All 3 Debates between Matt Vickers and Saqib Bhatti

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill

Debate between Matt Vickers and Saqib Bhatti
Matt Vickers Portrait Matt Vickers
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I slightly disagree. A body is taking on this regulation. Reviewing this in 18 months to see whether it is working is sensible. Keeping the ability to make decisions on numbers, rather than giving it to the Secretary of State, is a logical way forward. We all want this Bill to work, and we all realise the meaningful and important reasons why the Bill was brought forward, but we are talking about mitigation. All the amendments are fair, logical and sound in how they try to balance the two interests. We want to make all venues safe, whatever their scale or size, but we need to do so in a way that allows businesses and community organisations to carry on delivering, at the heart of our communities.

Saqib Bhatti Portrait Saqib Bhatti (Meriden and Solihull East) (Con)
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Last week, along with Opposition colleagues, I met representatives of a number of hospitality businesses across different sectors. Everyone wants to make their venue more secure, and everyone acknowledged the importance of the legislation, but there are points to address on clarity and the uncertainty being caused. We have talked about the responsibility of volunteers, and where it starts and ends. Some venues will have queues outside, and it is not clear how the legislation will work in that case. An 18-month review is important, because it would allow us to look at whether the legislation is making people more safe and secure. Does the shadow Minister agree?

Matt Vickers Portrait Matt Vickers
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My hon. Friend is right. When it comes to the Bill, the stakes are high for small community organisations and small businesses, so I see no harm in reviewing the regulations after 18 months, and in keeping those powers for the House, rather than delegating them to the Secretary of State. That is logical and makes a lot of sense for many venues. It is the way forward.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Matt Vickers and Saqib Bhatti
Wednesday 15th November 2023

(1 year, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Saqib Bhatti Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Saqib Bhatti)
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The Government have always been clear that we will have a contextual and proportionate response to AI. I spoke to the Secretary of State yesterday, and it is very clear that the US sees us as global leaders and will be working with us.

Matt Vickers Portrait Matt Vickers (Stockton South) (Con)
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T3. Teesside was built on steel and now, thanks to Ben Houchen, British Steel is bringing steelmaking back to Teesside. Green steel will be forged thanks to a new £1.25 billion arc furnace, leading the way in decarbonising our industries and bringing highly skilled jobs. Does my hon. Friend agree that any business looking to invest in green tech and energy in the UK should look to Teesside first?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Matt Vickers and Saqib Bhatti
Monday 28th June 2021

(3 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Saqib Bhatti Portrait Saqib Bhatti (Meriden) (Con)
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What steps she is taking to work with (a) charities and (b) training providers to support young people back into work.

Matt Vickers Portrait Matt Vickers (Stockton South) (Con)
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What steps she is taking to work with (a) charities and (b) training providers to support young people back into work.