Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Tuesday 30th April 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call the shadow Minister.

[Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

Given that the Colonna report makes clear that donors should have confidence in UNRWA and that Australia, France, Germany, Sweden, Canada, Japan and Denmark have all restored funding, and with Gaza facing famine, I ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary again: when will the Government do what Labour has called for and restore full funding to UNRWA?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Tuesday 12th March 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call shadow Minister.

[Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

The situation in Gaza is truly appalling, but the situation in the west bank is also a cause for huge concern. Since the horrific 7 October attacks, over 400 Palestinians have been killed and thousands have been detained. Further to the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton South East (Yasmin Qureshi), last week Israel advanced plans for 3,400 new homes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. As a two-state solution is the only path to a lasting peace, does the Minister agree that a firm position on these issues must be taken now by the United Kingdom and the international community?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Tuesday 30th January 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call the shadow Minister.

[Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

Today the middle east is in danger of seeing a major escalation of conflict, and whether it is in Gaza, the Red sea, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria or Jordan, we are seeing aggression. If there is a common denominator in those conflicts, it is the malign influence of Iran, usually through its proxies. What are the Government doing to disrupt and stop the disruptive activities of Iran?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Tuesday 12th December 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call the shadow Minister.

[Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

Recently the International Criminal Court prosecutor, Karim Khan KC, visited Israel and the west bank. In relation to Gaza, he stated:

“A law is not some cosmetic adornment that can be disregarded. It’s a fundamental requirement that must be complied with.”

I assume the Minister will agree with that. If that is the case, will he ensure that Britain co-operates fully with the prosecutor in his work?

Israel and Gaza: Ceasefire

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Wednesday 19th May 2021 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa (James Cleverly)]

Since I was last at the Dispatch Box on 13 May, we have sadly seen further violence and more civilian deaths. I am sure the House will join me in offering condolences to all the families of those civilians who have been killed or injured across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Mr Speaker, with your permission I will set out to the House the work that the Government are doing, along with others, to bring about a peaceful resolution. We are urging the parties to work with mediators towards an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and a worsening humanitarian situation. We are supporting United Nations, Egyptian and Qatari efforts to that end, and we work closely with the United States.

We are also prioritising our own diplomatic efforts through both bilateral and multilateral channels. The Foreign Secretary and I, with the support of our diplomats on the ground, have been working to progress the conditions needed for an immediate ceasefire. The Foreign Secretary has spoken in recent days with the Israeli Foreign Minister and the Palestinian Prime Minister; he reinforced our clear message of de-escalation and our desire to work together to end the violence. I delivered similar messages to the Israeli ambassador and the Palestinian head of mission in London.

We have also engaged regional partners at ministerial level. The Foreign Secretary spoke with the Foreign Minister of Jordan on 17 May and just this morning I spoke with a number of ambassadors from Arab states to reiterate the need for an immediate ceasefire, and I underlined our shared goal of a peaceful two-state solution. We are playing a leadership role in the United Nations Security Council, where we are calling for measures by all sides to reduce further violence. We will participate in the emergency UN General Assembly session later this week.

The UK unequivocally condemns the firing of rockets at Jerusalem and other locations within Israel. We strongly condemn these acts of terrorism by Hamas and other terrorist groups, who must permanently end their incitement and rocket fire against Israel. There is no justification for the targeting of civilians.

Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence and to defend its citizens from attack. In doing so, it is vital that all actions are proportionate, in line with international humanitarian law and make every effort to avoid civilian casualties. We are aware of medical institutions, a number of schools and many homes in Gaza that have been destroyed or seriously damaged, and we are concerned that buildings housing media and humanitarian organisations such as Qatar Red Crescent have been destroyed. We call on Israel to adhere to the principles of necessity and proportionality when defending its legitimate security interests.

We are also concerned by reports that Hamas is once again using civilian infrastructure and populations as a cover for its military operations. Humanitarian access is essential, and we urge all parties to allow the unimpeded entry of vital humanitarian supplies. Hamas and other terrorist groups must cease their mortar attacks on these crossings. We urge all parties to work together to reduce tensions in the west bank, including East Jerusalem. The UK is clear that the historic status quo in Jerusalem must be respected. Violence against peaceful worshippers of any faith is unacceptable.

The UK position on evictions, demolitions and settlements is clear and long-standing: we oppose these activities. We urge the Government of Israel to cease their policies related to settlement expansion immediately and instead work towards a two-state solution. The UK will continue our intensive diplomatic efforts in the region focused on securing a ceasefire and creating the conditions for a sustainable peace.

[Mr Speaker]

I remind people that there are set times that we have to try to stick to.

[Wayne David]

It is of enormous concern to everyone in the House that in this conflict between Hamas and Israel nearly 300 people have been killed, including 65 children. This is truly appalling. We condemn the rocket attacks by Hamas and the Israeli airstrikes, which have killed so many innocent people and severely damaged schools and medical facilities.

I listened carefully to what the Minister had to say regarding the Government’s position and his statement in favour of an immediate ceasefire. We have heard in the last few hours that the French and Jordanian Governments are making real efforts to bring about a UN resolution that would help to secure an immediate ceasefire. We have heard that there have been discussions with the Egyptians and the Germans. The name of the United Kingdom Government has not been mentioned.

I ask the Minister whether he would care to elaborate on what representations he has recently made to secure the objective of an immediate ceasefire. Could I also press him on what efforts his Government are making to provide humanitarian support for the people of Gaza? I urge the Government to do everything they can to restart a meaningful peace process as a matter of urgency. If further conflagrations are to be prevented, we need a process that will uphold international law, end the illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories and create a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Monday 11th May 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

We are going to have to speed up the answers Minister, please. We now go across to welcome Wayne David to his new position.

[Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab) [V]]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. As has been said, there is encouraging co-operation between Israelis and Palestinians with regard to covid-19. I am sure the Minister agrees that that highlights how wrong it is for a new Israeli Government to pursue a policy of illegal annexation of large parts of the west bank. What are the Government doing to mobilise international opinion against that annexation?

European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Consideration of Lords amendments & Ping Pong: House of Commons & Ping Pong
Wednesday 22nd January 2020 Commons Chamber

[Wayne David]

Given the Secretary of State’s reference to the letter to the Welsh Government and the Welsh Minister, how does he square the circle of wanting, on the one hand, to reinforce the principles of Sewel and so on, but on the other, wanting to amend the legislation to withdraw the commitment?

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am bit bothered about time. We have quite a few Members who want to make speeches. I remind Members that they cannot just walk in and put a question to the Minister—let us all work together for one another.

GKN Aerospace, Kings Norton

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Wednesday 24th April 2019 Commons Chamber

[Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

Will the Minister give way?

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Lindsay Hoyle)]

Order. I am sorry, but the hon. Gentleman cannot intervene from the Front Bench.

Armed Forces Covenant

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Thursday 22nd November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. We have been informed that the Prime Minister is to make a statement to this House at 3 o’clock. However, I understand that the Prime Minister has already spoken to the press outside No. 10 Downing Street. I consider that to be a gross discourtesy to this House.

Secondly, I understand that an agreement has been reached between the Prime Minister and the European Union on a draft declaration. I would have thought that that draft declaration would be available to this House, but as of 10 minutes ago it is not available in the Table Office. Will you ensure, Mr Deputy Speaker, that that draft declaration is made available well before the Prime Minister gets to her feet at 3 o’clock?

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Lindsay Hoyle)]

It is good practice to share such information and there is still time. If Her Majesty’s Opposition have got to listen to a statement they should be well informed in order to be able to put the right questions. I also say that this House should be told first, not the TV studios; Members of Parliament are here to be told first, not everyone else. We know that that is best practice and it should be the practice: whoever they are, they should come to this House first, and then by all means go to the TV studios. The hon. Gentleman has put that on the record, and I hope that anything that needs to be printed and produced will be ready for the 3 o’clock statement. We do have time, and I am sure that message has gone out loud and clear, and I am sure the Whips will be dealing with it very quickly.

Defence Industry and Shipbuilding

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Wednesday 11th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Earlier, the Minister was adamant that there had been a British bid for the MARS tanker contract. That was not the case, and I wonder whether he would like to correct the record.

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Lindsay Hoyle)]

Do you wish to speak, Minister?

Armed Forces Pay

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Wednesday 1st November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Wayne David]

Where will the money come from? We will call for extra contributions of up to 5% from large corporations and we will demand that the super-rich pay a little bit more, instead of enjoying the largesse that the Government have given them. I am not hopeful that that will happen, however, not least because I understand that rather than fighting for more resources, the Secretary of State and his friends—[Interruption.]

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

Order. It is up to the shadow Minister to give way, or not. My understanding is that there was no giving way earlier, so if there is tit for tat, that is up to each individual; it is not for the Chair. What I do not want is this continuous barracking across the Chamber, with Members saying, “He is not giving way” and, “Will he give way?”. [Interruption.] Order. There are no more contributions, are there? Wayne David, please.

[Wayne David]

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I think that the chuntering and the interruptions are indicative of the crass behaviour of the Ministry of Defence, which we are debating this afternoon.

I am not hopeful that Ministers will stand up for the armed forces, which they claim to support, not least because I understand that rather than fighting for more resources, the Secretary of State for Defence is considering scrapping the special allowance given to soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Will the Minister, in his response—I will give him time to respond—make a commitment not to cut the special service allowance?

As we approach Remembrance Sunday—several Members mentioned it, including my hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd South (Susan Elan Jones)—it is surely imperative that the House unites in support of our armed forces. This afternoon, many contributions have strongly supported lifting the pay cap. I very much hope that all of us will support the motion, and call for a fair pay rise for our armed forces. Especially at this time of the year, our armed forces deserve nothing less. [Interruption.]

--- Later in debate ---

[Wayne David]

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker.

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

Order. Now you will have to sit down again, Minister, but don’t worry: I will bring you back up. Wayne David.

[Wayne David]

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. The Minister is being economical with the truth. But what is absolutely outrageous is that the subject under consideration is pay rises for the armed forces, but Ministers have hardly referred to it.

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

I think people will deliver figures in different ways, and the interpretation of those will always be in dispute. Minister.

Government Policies (Wales)

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Wednesday 26th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Wayne David]

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Today, the Welsh Government have published figures showing that for the first time Lansbury Park is now the poorest ward in Wales. I ask the hon. Gentleman to retract his remark.

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

That was not a point of order, but I am certain that the hon. Gentleman has clarified his position.

Point of Order

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Tuesday 24th June 2014 Commons Chamber

[Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. During yesterday’s Work and Pensions questions, I asked:

“How many people are now employed on zero-hours contracts?”,

to which the Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, the right hon. Member for Wirral West (Esther McVey), replied:

“Roughly the same number who were employed on zero-hours contracts under the Labour Government in 2000.”—[Official Report, 23 June 2014; Vol. 583, c. 14.]

According to the Office for National Statistics, 225,000 people were on zero-hours contracts in 2000. Today, according to the latest figures, 583,000 are employed on zero-hours contracts. Would it be appropriate for you to call the Minister of State back to the Chamber to correct her misleading statement?

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

It would not be, but the hon. Gentleman has put that on the record, and I know that, tenacious as the hon. Gentleman is, further questions will now be tabled, and everyone will have heard the point that has been made.

Accident and Emergency Waiting Times

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Wednesday 5th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Wayne David]

Will the Secretary of State give way to a Welsh MP?

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

Order. We want a little more calm. Mr David, you are getting far too excited. It is not good for you and it is not good for the Chamber—[Interruption.] Order. I do not want you to repeat your point. I have just explained to you that I need you to be a little calmer. It is up to the Secretary of State whether he wishes to give way and at the moment he is not doing so. It is his choice and shouting will not make any difference whatsoever.

[Mr Hunt]

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker—

Succession to the Crown Bill

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Monday 28th January 2013 Commons Chamber

[Wayne David]

I have no objection at all—the Minister can say it again if she likes.

My hon. Friend the Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) mentioned how the six people nearest in line to the throne could lose their place if the Queen did not consent to their marriage. It is important to say on the record that the explanatory notes state clearly that that would be the case; in fact, it says so in the summary on the front page. I do not think, therefore, that it is fair to say that the issue has not been referred to properly in the House—it has been referred to in the documents and in last week’s debate.

It is also important to remember that we are talking about a constitutional monarchy that has a close relationship with the Government of the day. I am sure that a monarch would not take any action if they believed that, in doing so, they would be acting incorrectly in the background.

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

Thank you for that short intervention.

Succession to the Crown Bill

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Tuesday 22nd January 2013 Commons Chamber

[The Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

For clarification, rather than on a point of order, the amendment appears on the selection list.

[Wayne David]

I support the motion that the clause stand part of the Bill.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 1 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 2

Removal of disqualification arising from marriage to a Roman Catholic

Electoral Registration and Administration Bill

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Wednesday 27th June 2012 Commons Chamber

[Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

I beg to move amendment 39, page 21, line 23, leave out sub-paragraph (2).

[The Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

With this it will be convenient to discuss amendment 35, page 21, line 23, leave out—

‘, so far as is reasonably practicable,’.

The amendment makes registration officers subject to the test of taking ‘all steps that are necessary’ under section 9A of the 1983 Act, in respect of their new duty: ‘securing that persons who are entitled to be registered in a register (and no others) are registered in it’.

Amendment 37, page 21, line 26, at end insert—

‘(4) In subsection (2), after paragraph (e), insert—

“(f) reporting to the police any suspicion he might have that an offence had been committed relevant to the integrity of registration and absent vote applications.”.’.

Amendment 40, page 21, line 26, at end insert—

‘(4) At the end of subsection (3) insert—

(4) If the Electoral Commission judges that registration officers have not taken all necessary steps as outlined in this section, the Electoral Commission shall have the power to intervene.”.’.

[Wayne David]

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hoyle.

The Opposition have tabled the amendments because we are concerned about the schedule. Like the Electoral Commission, we are concerned about the watering down of the responsibilities of electoral registration officers. We think it is important that the Bill clearly defines the role of EROs in individual electoral registration and afterwards.

Amendment 37 seeks to redress what the Opposition see as a deficiency in the law—there is a lack of powers vested in EROs to detect and investigate electoral fraud, so allegations of offences under electoral law should be made to the police. That leaves a large gap in the powers of EROs. The amendment would, for the first time, place a duty on EROs to report to the police any suspicions that an offence might have been committed.

That is important. The Government have said time and again—incorrectly—that the Opposition are concerned about completeness and nothing else. We are concerned about completeness, but we are also concerned about the accuracy of electoral registers. The surest way to detect and act upon alleged fraud is for the individuals responsible for the administration of the process of registration to have a power vested in them—a duty upon them—to say that they are concerned about something. If they, as the experts, are concerned, they would have a duty to pass that information directly to the police, who would then act. We think, then, that the amendment addresses a gap in the current legislation and the Bill.

--- Later in debate ---

[Wayne David]

I heard what the Minister said. I was not entirely convinced by his arguments, but there was some reassurance on some points, so I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

[The Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

I understand, Mr Williams, that you do not wish to move amendment 35.

[The Chairman]

I call Wayne David.

[Wayne David]

As I indicated earlier, we feel that this is a very good amendment on an extremely important issue, so we would like to move it.

Amendment proposed: 35, page 21, line 23, leave out ‘, so far as is reasonably practicable,’.—(Wayne David.)

European Union Bill

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Monday 24th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

I beg to move amendment 85, page 2, line 6, at end add—

‘(7A) References to “the Committee” are to the European Union Referendum Committee as established by section [European Union Referendum Committee] below.’.

[The Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

With this it will be convenient to discuss the following:

Amendment 86, in clause 2, page 2, line 10, leave out

‘a statement relating to the treaty was’

and insert

‘the treaty and a statement relating to it were’.

Amendment 1, page 2, line 13, leave out ‘or the exemption condition’.

Amendment 92, page 2, line 16, leave out from ‘until’ to end of line 22 and insert

‘the referendum procedure set out in subsection (2A) below has been completed.

‘(2A) The referendum procedure is completed if—

(a) a decision has been taken by either or both Houses of Parliament not to hold a referendum, whether by agreeing with a recommendation from the Committee that a referendum is not required or by disagreeing to a recommendation from the Committee that a referendum is required; or

(b) a referendum has been held throughout the United Kingdom, or where the treaty affects Gibraltar, throughout the United Kingdom and Gibraltar, and a majority of those voting in the referendum are in favour of ratification of the treaty.’.

Amendment 2, page 2, line 23, leave out subsection (3).

Amendment 87, in clause 3, page 2, line 29, leave out

‘a statement relating to the decision was’

and insert

‘the decision and a statement relating to it were’.

Amendment 67, page 2, line 32, leave out paragraph (c).

Amendment 3, page 2, line 32, leave out

‘the exemption condition or the significance condition’.

Amendment 68, page 2, line 34, leave out subsections (2), (3) and (4).

Amendment 93, page 2, line 36, leave out from ‘until’ to end of line 42 and insert

‘the referendum procedure set out in subsection (2A) below has been completed.

‘(2A) The referendum procedure is completed if—

(a) a decision has been taken by either or both Houses of Parliament not to hold a referendum, whether by agreeing with a recommendation from the Committee that a referendum is not required or by disagreeing to a recommendation from the Committee that a referendum is required; or

(b) a referendum has been held throughout the United Kingdom, or where the treaty affects Gibraltar, throughout the United Kingdom and Gibraltar, and a majority of those voting in the referendum are in favour of approval of the decision.’.

Amendment 4, page 2, line 43, leave out subsection (3).

Amendment 5, page 3, line 1, leave out subsection (4).

Amendment 64, page 3, line 3, leave out from ‘4’ to ‘and’ in line 4.

Amendment 65, page 3, line 4, leave out ‘(1)(i) or (j)’ and insert

‘(1)(a), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) (i), (j), (k), (l) or (m)’.

Amendment 66, page 3, line 4, after ‘(1)’, insert ‘(g), (h)’.

Amendment 88, in clause 4, page 3, line 8, before ‘(1)’ insert—

‘(A1) A treaty or Article 48(6) decision which falls within this section shall be subject to the procedure of determination by the Committee and both Houses of Parliament as to whether a referendum is required’.

Amendment 89, in clause 5, page 4, line 10, leave out

‘the required statement before Parliament’

and insert

‘the treaty and the required statement before the Committee and before Parliament’.

Amendment 90, page 4, line 14, leave out

‘the required statement before Parliament’

and insert

‘the decision and the required statement before the Committee and before Parliament’.

Amendment 7, page 4, line 17, leave out subsections (3) to (5) and insert—

‘(3) The required statement is a statement that there will be a referendum on that treaty.’.

Amendment 91, page 4, line 19, leave out subsections (4) and (5).

Amendment 11, page 4, line 24, at end add—

‘(6) If the Minister’s opinion is that the effect of that provision in relation to the United Kingdom is not significant the Minister must seek Parliamentary approval for his opinion.

(7) Parliamentary approval is given if—

(a) in each House of Parliament a Minister of the Crown moves a motion that the House approves of the Minister’s opinion; and

(b) each House agrees to the motion without amendment.

(8) If the Minister fails to obtain Parliamentary approval for his opinion the significance condition is not met.’.

New clause 9—European Union Referendum Committee

‘(1) There shall be a Committee, to be known as the European Union Referendum Committee, to examine—

(a) any amendment of the Treaty on the European Union or the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, whether by simplified or ordinary revision procedure;

(b) any decision already provided for in those treaties, as set out in Schedule 1 to this Act;

(c) any treaty or Article 48(6) decision as defined in section 4 of this Act; and

(d) any decision as set out in section 6(2) or 6(4) of this Act.

(2) The Committee shall report to Parliament in respect of each such treaty amendment or decision as to—

(a) whether it involves a significant transfer of power or competence, and if so

(b) whether it requires a referendum to be held.

(3) When the Committee has reported its view as to whether or not a referendum is required, a Motion shall be moved in each House of Parliament to give effect to that recommendation.

(4) If both Houses agree to recommend a referendum, a referendum shall be held accordingly.

(5) The Committee shall consist of no more than 19 Members, drawn from both Houses of Parliament, none of whom shall be Ministers of the Crown.

(6) The members of the Committee shall be nominated by the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker of the House of Lords respectively, in accordance with the Standing Orders or Resolutions of their respective Houses, and subject to the approval of their respective Houses.

(7) Members of each House shall be members of the Committee until discharged by their House or if they cease to be a Member of that House or if they become a Minister of the Crown.

(8) The Committee shall elect a Chair from among those of its members who sit in the House of Commons.

(9) The Committee may determine its own procedure, which shall be broadly in line with that followed by Joint Committees of the two Houses.’.

[Mr David]

The week before last, the Committee enjoyed an excellent debate on the sovereignty clause of the Bill. Perhaps surprisingly, there was a high degree of consensus on the need to ensure that Parliament remains central to our democracy. Indeed, it must be said that even the Government appeared to acknowledge that there was at least a genuine debate on whether Parliament owed its sovereignty to common law or whether sovereignty was a fundamental right. Consequently, we look forward to seeing how the Government rewrite the Bill’s explanatory notes to acknowledge that debate.

That makes it all the more surprising that part 1 of the Bill so profoundly departs from the consensus established in the House that Parliament is central to this country’s democratic process. The Government do that by proposing that most extensions of EU competence or power, even relatively small ones, should be subject to a referendum if the change has a material impact on the UK’s relationship with the EU.

The Government set out in the Bill in mind-numbing detail umpteen scenarios when a referendum might be triggered. The Opposition believe that there is a case for referendums to be held on important constitutional issues. For example, in government, we introduced referendums on devolution in Scotland and Wales, and indeed, there will be a further referendum in Wales on 3 March.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Chairman]

Order. We are not dealing with the Lisbon treaty. Can we please stick to the amendments before us?

[Mr David]

With all due respect to my hon. Friend, it was not she who wrote the treaty or the constitution; she made a contribution, as did many people.

We support a referendum on the alternative vote system, and we believe that a referendum should be held if ever there is a European constitution or if any Government favoured Britain’s joining the single currency. I remind the Committee that Baroness Thatcher declined to hold a referendum on the Single European Act, and that the Foreign Secretary voted against a referendum on the Maastricht treaty when he was in opposition.

Energy Efficiency

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Wednesday 30th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. This afternoon, in the Welsh Grand Committee, the Government suffered their first defeat of this Parliament. By 21 votes to seven, the proposition that the Committee had considered the matter of the Government’s legislative programme and the Budget statement as they relate to Wales was rejected. In the light of that, will you use your good offices to ensure that another meeting of the Welsh Grand Committee takes place in order to consider these issues?

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

That is not a point of order for me. The hon. Gentleman has now put the matter on the record, and we will leave it at that.

Business of the House

Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 15),

That, at this day’s sitting, proceedings on the Motion in the name of Sir George Young relating to Select Committees (Membership), may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.—(Stephen Crabb.)

Question agreed to.

Point of Order

Debate between Wayne David and Lindsay Hoyle

Monday 14th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Yesterday various ministerial statements were made to the media about the early departure of the Chief of the Defence Staff. Many of us believe that it would have been far better for a statement to be made to the House first. May I ask you to use your good offices to make representations to the Government to see whether that would have been more appropriate?

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle)]

The hon. Gentleman has raised the point, and rightly so. The Speaker was not notified of such a request. I dare say it will now have been taken on board.