Romanians and Bulgarians (Benefits)

James Duddridge Excerpts
Tuesday 5th March 2013

(11 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Iain Duncan Smith Portrait Mr Duncan Smith
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I am actually a little surprised that the hon. Gentleman makes any reference to the Eastleigh by-election, when the Labour party’s position was an absolute disaster. This is not about that; the reality is simply that we need to ensure that the procedures are tightened up, mostly because of fairness to those who pay their taxes in Britain, who work hard and do not want to see social housing and all these other areas going to people who never made a commitment to this country. This is simply about fairness. We were left a bad position. I am trying to change it, while being infracted by the European Commission and saying no to it at the same time.

James Duddridge Portrait James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East) (Con)
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The Secretary of State repeatedly talks of the infraction process, which is surely just a fine. No one has ever paid any of these fines. Please, please, please: just say no, tell the Commission to sod off and do not pay the fine.

Iain Duncan Smith Portrait Mr Duncan Smith
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If my hon. Friend does not mind, I will skip the language and keep to the sentiment.