Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Giles Watling Excerpts
Wednesday 23rd October 2019

(4 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Oliver Dowden Portrait Oliver Dowden
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We are not following the example of the United States; we are following the example set by the last Labour Government, who introduced photographic voter identification in 2003, and it had no discernible impact on turnout.

Giles Watling Portrait Giles Watling (Clacton) (Con)
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4. What steps the Government are taking to strengthen the Union.

Luke Graham Portrait Luke Graham (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Con)
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5. What steps the Government are taking to strengthen the Union.

Oliver Dowden Portrait The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General (Oliver Dowden)
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The Government are committed to strengthening the links between the four nations of the Union. The Prime Minister is taking personal charge, as Minister for the Union, supported by the Cabinet Office. We have boosted spending across the Union, including a further £300 million of new growth deal funding, which will open up opportunities for cities and regions across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Giles Watling Portrait Giles Watling
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We are arguably the greatest Union the world has ever seen. We have done so much for mankind and democracy across the world for generations. Does my right hon. Friend agree that we would be foolish to throw away this most valuable of Unions on what I believe is a passing whim?

Oliver Dowden Portrait Oliver Dowden
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As ever, I agree with my hon. Friend. I am pleased to see that his powers of oration have not dimmed. Ours is the most successful political and economic Union in history, and our four nations are safer, stronger and more prosperous together. We are deeply committed to keeping our family of nations together.