Northern Ireland Finances

Debate between Karen Bradley and Philip Hollobone

Monday 12th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Karen Bradley]

The right hon. Gentleman makes a point that demonstrates once again why we need devolved government in Stormont. I have met the chair of the Policing Board, and I have also spoken to the Chief Constable about this matter. They are both keen that political representation on the Policing Board should be restored as soon as possible so that there is proper governance. I will be in Washington at the end of the week for the St Patrick’s day events there, and I believe that the chair of the Policing Board will be there too, and I hope to catch up with her and discuss how we might make that a reality.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

My constituents in Kettering were under the clear impression that the main purpose in life of Sinn Féin was to avoid at all costs direct rule from Westminster. Is it not clear but ironic that by refusing to reach an agreement with the DUP Sinn Féin has brought about exactly the thing that it has always campaigned to avoid?

[Karen Bradley]

I do not want to get into the whys and wherefores of what happened in the talks process. All I know is that all parties have given me a very strong commitment that they want to go back into devolved government, and I am seeking to find ways to make that a reality.

Northern Ireland

Debate between Karen Bradley and Philip Hollobone

Tuesday 20th February 2018 Commons Chamber

[Karen Bradley]

I do agree.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

By how much is my right hon. Friend going to cut their pay?

[Karen Bradley]

A quick answer deserves another quick question, does it not, Mr Speaker? Mr Trevor Reaney has made recommendations on the pay of Members of the Legislative Assembly, and I am considering those at the moment.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Karen Bradley and Philip Hollobone

Thursday 16th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Karen Bradley]

We are aware of those concerns and we are working with the Department for Communities and Local Government to look at the proposition that has been put forward.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the best way to promote careers in the creative industries is on the back of a strong economy and having sensible economic policies to drive our country forward?

[Karen Bradley]

I could not have put it better than my hon. Friend has done.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Karen Bradley and Philip Hollobone

Thursday 29th June 2017 Commons Chamber

[Karen Bradley]

The manifesto is ensuring that the concessions are available. I would expect that the BBC would continue with the concession post 2020.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

Given the grossly inflated salaries the BBC pays some of its top managers and presenters, and the appalling fact that it is still a criminal offence, as opposed to a civil penalty, not to have a TV licence, is not ensuring that over-75s continue to get their TV licences free of charge the very least the BBC can do?

[Karen Bradley]

My hon. Friend makes an interesting point. He will know that, from this year, when the BBC accounts are published they will show the salary levels of all talent being paid more than £150,000. That is a welcome increase in transparency.