Northern Ireland

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Laurence Robertson

Wednesday 23rd October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

Order. Interventions must be short.

[Mr Robertson]

I thank my hon. Friend for that powerful intervention. That point was also raised earlier, and I agree entirely. I have in fact taken the matter to the very top, in that I have said to Mr Gerry Adams and Mr Martin McGuinness that that is exactly what they should be doing. They should be coming here to argue their case. They travel to Westminster and hold meetings here in this building, but they will not come to the Chamber to discuss these issues. They are not serving the people of Northern Ireland very well by pursuing that abstentionist policy. Almost a third of the Province is unrepresented here in this Chamber, which is a tragedy for the people of Northern Ireland, regardless of whether they are republicans or Unionists.

Betting Shops

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Laurence Robertson

Tuesday 19th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

That is not a matter for the Chair; it is a matter for each Member to decide whether they feel it is relevant to declare their interest.

[Mr Laurence Robertson]

I made the speech, and I think most Members would understand that I came from a horse racing background. I am indeed joint chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on racing and bloodstock, but that group is not supported by bookmakers.

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

I think that answers the point of order. I want no more points of order on that subject.