2024

I have received a number of emails about the SNP opposition day debate on Wednesday 21 February 2024. I want to start by explaining the procedure that took place that evening. The Opposition parties are allocated Opposition Days which means the Opposition can choose their debate. As it was the SNP Opposition day, the usual

It was wonderful to attend the discussion with Elizabeth Hallam Smith and Mari Takayanagi  who work for the House and are the authors of Necessary Women over lunch on Monday 5 February 2024. The book recounts the many women who have worked behind the scenes in the Palace of Westminster ensuring the place works.  At

On Tuesday 5 February 2024, the House of Commons debated the Finance Bill. The Bill enacts various tax measures announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement 2023. One measure included in the Bill is full expensing – a capital allowance tax scheme that lets UK companies deduct 100% of the cost of capital equipment

The House of Commons approved the Electoral Commission Strategy and Policy Statement on 31 January 2024.  I note that, during the debate, the Minister for Elections claimed, “This statement and the previous legislation that this House has put through will augment the accountability of the commission to Parliament and, in so doing, serve this as

On the 31 January 2024 I hosted a IKEA UK & Ireland, Parliamentary Reception in the Terrace Pavillion. I opened the event with a speech and said: “Ambassador Gullgren, Minister Kevin Hollinrake Peter Jelkeby Country Retail Manager, and colleagues from both Houses and other guests for coming to Parliament to celebrate 80 years of Ikea the wonderful everyday