Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Gilbert and John Bercow

Wednesday 14th May 2014 Commons Chamber

[Hon. Members]

More!

[Mr Speaker]

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman is delighted to be greeted by such acclamation.

[Stephen Gilbert]

The sun is shining, and people are wisely preparing to come to Cornwall for their holiday. When they arrive, however, they will see that some of the recent storm damage still has not been put right. Cornwall does not just need a long-term economic plan; we also need help today. Will the Prime Minister meet me to see what more can be done?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Gilbert and John Bercow

Tuesday 29th October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

May I remind Members to ask pithy questions and Ministers to provide pithy answers, because there is a lot of interest and I am keen to accommodate Members?

[Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Gilbert and John Bercow

Monday 14th January 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Last but not least, I call Stephen Gilbert.

[Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD)]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. NATO figures show that Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and many other alliance countries are spending less than 2% of their GDP on defence. What is the Minister doing to make sure that all alliance countries pull their weight?

Business of the House

Debate between Stephen Gilbert and John Bercow

Thursday 29th November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Gentleman has asked his question. We are grateful to him and I should not have forgotten quite so quickly. I am sure that it was otherwise extremely memorable; it was entirely my fault.

[Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD)]

rose—

Armed Forces Bill

Debate between Stephen Gilbert and John Bercow

Wednesday 19th October 2011 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Gilbert]

The hon. Gentleman is entirely right. The Liberal Democrats support the national defence medal and a thorough review that will deliver consistency for the awarding of all medals for members of our armed forces. It is absolutely right that for people joining our armed forces it is as much a calling for them as it is a job. It is right that we give them the recognition they deserve for their bravery in standing up for our freedoms. It is absolute hypocrisy for a former Minister sitting on the Opposition Front Bench, who was chuntering under his breath and saying that the reason they changed their view—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I say to the hon. Gentleman that no allegation of hypocrisy against an individual hon. or right hon. Member should be made. I feel sure that he is not imputing such motives, but if he is perhaps he would withdraw his remark.

[Stephen Gilbert]

If that is what the record shows, Mr. Speaker, I of course withdraw the remark.

There is a level of disingenuity, shall we say, in a party that had 13 years to act on this issue but failed to do so now seeking to make political capital from it. It is important that we get this right for all the men and women who serve in our armed forces and that we do so in a considered way. That is why we disagree with the Lords tonight.

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I do not know whether the Minister is seeking to respond to the debate. No? He is not obliged to, as the Government have set out their position.

Question put, That this House disagrees with Lords amendment 6.

Libya/European Council

Debate between Stephen Gilbert and John Bercow

Monday 28th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I feel rather left out not to have met Mrs Bone.

[Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD)]

Will the Prime Minister confirm that France and the other allied countries will take part in military action only through the NATO command structure, and will not prosecute separate campaigns outside that structure?