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da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.14.8
Proposals to merge Northamptonshire police into an east midlands police force, as advanced by the Labour party when it was in power, would have been disastrous for Northamptonshire. The present proposals from the police commissioner and the head of the local fire brigade to increasingly merge their operations make lot ...
Philip Hollobone
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Regionalising Police Forces
Proposals to merge Northamptonshire police into an east midlands police force, as advanced by the Labour party when it was in power, would have been disastrous for Northamptonshire. The present proposals from the police commissioner and the head of the local fire brigade to increasingly merge their operations make lot ...
0.242882
101
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.14.9
Not only will I encourage it, but I have seen it going on around the country. Taxpayers’ money needs to be spent efficiently and it must be done in a way that is right for the emergency services. I have seen that happen, and if it happens in my hon. Friend’s constituency then so be it, but it will be a local decision.
Michael Penning
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Regionalising Police Forces
Not only will I encourage it, but I have seen it going on around the country. Taxpayers’ money needs to be spent efficiently and it must be done in a way that is right for the emergency services. I have seen that happen, and if it happens in my hon. Friend’s constituency then so be it, but it will be a local decision.
0.296758
102
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.15.1
What recent discussions she has had with the chief constable of Lincolnshire on the budget of the Lincolnshire police.
Robert Flello
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Lincolnshire Police Budget
What recent discussions she has had with the chief constable of Lincolnshire on the budget of the Lincolnshire police.
0.237254
103
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.15.2
The Home Secretary and I meet all the chief constables regularly and I personally met the chief constable of Lincolnshire very recently.
Michael Penning
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Lincolnshire Police Budget
The Home Secretary and I meet all the chief constables regularly and I personally met the chief constable of Lincolnshire very recently.
0.238913
104
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.15.3
With more than 8,000 front-line police officers out of 16,000 cut already, is not the Lincolnshire chief constable right to warn that the loss of a further 6,000 front-line officers, along with other cuts, will simply mean that police forces across the country will collapse? They will go and there will not be any need ...
Robert Flello
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Lincolnshire Police Budget
With more than 8,000 front-line police officers out of 16,000 cut already, is not the Lincolnshire chief constable right to warn that the loss of a further 6,000 front-line officers, along with other cuts, will simply mean that police forces across the country will collapse? They will go and there will not be any need ...
0.226209
105
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.15.4
I am sure the residents and constituents of Stoke-on-Trent South will be interested to hear about the hon. Gentleman’s interest in Lincolnshire. At the end of the day, it is for Lincolnshire and its chief constable to decide what they want to do and we will support them in those decisions. They do not have to be about ...
Michael Penning
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Lincolnshire Police Budget
I am sure the residents and constituents of Stoke-on-Trent South will be interested to hear about the hon. Gentleman’s interest in Lincolnshire. At the end of the day, it is for Lincolnshire and its chief constable to decide what they want to do and we will support them in those decisions. They do not have to be about ...
0.281022
106
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.15.5
I am surprised that my otherwise good friend the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent South (Robert Flello) is suddenly taking such an interest in the Lincolnshire constabulary. To put things in perspective, the reason our budgets have suffered for many years is the sparsity factor formula put in place by the previous Labour...
Edward Leigh
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Lincolnshire Police Budget
I am surprised that my otherwise good friend the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent South (Robert Flello) is suddenly taking such an interest in the Lincolnshire constabulary. To put things in perspective, the reason our budgets have suffered for many years is the sparsity factor formula put in place by the previous Labour...
0.252402
107
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.15.6
To be honest, I perfectly understand that any chief constable and PCC will campaign for extra money, but at the same time I cannot understand the sudden interest taken in Lincolnshire by the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent South (Robert Flello). When this Government came to power, 91% of police were on the front line; t...
Michael Penning
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Lincolnshire Police Budget
To be honest, I perfectly understand that any chief constable and PCC will campaign for extra money, but at the same time I cannot understand the sudden interest taken in Lincolnshire by the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent South (Robert Flello). When this Government came to power, 91% of police were on the front line; t...
0.252986
108
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.15.7
Like many other chief constables around the country, the chief constable of an efficient and effective police service in Lincolnshire has made it clear that the Government’s proposed cuts will see meaningful neighbourhood policing ceased; response times get longer; officer safety put at risk; the ability to investigate...
Jack Dromey
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Lincolnshire Police Budget
Like many other chief constables around the country, the chief constable of an efficient and effective police service in Lincolnshire has made it clear that the Government’s proposed cuts will see meaningful neighbourhood policing ceased; response times get longer; officer safety put at risk; the ability to investigate...
0.2671
109
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.16.0
I do not recognise the figure of £50 million, but it is not unlike the Labour party to make up figures as it goes along. At the end of the day, Members either believe in localism or they do not, and running down the police of this country, as the Opposition do regularly, is not the answer. We need to support our police...
Michael Penning
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Lincolnshire Police Budget
I do not recognise the figure of £50 million, but it is not unlike the Labour party to make up figures as it goes along. At the end of the day, Members either believe in localism or they do not, and running down the police of this country, as the Opposition do regularly, is not the answer. We need to support our police...
0.261802
110
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.16.2
What assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the findings of the investigation by Chief Constable Mick Creedon into the activities of the special demonstration squad.
Duncan Hames
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Special Demonstration Squad
What assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the findings of the investigation by Chief Constable Mick Creedon into the activities of the special demonstration squad.
0.272076
111
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.16.3
Operation Herne is conducting a criminal investigation into the conduct of former special demonstration squad officers, and that work is continuing. As I said in my statement to the House on 6 March 2014, there will be a public inquiry into undercover policing and the activities of the special demonstration squad and I...
Theresa May
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Special Demonstration Squad
Operation Herne is conducting a criminal investigation into the conduct of former special demonstration squad officers, and that work is continuing. As I said in my statement to the House on 6 March 2014, there will be a public inquiry into undercover policing and the activities of the special demonstration squad and I...
0.251085
112
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.16.4
I thank the Home Secretary for her attention to this matter. It has taken the Met nearly two years to reply to my freedom of information request about their theft of dead children’s identities for undercover policing. From only three out of 18 year groups had a child’s identity not been taken for the purpose of legend ...
Duncan Hames
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Special Demonstration Squad
I thank the Home Secretary for her attention to this matter. It has taken the Met nearly two years to reply to my freedom of information request about their theft of dead children’s identities for undercover policing. From only three out of 18 year groups had a child’s identity not been taken for the purpose of legend ...
0.283925
113
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.16.5
I know my hon. Friend has taken up and worked very hard on this particular issue. I believe that one of the assistant commissioners from the Metropolitan police gave very clear evidence to the Home Affairs Committee on the fact that the approach to the use of dead children’s names and identities has changed within the ...
Theresa May
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Special Demonstration Squad
I know my hon. Friend has taken up and worked very hard on this particular issue. I believe that one of the assistant commissioners from the Metropolitan police gave very clear evidence to the Home Affairs Committee on the fact that the approach to the use of dead children’s names and identities has changed within the ...
0.322922
114
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.16.7
How many applicants have been granted citizenship over the last 20 years; and what estimate she has made of the number of errors or mistakes made in decisions on citizenship in that period.
Andrew Turner
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Citizenship Applications
How many applicants have been granted citizenship over the last 20 years; and what estimate she has made of the number of errors or mistakes made in decisions on citizenship in that period.
0.209672
115
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.16.8
The published national statistics of British citizenship grants show that there have been more than 2.4 million grants of citizenship over the last 20 years. The recent report by the independent chief inspector of borders and immigration endorsed decision making in the overwhelming majority of cases examined.
James Brokenshire
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Citizenship Applications
The published national statistics of British citizenship grants show that there have been more than 2.4 million grants of citizenship over the last 20 years. The recent report by the independent chief inspector of borders and immigration endorsed decision making in the overwhelming majority of cases examined.
0.216435
116
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.17.0
None the less, will my hon. Friend say when errors were made and what the consequence of such changes would have been? Is he able to find out how many such citizenship errors should not have been made?
Andrew Turner
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Citizenship Applications
None the less, will my hon. Friend say when errors were made and what the consequence of such changes would have been? Is he able to find out how many such citizenship errors should not have been made?
0.278681
117
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.17.1
The Government are clear that the grant of UK citizenship is a privilege for those who deserve it, not an automatic right for those who do not. Some of the issues identified by the chief inspector relate to a decision in 2007 to grant a large number of people the right to remain here indefinitely even if they did not m...
James Brokenshire
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Citizenship Applications
The Government are clear that the grant of UK citizenship is a privilege for those who deserve it, not an automatic right for those who do not. Some of the issues identified by the chief inspector relate to a decision in 2007 to grant a large number of people the right to remain here indefinitely even if they did not m...
0.258602
118
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.17.3
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.
Jeremy Lefroy
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.
0.242761
119
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.17.4
A few days before Christmas, Merseyside police officer Police Constable Neil Doyle was brutally killed while off duty. I am sure the whole House would want to express our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Before the Christmas recess, I set out proposals further to reform policing in England and Wales. ...
Theresa May
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
A few days before Christmas, Merseyside police officer Police Constable Neil Doyle was brutally killed while off duty. I am sure the whole House would want to express our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Before the Christmas recess, I set out proposals further to reform policing in England and Wales. ...
0.293321
120
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.17.5
I thank the Home Secretary for that reply. Has she noticed the progress made by Staffordshire police in dealing with the scourge of uninsured vehicles by confiscating and ultimately crushing them in public, and would she recommend the use of that practice elsewhere?
Jeremy Lefroy
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
I thank the Home Secretary for that reply. Has she noticed the progress made by Staffordshire police in dealing with the scourge of uninsured vehicles by confiscating and ultimately crushing them in public, and would she recommend the use of that practice elsewhere?
0.277602
121
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.17.6
I am happy to applaud the work done by Staffordshire police. The issue of uninsured vehicles is a problem that affects people across the whole country, and I am sure that other police forces will want to look at the work of Staffordshire police force and its success.
Theresa May
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
I am happy to applaud the work done by Staffordshire police. The issue of uninsured vehicles is a problem that affects people across the whole country, and I am sure that other police forces will want to look at the work of Staffordshire police force and its success.
0.288204
122
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.17.7
May I join the Home Secretary in paying tribute to PC Neil Doyle, as well as his colleagues and his friends and family, and all police who take so many risks to keep us all safe? James Dyson has called the Home Secretary’s new plan to expel overseas postgraduates “short-sighted”, and has said that it will lead to “long...
Yvette Cooper
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
May I join the Home Secretary in paying tribute to PC Neil Doyle, as well as his colleagues and his friends and family, and all police who take so many risks to keep us all safe? James Dyson has called the Home Secretary’s new plan to expel overseas postgraduates “short-sighted”, and has said that it will lead to “long...
0.28488
123
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.18.0
The right hon. Lady will have heard my previous responses on that issue, and I am clear that our policies are right and ensure that the brightest and best are coming to the United Kingdom. Of course we want people who wish to come here to do genuine degrees at proper educational establishments, but the Government have ...
Theresa May
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
The right hon. Lady will have heard my previous responses on that issue, and I am clear that our policies are right and ensure that the brightest and best are coming to the United Kingdom. Of course we want people who wish to come here to do genuine degrees at proper educational establishments, but the Government have ...
0.284246
124
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.18.1
The Home Secretary has ducked the specific question of whether she wants overseas students to have to leave the country before they can apply for any high-skilled job in Britain. I hope that means that she is backing away from the policy and that it was simply a proposal from her special advisers—that is obviously why ...
Yvette Cooper
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
The Home Secretary has ducked the specific question of whether she wants overseas students to have to leave the country before they can apply for any high-skilled job in Britain. I hope that means that she is backing away from the policy and that it was simply a proposal from her special advisers—that is obviously why ...
0.276493
125
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.18.2
I will tell the right hon. Lady what I am proud about. I am proud that this Government have taken immigration seriously and looked across every route of migration into the United Kingdom. We have dealt with—and continue to deal with—abuse in the student visa system, which was allowed to increase significantly under the...
Theresa May
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
I will tell the right hon. Lady what I am proud about. I am proud that this Government have taken immigration seriously and looked across every route of migration into the United Kingdom. We have dealt with—and continue to deal with—abuse in the student visa system, which was allowed to increase significantly under the...
0.273511
126
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.19.0
Will the Minister join me in congratulating the Metropolitan police on a 14% reduction in crime over the past five years, and a 4% reduction in the last year alone? Does he agree that outer-London boroughs such as Havering need resources, as well as central London?
Andrew Rosindell
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
Will the Minister join me in congratulating the Metropolitan police on a 14% reduction in crime over the past five years, and a 4% reduction in the last year alone? Does he agree that outer-London boroughs such as Havering need resources, as well as central London?
0.290677
127
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.19.1
I congratulate the Metropolitan police on their excellent work—indeed, I was on patrol with them fairly recently and I know well the part of the world that my hon. Friend represents. Not only has crime reduced by 15%, but that has been done by increasing the amount of police on the front line from 86% to 91%. That is s...
Michael Penning
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
I congratulate the Metropolitan police on their excellent work—indeed, I was on patrol with them fairly recently and I know well the part of the world that my hon. Friend represents. Not only has crime reduced by 15%, but that has been done by increasing the amount of police on the front line from 86% to 91%. That is s...
0.264044
128
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.19.2
A recent study by the university of Bedfordshire and Victim Support found that one third of 11 to 17-year-olds have suffered physical violence in the past year. Will the Minister make it a priority to ensure that young people are taught how to report crimes and are fully supported throughout the process?
Jim Cunningham
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
A recent study by the university of Bedfordshire and Victim Support found that one third of 11 to 17-year-olds have suffered physical violence in the past year. Will the Minister make it a priority to ensure that young people are taught how to report crimes and are fully supported throughout the process?
0.276029
129
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.19.3
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. Abuse is not acceptable and victims of abuse need to know where to get the support they need. The Government are committed to ensuring that that is the case.
Karen Bradley
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. Abuse is not acceptable and victims of abuse need to know where to get the support they need. The Government are committed to ensuring that that is the case.
0.292489
130
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.19.4
I welcome the Government’s extra funds to support victims of sexual abuse, but will my right hon. Friend outline exactly how we will do that?
Karen Lumley
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
I welcome the Government’s extra funds to support victims of sexual abuse, but will my right hon. Friend outline exactly how we will do that?
0.261447
131
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.19.5
The Government have announced an additional £7 million for victim groups that support survivors of sexual violence. Two million pounds is available for organisations that are reporting an increase in referrals prompted by the independent panel inquiry into sexual abuse. There is another £2.85 million Home Office fund f...
Lynne Featherstone
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
The Government have announced an additional £7 million for victim groups that support survivors of sexual violence. Two million pounds is available for organisations that are reporting an increase in referrals prompted by the independent panel inquiry into sexual abuse. There is another £2.85 million Home Office fund f...
0.268109
132
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.19.6
There has been a net loss of 293 police officers from the Cleveland police service since 2010, and our police commissioner says that the budget has been cut by another 5.1%, which could further jeopardise public safety. Does the Home Secretary agree that such losses and cuts are the reasons behind the drop in confidenc...
Alex Cunningham
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
There has been a net loss of 293 police officers from the Cleveland police service since 2010, and our police commissioner says that the budget has been cut by another 5.1%, which could further jeopardise public safety. Does the Home Secretary agree that such losses and cuts are the reasons behind the drop in confidenc...
0.262738
133
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.19.7
Crime in Cleveland has dropped by 16% in the past four and a half years, and by another 2% this year. Cleveland police should be congratulated, not run down.
Michael Penning
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
Crime in Cleveland has dropped by 16% in the past four and a half years, and by another 2% this year. Cleveland police should be congratulated, not run down.
0.186024
134
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.19.8
Does the Home Secretary share my concern at the rise in rural crime, some of it organised, some of it opportunistic? Will she take this opportunity to make rural crime a target for police activity, so that action is taken to stamp it out?
Anne McIntosh
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
Does the Home Secretary share my concern at the rise in rural crime, some of it organised, some of it opportunistic? Will she take this opportunity to make rural crime a target for police activity, so that action is taken to stamp it out?
0.320493
135
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.20.0
My hon. Friend will know that, in her force constabulary area, there has been a 16% cut in crime, thanks in large part to her excellent PCC, Julia Mulligan. As an MP for a rural constituency, I too take rural crime very seriously. My hon. Friend is right that much of rural crime, particularly that involving large agric...
Karen Bradley
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
My hon. Friend will know that, in her force constabulary area, there has been a 16% cut in crime, thanks in large part to her excellent PCC, Julia Mulligan. As an MP for a rural constituency, I too take rural crime very seriously. My hon. Friend is right that much of rural crime, particularly that involving large agric...
0.286802
136
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.20.1
Considering the warning that Tony Robinson has been given about his obligations under the Official Secrets Act, what guarantee can the Home Secretary give that other special branch officers, former special branch officers and others with knowledge of prominent people and historical child abuse will be able to speak out...
John Mann
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
Considering the warning that Tony Robinson has been given about his obligations under the Official Secrets Act, what guarantee can the Home Secretary give that other special branch officers, former special branch officers and others with knowledge of prominent people and historical child abuse will be able to speak out...
0.246514
137
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.20.2
I am very clear that the Official Secrets Act is not a bar to giving evidence to the police or to the inquiry. Arrangements are in place that enable Crown servants to disclose such material when it relates to child abuse. I am clear that that lawful authority should be given in those cases, but I recognise that the hon...
Theresa May
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
I am very clear that the Official Secrets Act is not a bar to giving evidence to the police or to the inquiry. Arrangements are in place that enable Crown servants to disclose such material when it relates to child abuse. I am clear that that lawful authority should be given in those cases, but I recognise that the hon...
0.310497
138
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.20.3
I listened carefully to the Home Secretary’s earlier answers on immigration, but may I ask her to ensure that efforts to curb immigration will not harm our higher education system or deny British businesses access to skills that they can find only internationally as a result of any new restrictions on visas for graduat...
Peter Luff
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
I listened carefully to the Home Secretary’s earlier answers on immigration, but may I ask her to ensure that efforts to curb immigration will not harm our higher education system or deny British businesses access to skills that they can find only internationally as a result of any new restrictions on visas for graduat...
0.290107
139
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.20.4
My hon. Friend raises the important issue of the UK’s excellent offer to international students. I am pleased that Britain remains the second most popular destination for international higher education students, but it is right that we clamp down on abuse. As the Home Secretary has indicated, there is a migration issue...
James Brokenshire
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
My hon. Friend raises the important issue of the UK’s excellent offer to international students. I am pleased that Britain remains the second most popular destination for international higher education students, but it is right that we clamp down on abuse. As the Home Secretary has indicated, there is a migration issue...
0.294894
140
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.20.5
The charity Youth with a Mission provides missionaries in Wrexham who help with food banks and work hard in the local community. On 23 December, the charity received notification that its highly trusted status was being suspended. Will the Home Secretary look closely at that faith-based organisation? Many churches with...
Ian Lucas
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
The charity Youth with a Mission provides missionaries in Wrexham who help with food banks and work hard in the local community. On 23 December, the charity received notification that its highly trusted status was being suspended. Will the Home Secretary look closely at that faith-based organisation? Many churches with...
0.259619
141
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.21.0
I am not aware of the specific case the hon. Gentleman raises, but if he wishes to give me the full details of it, I will ensure that it is looked into.
Theresa May
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
I am not aware of the specific case the hon. Gentleman raises, but if he wishes to give me the full details of it, I will ensure that it is looked into.
0.326837
142
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.21.1
Drones have been a feature of this place for generations, but drones of the 21st century—unmanned aerial vehicles that provide a growing security threat, invasions of privacy and potentially criminal activity—are a matter of great concern. Does the Home Secretary agree that the current regulations need to be reviewed f...
Bob Russell
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
Drones have been a feature of this place for generations, but drones of the 21st century—unmanned aerial vehicles that provide a growing security threat, invasions of privacy and potentially criminal activity—are a matter of great concern. Does the Home Secretary agree that the current regulations need to be reviewed f...
0.311067
143
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.21.2
The hon. Gentleman raises an important issue. We continue to keep a close eye on the regulations. I would not say that they are being reviewed, but we will look at whether they need to be addressed in view of that current threat.
Michael Penning
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
The hon. Gentleman raises an important issue. We continue to keep a close eye on the regulations. I would not say that they are being reviewed, but we will look at whether they need to be addressed in view of that current threat.
0.37208
144
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.21.3
Let me give the Home Secretary another chance to answer the question that she has failed to answer so far. When Sir James Dyson describes her plans to further restrict post-study work opportunities as a short-sighted attempt to win votes at the expense of the economic interests of the UK, it is a serious matter. Will s...
Paul Blomfield
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
Let me give the Home Secretary another chance to answer the question that she has failed to answer so far. When Sir James Dyson describes her plans to further restrict post-study work opportunities as a short-sighted attempt to win votes at the expense of the economic interests of the UK, it is a serious matter. Will s...
0.296035
145
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.21.4
I say to the hon. Gentleman exactly what I have said in answer to the other questions that I have been asked on this matter. As a Government, we are very clear that the brightest and the best should be able to come here and we have no limit on the number of people who can come to an educational establishment to study f...
Theresa May
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
I say to the hon. Gentleman exactly what I have said in answer to the other questions that I have been asked on this matter. As a Government, we are very clear that the brightest and the best should be able to come here and we have no limit on the number of people who can come to an educational establishment to study f...
0.28046
146
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.21.5
I recently met the chief officer of the special constabulary in Bedfordshire, Mr Wayne Humberstone, who is leading a growing force that is about to start operating out of a rural police station in Riseley in my constituency. Will my hon. Friend take this opportunity to stress again the importance of the special constab...
Alistair Burt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
I recently met the chief officer of the special constabulary in Bedfordshire, Mr Wayne Humberstone, who is leading a growing force that is about to start operating out of a rural police station in Riseley in my constituency. Will my hon. Friend take this opportunity to stress again the importance of the special constab...
0.245767
147
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.21.6
All hon. Members should encourage employers in their constituencies to allow people who work for them to become specials and serve their community. I pay tribute to the work that has been done in Bedford. The specials in my constituency of Hemel Hempstead do a fantastic job and we should all encourage people to become ...
Michael Penning
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
All hon. Members should encourage employers in their constituencies to allow people who work for them to become specials and serve their community. I pay tribute to the work that has been done in Bedford. The specials in my constituency of Hemel Hempstead do a fantastic job and we should all encourage people to become ...
0.261434
148
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.22.0
A growing number of my constituents are victims of cyber-crime, but they complain that they hear nothing once the crime has been reported to Action Fraud. As the Minister could not tell me how many successful prosecutions there were for cyber-crime or what proportion of cases reported to Action Fraud were investigated,...
Julie Hilling
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
A growing number of my constituents are victims of cyber-crime, but they complain that they hear nothing once the crime has been reported to Action Fraud. As the Minister could not tell me how many successful prosecutions there were for cyber-crime or what proportion of cases reported to Action Fraud were investigated,...
0.267559
149
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.22.1
Cyber-crime is a crime that we are getting to grips with, and we are learning about the parameters of cyber-crime. Action Fraud is doing excellent work, but I agree that it needs to do more to make sure that people who report fraud get full information. I am working closely with Action Fraud to make sure that they do.
Karen Bradley
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
Cyber-crime is a crime that we are getting to grips with, and we are learning about the parameters of cyber-crime. Action Fraud is doing excellent work, but I agree that it needs to do more to make sure that people who report fraud get full information. I am working closely with Action Fraud to make sure that they do.
0.286793
150
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.22.2
Will Ministers make it a priority to introduce mandatory reporting of female genital mutilation and to strengthen policies and procedures to provide victims of FGM with much-needed appropriate support?
Fiona Bruce
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
Will Ministers make it a priority to introduce mandatory reporting of female genital mutilation and to strengthen policies and procedures to provide victims of FGM with much-needed appropriate support?
0.336361
151
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.22.3
My hon. Friend will be aware that at the Girl Summit in July the Prime Minister announced our intention to introduce mandatory reporting for this unacceptable practice. We are consulting on how best to introduce the new duty. Alerting the police to cases of FGM will allow them to investigate the facts and increase the ...
Lynne Featherstone
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
My hon. Friend will be aware that at the Girl Summit in July the Prime Minister announced our intention to introduce mandatory reporting for this unacceptable practice. We are consulting on how best to introduce the new duty. Alerting the police to cases of FGM will allow them to investigate the facts and increase the ...
0.290804
152
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.22.4
In October the Immigration Minister said, in response to a National Audit Office report, that he intended that this country would join the Schengen information-sharing agreement, which would provide our border posts with information about people involved in serious crime—such as the person who murdered the son of my co...
Tom Greatrex
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
In October the Immigration Minister said, in response to a National Audit Office report, that he intended that this country would join the Schengen information-sharing agreement, which would provide our border posts with information about people involved in serious crime—such as the person who murdered the son of my co...
0.302852
153
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.22.5
We are finalising the arrangements for joining the second-generation Schengen information system for the benefits that I have identified and to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I regard it as an important enhancement to our work in identifying those with criminal records. It is being advanced and I expect it to be in p...
James Brokenshire
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Topical Questions
We are finalising the arrangements for joining the second-generation Schengen information system for the benefits that I have identified and to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I regard it as an important enhancement to our work in identifying those with criminal records. It is being advanced and I expect it to be in p...
0.290278
154
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.23.1
(Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to make a statement on the major disruptions to Britain’s rail network over the Christmas period.
Michael Dugher
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
(Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to make a statement on the major disruptions to Britain’s rail network over the Christmas period.
0.283397
155
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.23.2
As I made clear at the time, the disruption at King’s Cross and Paddington after Christmas was totally unacceptable. Passengers deserve a reliable rail service, they deserve clear information, and they deserve rapid help when things go wrong. I am sorry that in this case they did not get those things. Before I give the...
Patrick McLoughlin
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
As I made clear at the time, the disruption at King’s Cross and Paddington after Christmas was totally unacceptable. Passengers deserve a reliable rail service, they deserve clear information, and they deserve rapid help when things go wrong. I am sorry that in this case they did not get those things. Before I give the...
0.28505
156
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.24.0
In his new year message, the Prime Minister said that Britain faced a choice between competence or chaos. Ministers at the Department for Transport clearly did not get the memo, because at Christmas we saw both chaos and incompetence on our rail network, resulting in misery for passengers who have seen their fares rock...
Michael Dugher
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
In his new year message, the Prime Minister said that Britain faced a choice between competence or chaos. Ministers at the Department for Transport clearly did not get the memo, because at Christmas we saw both chaos and incompetence on our rail network, resulting in misery for passengers who have seen their fares rock...
0.304394
157
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.25.0
I am sorry the hon. Gentleman did not hear me apologise. I think his script was prepared before he heard my answer. I have made it fairly clear that what happened was unacceptable, whereas all we have heard from him is empty noise—from a party with no plan and no ideas, from a man who was special adviser at the Departm...
Patrick McLoughlin
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I am sorry the hon. Gentleman did not hear me apologise. I think his script was prepared before he heard my answer. I have made it fairly clear that what happened was unacceptable, whereas all we have heard from him is empty noise—from a party with no plan and no ideas, from a man who was special adviser at the Departm...
0.281412
158
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.25.1
Where was the Secretary of State over Christmas?
Michael Dugher
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
Where was the Secretary of State over Christmas?
0.189862
159
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.25.2
Where was I at Christmas?
Patrick McLoughlin
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
Where was I at Christmas?
0.161422
160
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.25.3
Order. The precise details of how the Secretary of State spent his Christmas are a matter for him, as they are for each of us individually. He is answering good-humouredly and should be given the opportunity to continue.
Mr Speaker
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
Order. The precise details of how the Secretary of State spent his Christmas are a matter for him, as they are for each of us individually. He is answering good-humouredly and should be given the opportunity to continue.
0.262779
161
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.25.4
It will not surprise you, Mr Speaker, that I spent Christmas in Derbyshire, and I was in constant touch with Network Rail. Yes, I issued a statement on the Saturday—let me take the hon. Gentleman through these things: Christmas day was a Thursday, the problem occurred on Friday and I spoke to Mark Carne on the Friday a...
Patrick McLoughlin
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
It will not surprise you, Mr Speaker, that I spent Christmas in Derbyshire, and I was in constant touch with Network Rail. Yes, I issued a statement on the Saturday—let me take the hon. Gentleman through these things: Christmas day was a Thursday, the problem occurred on Friday and I spoke to Mark Carne on the Friday a...
0.329706
162
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.26.0
Does my right hon. Friend accept that the investment in financial terms and in the work done on improving and upgrading our rail network is warmly welcomed, but that the other side of coin is that there is a responsibility through Network Rail to ensure minimal disruption to commuters and passengers—not simply during k...
Simon Burns
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
Does my right hon. Friend accept that the investment in financial terms and in the work done on improving and upgrading our rail network is warmly welcomed, but that the other side of coin is that there is a responsibility through Network Rail to ensure minimal disruption to commuters and passengers—not simply during k...
0.305068
163
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.26.1
I agree with my right hon. Friend. The problem happens when we are doing the sort of massive upgrade to the system that we are doing. Over the five-year period between 2014 and 2019, some £38.5 billion will be spent on upgrading the railway infrastructure, and some of that will lead to delays through overrunning engine...
Patrick McLoughlin
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I agree with my right hon. Friend. The problem happens when we are doing the sort of massive upgrade to the system that we are doing. Over the five-year period between 2014 and 2019, some £38.5 billion will be spent on upgrading the railway infrastructure, and some of that will lead to delays through overrunning engine...
0.264553
164
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.26.2
Over Christmas too many passengers suffered twice—first from major disruption, when any contingency plan simply failed; and, secondly, from lack of information about what was going on. Does the Secretary of State believe that this was about individual events or was it indicative of a major problem with major works on t...
Louise Ellman
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
Over Christmas too many passengers suffered twice—first from major disruption, when any contingency plan simply failed; and, secondly, from lack of information about what was going on. Does the Secretary of State believe that this was about individual events or was it indicative of a major problem with major works on t...
0.270635
165
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.26.3
I partly agree with the hon. Lady, and I know that her Select Committee will see both Mark Carne and Robin Gisby for a hearing next week. I am sure the Committee will pursue the matter with further questions. The truth of the matter is that there is no doubt that there was a failure to communicate with the passenger. T...
Patrick McLoughlin
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I partly agree with the hon. Lady, and I know that her Select Committee will see both Mark Carne and Robin Gisby for a hearing next week. I am sure the Committee will pursue the matter with further questions. The truth of the matter is that there is no doubt that there was a failure to communicate with the passenger. T...
0.284636
166
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.26.4
Some of my constituents were badly inconvenienced by these matters, and I would like to hear the Secretary of State’s confirmation that they can claim compensation, which would be some recompense. What else can be done to get over to Network Rail that it needs to raise its standards of customer care, concern and effici...
John Redwood
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
Some of my constituents were badly inconvenienced by these matters, and I would like to hear the Secretary of State’s confirmation that they can claim compensation, which would be some recompense. What else can be done to get over to Network Rail that it needs to raise its standards of customer care, concern and effici...
0.315612
167
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.26.5
I agree with my right hon. Friend. Compensation is something to which passengers are entitled if the delays were severe and over a certain period. That should happen. On the point about Network Rail overall, as I have said, a number of the projects undertaken have been completed successfully—not least one in Reading th...
Patrick McLoughlin
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I agree with my right hon. Friend. Compensation is something to which passengers are entitled if the delays were severe and over a certain period. That should happen. On the point about Network Rail overall, as I have said, a number of the projects undertaken have been completed successfully—not least one in Reading th...
0.289929
168
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.27.0
I note that the Secretary of State said that, with hindsight, Finsbury Park was perhaps not the best option. Would it not have been better to have had some foresight and some contingency planning in relation to that?
Cathy Jamieson
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I note that the Secretary of State said that, with hindsight, Finsbury Park was perhaps not the best option. Would it not have been better to have had some foresight and some contingency planning in relation to that?
0.305675
169
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.27.1
As I have pointed out, most of the schemes with which Network Rail was involved were done on time and to schedule. Of course lessons will be learned from the incidents around Finsbury Park; I would expect them to be. This brings us back to whether during huge engineering works we want to close down the whole system or ...
Patrick McLoughlin
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
As I have pointed out, most of the schemes with which Network Rail was involved were done on time and to schedule. Of course lessons will be learned from the incidents around Finsbury Park; I would expect them to be. This brings us back to whether during huge engineering works we want to close down the whole system or ...
0.303825
170
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.27.2
Is not what is happening on my right hon. Friend’s watch a massive restoration and renewal of our railway system? That must carry more risk of delays, but experience shows that delays do not occur only at Christmas. Should Network Rail consider prescribing a rather longer period in which work should be completed? Passe...
Alan Haselhurst
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
Is not what is happening on my right hon. Friend’s watch a massive restoration and renewal of our railway system? That must carry more risk of delays, but experience shows that delays do not occur only at Christmas. Should Network Rail consider prescribing a rather longer period in which work should be completed? Passe...
0.308267
171
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.27.3
I agree with my right hon. Friend. It may be possible for that issue to be revisited by the inquiry that is being conducted by the Office of Rail Regulation, and the industry’s inquiry relating to the best time for big repair works to be carried out. In the past, the aim has always been to carry out repairs over the ho...
Patrick McLoughlin
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I agree with my right hon. Friend. It may be possible for that issue to be revisited by the inquiry that is being conducted by the Office of Rail Regulation, and the industry’s inquiry relating to the best time for big repair works to be carried out. In the past, the aim has always been to carry out repairs over the ho...
0.274227
172
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.27.4
Following another rail crisis some six years ago, it was decided to take many engineering staff in house. Now similar problems have arisen, so it can only be that Network Rail’s management is at fault. Is it not time to seek a root-and-branch investigation of Network Rail’s management systems, and to look again at the ...
Kelvin Hopkins
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
Following another rail crisis some six years ago, it was decided to take many engineering staff in house. Now similar problems have arisen, so it can only be that Network Rail’s management is at fault. Is it not time to seek a root-and-branch investigation of Network Rail’s management systems, and to look again at the ...
0.258275
173
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.28.0
The hon. Gentleman is renowned for his rose-tinted glasses, which are now returning him to a period when there were 750 million passenger journeys a year. Last year there were 1.6 billion, and I regard that as a tremendous success. More people are using the railways in this country than have done so for many a generati...
Patrick McLoughlin
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
The hon. Gentleman is renowned for his rose-tinted glasses, which are now returning him to a period when there were 750 million passenger journeys a year. Last year there were 1.6 billion, and I regard that as a tremendous success. More people are using the railways in this country than have done so for many a generati...
0.254982
174
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.28.1
Will my right hon. Friend explain from which budget the fines and compensation will be paid? Is it not perverse for the budget that should be paying for these very improvements to be used to compensate the companies that have been inconvenienced? Will my right hon. Friend look very closely at the way in which the Offic...
Anne McIntosh
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
Will my right hon. Friend explain from which budget the fines and compensation will be paid? Is it not perverse for the budget that should be paying for these very improvements to be used to compensate the companies that have been inconvenienced? Will my right hon. Friend look very closely at the way in which the Offic...
0.322635
175
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.28.2
I think that the ORR does a good job in holding Network Rail to account, but I will of course take seriously what my hon. Friend has said about its performance. If she wants to send me further details of her complaints, I will certainly consider them.
Patrick McLoughlin
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I think that the ORR does a good job in holding Network Rail to account, but I will of course take seriously what my hon. Friend has said about its performance. If she wants to send me further details of her complaints, I will certainly consider them.
0.274479
176
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.28.3
As the Member who represents Finsbury Park, may I ask the Secretary of State to say a big thank you to all the staff who coped with an utterly impossible position on Saturday 27 December, when the station was so overcrowded with passengers? They deserve our recognition and thanks for the hard work that they do. The Sec...
Jeremy Corbyn
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
As the Member who represents Finsbury Park, may I ask the Secretary of State to say a big thank you to all the staff who coped with an utterly impossible position on Saturday 27 December, when the station was so overcrowded with passengers? They deserve our recognition and thanks for the hard work that they do. The Sec...
0.294205
177
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.28.4
I join the hon. Gentleman in thanking all the people who were involved in ensuring that the vast majority of the vast number of people who turned up at Finsbury Park were kept as informed as possible, in extremely difficult circumstances. This is certainly one of the issues in which I intend to take a further interest,...
Patrick McLoughlin
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I join the hon. Gentleman in thanking all the people who were involved in ensuring that the vast majority of the vast number of people who turned up at Finsbury Park were kept as informed as possible, in extremely difficult circumstances. This is certainly one of the issues in which I intend to take a further interest,...
0.305791
178
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.28.5
I agree with my right hon. Friend about the successful implementation of a very large number of works. Nevertheless, what happened at King’s Cross was inexcusable, and—as will be discovered when the report is published—represents a failure of both management and leadership, with which I hope my right hon. Friend will d...
Nicholas Soames
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I agree with my right hon. Friend about the successful implementation of a very large number of works. Nevertheless, what happened at King’s Cross was inexcusable, and—as will be discovered when the report is published—represents a failure of both management and leadership, with which I hope my right hon. Friend will d...
0.26186
179
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.29.0
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for acknowledging some of the difficulties and the difficult conditions facing those engineers working over the Christmas period in getting, as I have said, most of the schemes they embarked on back up and running on time; so when things go wrong, it is particularly disappointing. ...
Patrick McLoughlin
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for acknowledging some of the difficulties and the difficult conditions facing those engineers working over the Christmas period in getting, as I have said, most of the schemes they embarked on back up and running on time; so when things go wrong, it is particularly disappointing. ...
0.26927
180
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.29.1
I wrote to the Secretary of State in early December suggesting that Network Rail was incompetent, responsible for serial disruptions on the line to Clacton and East Anglia and unaccountable. Rather than make excuses and justify shoddy performance, will he consider serious, grown-up reform to make sure that this public ...
Douglas Carswell
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I wrote to the Secretary of State in early December suggesting that Network Rail was incompetent, responsible for serial disruptions on the line to Clacton and East Anglia and unaccountable. Rather than make excuses and justify shoddy performance, will he consider serious, grown-up reform to make sure that this public ...
0.306005
181
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.29.2
There is unprecedented development on the railway network. I think that is absolutely vital, and I am very keen that a lot of the first-class pieces of engineering done by Network Rail continue to be done by Network Rail, along with the huge investment that we are making into the whole system.
Patrick McLoughlin
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
There is unprecedented development on the railway network. I think that is absolutely vital, and I am very keen that a lot of the first-class pieces of engineering done by Network Rail continue to be done by Network Rail, along with the huge investment that we are making into the whole system.
0.281109
182
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.29.3
My constituents were caught up in the chaos on the east coast main line on the 27th, like so many others. They recall poor communication not just during their journey, but in advance of it, for planning purposes. They were, of course, also caught up in the Finsbury Park chaos and held around Stevenage for anything up t...
Ian Swales
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
My constituents were caught up in the chaos on the east coast main line on the 27th, like so many others. They recall poor communication not just during their journey, but in advance of it, for planning purposes. They were, of course, also caught up in the Finsbury Park chaos and held around Stevenage for anything up t...
0.282327
183
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.29.4
I do not want to keep on repeating myself. I have talked about the necessity of doing these big engineering projects over what is usually the less busy period, as opposed to creating the scale of disruption that would occur if they were done in the normal working week or at other times of the year. We will need to look...
Patrick McLoughlin
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I do not want to keep on repeating myself. I have talked about the necessity of doing these big engineering projects over what is usually the less busy period, as opposed to creating the scale of disruption that would occur if they were done in the normal working week or at other times of the year. We will need to look...
0.316922
184
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.29.5
The south-west was cut off from the UK last winter and Network Rail performed miracles in getting that line back up and running. I therefore find it extraordinary that reasons such as the weather have been used to excuse the chaos and incompetence of this debacle, particularly out of King’s Cross. Why did the Secretary...
Alison Seabeck
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
The south-west was cut off from the UK last winter and Network Rail performed miracles in getting that line back up and running. I therefore find it extraordinary that reasons such as the weather have been used to excuse the chaos and incompetence of this debacle, particularly out of King’s Cross. Why did the Secretary...
0.286323
185
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.30.0
The hon. Lady is absolutely right about Network Rail re-establishing the Dawlish link last winter. I would say that that also came after some very bad weather, which created the problem, and some of the work on that coastal line is still ongoing, 12 months later. On the work that was taking place over this Christmas pe...
Patrick McLoughlin
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
The hon. Lady is absolutely right about Network Rail re-establishing the Dawlish link last winter. I would say that that also came after some very bad weather, which created the problem, and some of the work on that coastal line is still ongoing, 12 months later. On the work that was taking place over this Christmas pe...
0.30308
186
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.30.1
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his remarks, and I agree with my right hon. Friends the Members for Chelmsford (Mr Burns) and for Saffron Walden (Sir Alan Haselhurst). One of the problems is that these works are not necessarily one-offs, and they are recognised only when they go wrong and not when they go wel...
John Randall
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his remarks, and I agree with my right hon. Friends the Members for Chelmsford (Mr Burns) and for Saffron Walden (Sir Alan Haselhurst). One of the problems is that these works are not necessarily one-offs, and they are recognised only when they go wrong and not when they go wel...
0.319022
187
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.30.2
I am not sure that thinking about a previous incarnation would serve me very effectively in my job as Secretary of State for Transport. I would point out to my right hon. Friend that the carrots are there, and that the Office of the Rail Regulator might well be providing the sticks. It is right to record our recognitio...
Patrick McLoughlin
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I am not sure that thinking about a previous incarnation would serve me very effectively in my job as Secretary of State for Transport. I would point out to my right hon. Friend that the carrots are there, and that the Office of the Rail Regulator might well be providing the sticks. It is right to record our recognitio...
0.307577
188
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.30.3
Does the Secretary of State accept that an underlying problem is the fragmentation of the railways, with no single guiding mind responsible for providing an integrated railway system? Will he look again at my Railways Bill, which precisely would create a coherent railway system and bring it back into public ownership? ...
Caroline Lucas
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
Does the Secretary of State accept that an underlying problem is the fragmentation of the railways, with no single guiding mind responsible for providing an integrated railway system? Will he look again at my Railways Bill, which precisely would create a coherent railway system and bring it back into public ownership? ...
0.292631
189
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.30.4
No.
Patrick McLoughlin
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
No.
0.244858
190
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.30.5
I join my right hon. Friend in congratulating Network Rail staff on the extraordinary maintenance programme and welcome his swift action in calling Network Rail to account. Will he assure the House that when Network Rail reports to him it will, first, ensure that the systemic failure at King’s Cross is not repeated and...
Stephen Hammond
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I join my right hon. Friend in congratulating Network Rail staff on the extraordinary maintenance programme and welcome his swift action in calling Network Rail to account. Will he assure the House that when Network Rail reports to him it will, first, ensure that the systemic failure at King’s Cross is not repeated and...
0.282605
191
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.31.0
Network Rail will publish the report that has been ordered by the chief executive by the end of this week, in time for the appearance of the chief executive and Robin Gisby before the Transport Select Committee. My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the importance to commuters of the railway’s reliability.
Patrick McLoughlin
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
Network Rail will publish the report that has been ordered by the chief executive by the end of this week, in time for the appearance of the chief executive and Robin Gisby before the Transport Select Committee. My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the importance to commuters of the railway’s reliability.
0.332336
192
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.31.1
The Secretary of State should have had a warning about these problems from Network Rail’s performance in the run-up to Christmas. If he had been travelling on Southeastern Trains, he would have suffered a great deal of disruption on several days during that period. If he had been on top of his game, he would have asked...
Clive Efford
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
The Secretary of State should have had a warning about these problems from Network Rail’s performance in the run-up to Christmas. If he had been travelling on Southeastern Trains, he would have suffered a great deal of disruption on several days during that period. If he had been on top of his game, he would have asked...
0.29368
193
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.31.2
I will go back to the Department and try to find the letter that the hon. Gentleman sent me warning me that the possibility of delays was so obvious. I think he is speaking with the benefit of hindsight, rather than having warned us about the delays beforehand. I travel on many different parts of the rail network, and ...
Patrick McLoughlin
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
I will go back to the Department and try to find the letter that the hon. Gentleman sent me warning me that the possibility of delays was so obvious. I think he is speaking with the benefit of hindsight, rather than having warned us about the delays beforehand. I travel on many different parts of the rail network, and ...
0.261419
194
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.31.3
The Southern commuters I represent in Redhill faced a total suspension of services into London Bridge between 20 December and 4 January. They now face three years of reduced service and today, the first day back, the service collapsed, apparently because of signal problems. At a public meeting with me, Southern underto...
Crispin Blunt
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
The Southern commuters I represent in Redhill faced a total suspension of services into London Bridge between 20 December and 4 January. They now face three years of reduced service and today, the first day back, the service collapsed, apparently because of signal problems. At a public meeting with me, Southern underto...
0.302271
195
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.31.4
London Bridge is going through one of the biggest transformations that any station is likely to go through. It has some 220,000 daily users, and this work cannot be undertaken without causing some disruption. Those of us who were using St Pancras station when it was experiencing disruption for many years will know that...
Patrick McLoughlin
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
London Bridge is going through one of the biggest transformations that any station is likely to go through. It has some 220,000 daily users, and this work cannot be undertaken without causing some disruption. Those of us who were using St Pancras station when it was experiencing disruption for many years will know that...
0.261413
196
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.31.5
At what point was the Secretary of State aware of the contingency plan that Network Rail had put in place to funnel passengers to a clearly inadequate solution through Finsbury Park? Why were solutions such as using the Hertford loop or allowing commuters from north Yorkshire, Teesside and the north-east to use their t...
Tom Blenkinsop
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
At what point was the Secretary of State aware of the contingency plan that Network Rail had put in place to funnel passengers to a clearly inadequate solution through Finsbury Park? Why were solutions such as using the Hertford loop or allowing commuters from north Yorkshire, Teesside and the north-east to use their t...
0.29244
197
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.32.0
The hon. Gentleman makes a valid point. I was told of the difficulties on the Saturday afternoon. I spoke to Mark Carne then or at least on the Saturday evening—I would have to check that exactly, as I had several conversations with him over the Christmas holiday period. The hon. Gentleman’s point about re-routing on t...
Patrick McLoughlin
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
The hon. Gentleman makes a valid point. I was told of the difficulties on the Saturday afternoon. I spoke to Mark Carne then or at least on the Saturday evening—I would have to check that exactly, as I had several conversations with him over the Christmas holiday period. The hon. Gentleman’s point about re-routing on t...
0.288473
198
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.32.1
As my right hon. Friend has said, the situation was inadequate and unacceptable. Does he agree that when such situations occur passengers want information quickly, but that an inadequate number of staff were available? Does he also agree, however, that rather than jump to conclusions, as the shadow Minister has, the be...
Martin Vickers
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
As my right hon. Friend has said, the situation was inadequate and unacceptable. Does he agree that when such situations occur passengers want information quickly, but that an inadequate number of staff were available? Does he also agree, however, that rather than jump to conclusions, as the shadow Minister has, the be...
0.246804
199
da75ed09-b195-4a79-8ef1-3c74c3d5af48
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-05c.32.2
Indeed. I am grateful to my hon. Friend, as I will not just get that report; he serves on the Transport Committee, along with the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mrs Ellman), and I am sure it will also issue a report, which I will look at with great interest. The point just made by the hon. Member for Middlesbrou...
Patrick McLoughlin
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null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
HOME DEPARTMENT
Rail Network (Disruption)
Indeed. I am grateful to my hon. Friend, as I will not just get that report; he serves on the Transport Committee, along with the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mrs Ellman), and I am sure it will also issue a report, which I will look at with great interest. The point just made by the hon. Member for Middlesbrou...
0.362238