Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Rutley and John Bercow

Thursday 15th January 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Well, the junior Minister clearly has a keen sense of his own power.

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

12. What steps he is taking to support outdoor recreation.

Economic Growth

Debate between David Rutley and John Bercow

Wednesday 15th May 2013 Commons Chamber

[Angie Bray (Ealing Central and Acton) (Con)]

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is essential for us to get the message across that only under a Conservative Government will the country have an EU referendum, and that the referendum will come after we have renegotiated our terms of membership with the EU? That is vital if we are to give people a proper choice and present them with the best options. The draft Bill that was published yesterday underlines that message very clearly.

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I must gently remind the House that interventions should be brief. A large number of colleagues are still seeking to contribute to the debate, and I am keen to accommodate them, but brevity is essential if I am to do so.

[David Rutley]

What my hon. Friend has said is absolutely right. It is crystal clear that if the public want an in/out referendum, it is only the Conservative party that will offer them the choice. That is why I support the Prime Minister’s position, and welcome the publication yesterday of the draft referendum Bill. It is entirely proper for the British people to have a right to vote and to make their views heard on this vital issue.

I am keen to see a fundamental realignment in our relationship with the European Union. Although I am half-Danish, to me our involvement with the EU is about hard-nosed economic benefit, and has nothing whatever to do with some woolly sentimentalism that others may consider important. We are not alone in Europe in wanting to bring about fundamental changes in the European Union. I recently went to the Bundestag and met members of the Christian Democratic Union and the Christian Social Union. It is clear that they too have concerns about the future direction of the EU. When the public can see that youth unemployment in Spain is now at 50%, it is clear that new solutions need to be found. That is critical for the United Kingdom, and vital for other member states.

The Prime Minister’s recent speech has served as an important catalyst in taking forward the debate. Urgent negotiations should follow in the months ahead. A Member asked earlier, from a sedentary position, when those negotiations should take place; they need to start immediately. Given the promise of a referendum, other member states should not underestimate our resolve. When those negotiations have been completed, it will be absolutely right to let the people have their say.

We are entirely clear and serious in our intent. The plans have been set out, and I hope that other member states will recognise that the clock has started ticking. It is time for action. The Queen’s Speech shows that we are taking action to improve our competitiveness and create jobs at home, and we need to see the same commitment to action in the EU.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Rutley and John Bercow

Wednesday 8th June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. We are grateful to the Minister.

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

T5. Can my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State tell the House what progress is being made on encouraging other Arab nations to provide much-needed humanitarian aid in Libya?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Rutley and John Bercow

Monday 4th April 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call Robert Halfon. He is not here. I therefore call David Rutley to ask Question 21.

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I apologise. The hon. Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) has just entered the Chamber. He is only just in time, but he is here.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

I call Mr David Rutley, whose patience is rewarded.

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

21. What mechanisms his Department is using to achieve efficiency savings in its budget for 2011-12.