Business of the House
Debate between Robert Syms and Penny Mordaunt(1 year, 5 months ago)
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Penny Mordaunt
The hon. Gentleman raises a very sensible point, and I would be happy to make sure the Home Secretary has heard his remarks.
Sir Robert Syms (Poole) (Con)
May we have a full debate on the World Health Organisation? There are a number of issues about which many of us are concerned: the potential international treaty, the potential regulations and the discussion about international covid passports. The House ought to have an opportunity to express itself on some of these issues.
Penny Mordaunt
That is an excellent topic for debate. There are many aspects to this, and of course it plays into the Government’s programmes on patient records and other things. I will make sure the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has heard my hon. Friend’s suggestion, but he will know how to apply for a debate in the usual way—he has heard a fantastic advert from the Chairman of the Backbench Business Committee—and I am sure such a debate would be well attended.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Robert Syms and Penny Mordaunt(2 years, 7 months ago)
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Sir Robert Syms (Poole) (Con)
Can we have an update on our joining the trans-Pacific partnership? That is important not only because of the growing markets, but because of the international challenges, stability and defence in the region.
Penny Mordaunt
My hon. Friend is absolutely right; we have reached a major milestone on that accession process by moving to market access negotiations with that trade bloc. In addition to opening up a new market, this will also help us on such matters as maritime security and meeting the goals of the integrated review. CPTPP has strong rules against the unfair trade practice whereby some countries—China has been mentioned—give unreasonable advantages to state-owned enterprises or discriminate against foreign investors. Our vision for that part of the world has trade at its heart.