Priorities for Government

Debate between Boris Johnson and Tom Pursglove

Thursday 25th July 2019 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

That is why it is absolutely vital that we prepare for a no deal. After all, the more determined and the more capital our preparations, the less likely the risk of any disruptive or disorderly Brexit.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

My right hon. Friend’s commitment to 20,000 new police officers is very welcome, as was the now Chancellor’s commitment to a new policing covenant. We have managed to get “Back Boris” over the line; when does he expect to complete the job on “Back bobbies”?

[The Prime Minister]

I thank my hon. Friend. The answer is as soon as possible—certainly within the next three years.

Zimbabwe

Debate between Boris Johnson and Tom Pursglove

Wednesday 15th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Boris Johnson]

The answer is simple. We can work with our friends and partners, with the African Union and with SADC to get their agreement, which I am sure will be readily forthcoming, that the best future for the prosperity of the people of Zimbabwe is to have free and fair elections. That is the way to unlock the wealth and prosperity of the country.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

What early discussions has my right hon. Friend had with African leaders on these latest developments?

[Boris Johnson]

I am grateful for that question. I am fixed to talk to the vice-president of South Africa at the earliest possible opportunity, but I must regretfully inform the House that I have not had much time to talk to any others. As I said to the hon. Member for North East Fife (Stephen Gethins), the South Africans will be crucial in this.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

Debate between Boris Johnson and Tom Pursglove

Monday 13th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Boris Johnson]

With great respect to the hon. Gentleman, I believe I answered that question a few moments ago.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that all the appropriate help and support is being given to Mr Ratcliffe and his family, given what a difficult period this is for them?

[Boris Johnson]

I pay tribute to Richard Ratcliffe and the indefatigable way in which he has campaigned for his wife’s release. I can tell my hon. Friend that the door of the Foreign Office has been continually open to him, and that he has had several meetings—many, I believe—with my fellow Ministers. He will continue to have full access until such time as we sort out the appalling case of his wife.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Boris Johnson and Tom Pursglove

Tuesday 18th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I have not heard the right hon. Gentleman sing, but I feel sure that it would be melodic and that it is only a matter of time.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

In the light of the EU referendum, we have heard that there is lots of international interest in signing trade deals with the United Kingdom. What practical steps is my right hon. Friend’s Department taking to contribute to the effort to ensure that we get those deals signed, sealed and delivered?

[Boris Johnson]

One of the most extraordinary things that I discovered on becoming Foreign Secretary was the full extent of the network that the UK has around the world. We have more coverage overseas than the French with only 70% of their budget. My experience of UK diplomats and trade officials is that they are superlatively well informed about the needs of UK business and industry, and that they will assist us in doing first-class free trade deals in every capital.