Debates between Brendan O'Hara and Nick Thomas-Symonds during the 2024 Parliament

Tue 29th Oct 2024

Ministerial Code: Policy Announcements

Debate between Brendan O'Hara and Nick Thomas-Symonds
Tuesday 29th October 2024

(1 month, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nick Thomas-Symonds Portrait Nick Thomas-Symonds
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My hon. Friend is entirely right about the Conservative party’s desire to distract from its record, whether it is the lockdown parties or the PPE VIP lane for contracts. This Government are appointing a covid corruption commissioner to get the public’s money back.

Brendan O'Hara Portrait Brendan O’Hara (Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber) (SNP)
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Those of us who have been in this place for some time will remember the outraged indignation of the now Government, when they were in opposition, every time the now Opposition pulled a stunt like this. The only constant is you, Mr Speaker, and your efforts to have whichever of them is in power treat this House and its Members with respect. Can the Minister not see that the Government displaying such arrogant contempt for the rules only feeds the public perception that one is as bad as the other? Rather than delivering the change it promised, the Labour party is really saying, “It’s our turn now.”

Nick Thomas-Symonds Portrait Nick Thomas-Symonds
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The hon. Gentleman cannot possibly be saying that there is any comparison with breaching the rules during the covid pandemic. He really cannot; that is not a serious proposition. Nor is it a serious proposition to suggest that this is comparable with the money that was lost in the PPE VIP lane—it really is not.