Transcript There is the possibility that those on the Front Bench will have a weary cynicism about this debate—a feeling that statistics are being thrown around, that special pleading is going on, names of councils being showered down on them, and figures of 50% or 2% and different definitions and so on being mentioned, but […]
Transcript I thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and my colleagues for allowing me to contribute to the debate. I feel that it is very difficult for someone who represents an English constituency to speak about this subject. I want briefly to discuss three questions. First, should there be a referendum at all? Secondly, what are […]
Rory argued the nation should learn from Cumbrian community hospitals in a House of Commons debate on the future of community hospitals. Rory – who is also Treasurer of the APPG on Rural Services – used the debate to highlight the essential healthcare services that community hospitals provide to residents within rural communities. He argued […]
Transcript I feel shy speaking in front of this extremely distinguished audience. It is impressive to take part in a debate involving people with so much expertise. I was impressed by the extraordinary confidence with which my hon. Friend the Member for Bracknell (Dr Lee) said things that we would not dare say to any […]
Rory was one of ten signatories and sponsors for a new Private Members Bill, proposing that citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and other British “realms” should have a dedicated passport line at British airports. The Ten Minute Rule Bill, which was read out on the floor of the House by Andrew Rosindell MP, is designed […]
Rory voted against the government on its proposal to abolish the House of Lords. He was one of 91 Conservative MPs who opposed plans which would have created a “senate” of politicians elected for 15 year terms without having to face re-election. This was the second largest rebellion within a party since the Second World […]
Transcript It is unfortunate that the debate has turned into an attack on the Liberal Democrats. This is a huge opportunity for reform. There has been a lot of talk about the 21st century and democracy, and there is an important democratic opportunity in the Bill that I hope the Liberal Democrats will lead us […]
Transcript One of the reasons why Turkey is such an exciting subject is that it is an exemplar not just for the whole Middle East, but for British foreign policy. Turkey is a strange place for us. We have a huge great embassy—now the consulate general—in Istanbul, and it would impress hon. Members. It is […]
Transcript It is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Weir, and fantastic to speak in the debate. Thank you for calling me. A common theme in our debate on sustainable communities appears to be the old Britain. I am surrounded by my hon. Friends the Members for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire […]
Transcript It seems a little dry to focus on Lords amendment 18 with reference to clause 37, but it is a central issue. It is not a dry issue at all. As my hon. Friends the Members for Carlisle (John Stevenson) and for Milton Keynes South (Iain Stewart) pointed out, this is central to two […]