
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Will the Minister name which NATO allies do not currently spend 2% of GDP on defence? What reasons or excuses have they given for that?

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Subject to the constraints of brevity, Minister.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Monday 19th December 2016

(7 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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The hon. Gentleman is genuinely a hero in his own times.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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T1. If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Wednesday 30th November 2016

(7 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. A lot of very noisy private conversations are taking place. I must advise the House that we have many distinguished visitors here today, not only from across the country, but from Iraq and Egypt. We wish to show them that in our ancient democracy we can, when we try, conduct ourselves with due decorum, which will now be brilliantly exemplified by Mr Nigel Huddleston.

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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6. What recent discussions he has had with key stakeholders on the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on Wales.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Thursday 21st April 2016

(7 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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No, no. May I say to the hon. Gentleman that he consumed his dish with question 8 and cannot have a second helping now? He can always have a go during topical questions, but it is one question per segment of Question Time. That is a very useful lesson for new Members to learn. We are extremely grateful to him.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Bercow and Nigel Huddleston
Thursday 3rd March 2016

(8 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Yes. [Laughter.]

Nigel Huddleston Portrait Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)
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The Minister will be aware that, at 12.4% of GDP, the UK’s internet economy is by far the largest of all the G20; it is double that of the US, more than twice the size of Germany’s and about four times the size of France’s. Does the Minister agree that getting a good deal on the digital single market is particularly important for the UK, because so many jobs and so much of the economy depend on it?