Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Adam Afriyie and John Bercow

Monday 12th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call Adam Afriye.

[Adam Afriyie]

No. 10, Mr Speaker.

[Mr Speaker]

No, no.

[Adam Afriyie]

Grouped—I understand, Mr Speaker. I was slightly wrong-footed, as ever.

Irrespective of political persuasion or ideology, everyone in this House will agree that the state has a special responsibility towards vulnerable children in care. Only 6% or 7% of them get to university, and 60% of them have behavioural and mental health challenges. We must congratulate the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation and Buttle UK on their work in providing bursaries for university. Does the Minister agree that we must look to expand work in this area?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Adam Afriyie and John Bercow

Tuesday 23rd October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call Adam Afriyie.

[Adam Afriyie]

Question 16, Mr Speaker.

[Mr Speaker]

No, the question has been grouped. The moment is now; the chance is here—let us hear from the hon. Gentleman.

[Adam Afriyie]

Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the admonishment, or encouragement—

[Mr Speaker]

Encouragement.

[Adam Afriyie]

Thank you very much.

It strikes me that every person in this Chamber, every one of our constituents and every household across the country will have been affected by the issue of suicide, whether among family, friends or colleagues. The causes of suicide are multi-faceted—there are so many, including mental health—so I welcome the new ministerial responsibility. Will my right hon. Friend clarify precisely what the role will entail in government?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Adam Afriyie and John Bercow

Wednesday 18th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[The Minister of State, Department for International Development (Rory Stewart)]

The Prime Minister and Secretary of State have made it clear that the Commonwealth is absolutely central to our future policy, and that is not just true in respect of forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings; the 20 largest DFID recipient countries include Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi and Sierra Leone, in which our programmes extend from health and education, to economic development, without which there can be no jobs or growth.

[Mr Speaker]

We appreciate the power of recall of the hon. Gentleman’s exceptionally fertile mind.

[Adam Afriyie]

Given the health and vibrant link between Commonwealth countries that open up to trade and their subsequent rapid economic development, does my hon. Friend agree that we have not only an economic imperative, but a moral obligation to do whatever we can with foreign aid to focus our efforts on supporting free trade? [Interruption.]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. We are discussing very serious matters appertaining to the livelihoods of our friends in Commonwealth countries, as we have been treating of a great many other serious issues. I am sorry that the hon. Member for Windsor (Adam Afriyie) had to contend with excessive noise, but I am sure the House will now be becalmed as it listens to the flow of the eloquence of the Minister of State.