Speeches by Brandreth.

“This has been a very interesting extension to the discussion, but I want to ask a couple more things about the WPS file.”

“Mr Griffiths, some of the written evidence the Committee received pointed to a disconnect between the UK’s leadership on WPS and some of our country-level implementation. When we have enormous global conflict, women are always disproportionally affected. Do you have any thoughts about how the UK is ensuring that, in co…”

“It was a worthwhile discussion to have. Mr Gowan, you have previously written that countries like Norway are increasing investment in gender-related programmes, but others “have quietly paid less attention to the theme.” Given that the UK is reducing our ODA spending, what does that mean for the credibility of the UK’s…”

“I have some questions about the UK’s role in respect of women, peace and security. Mr Gowan, some of the evidence the Committee has received raised the concern that the UK, as penholder on women, peace and security, has not spoken out against recent moves by the US to frame women’s reproductive rights as being in oppos…”

“My constituent Paul cycles more than 1,000 km a month all across the country, but he tells me that Cheshire’s roads are among the worst. Poor roads are dangerous for all road users, so does the Minister agree that national guidance for pothole repair policy must properly reflect the needs of cyclists alongside motorist…”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Vickers. I rise to speak in strong support of new clause 13, tabled by the shadow Minister. The new clause would place a duty on the Secretary of State to review the functions and effectiveness of the regulatory authority, which is currently the Care Quality Commiss…”

“My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We have seen examples where regulators have not intervened quickly or robustly enough, and where systemic issues went unnoticed or unaddressed for far too long. We need to strengthen the remit and ensure that the CQC is properly equipped and held to the high standards that we expect …”

“Before we move on to some questions relating to the Chagossian people, I wanted to follow up on a couple of questions on the points we have been talking about relating to the base. To clarify your answers to the questions that Sir John Whittingdale asked, can you confirm: does this mean that treaties that Mauritius has…”

“I understand that, but it has been signed under this Government, so I am just trying to clarify whether you think it is right that British Chagossians potentially won’t be able to resettle there, whereas people without any link to the islands can.”

“With respect, this is a deal that this Government have agreed.”

“Just to be clear, am I right in understanding that essentially, because we have ceded control, under the resettlement agreement that we have, it is possible that people of no kind of Chagossian descent or link to the islands could resettle, while at the same time, potentially, British Chagossians could not?”

“So we do not know if they will or not?”

“Thank you.”

“I understand that, but I am asking specifically about the ones Mauritius has signed up to.”

“I understand you are saying it will operate as it always has, but in the future—not necessarily as it always has done—does it mean that we will have to comply with treaties and laws that Mauritius has signed up to?”

“I understand that we are not a party to that. I am asking, given that Mauritius has sovereignty over all the islands, whether that means that those laws take precedence in Diego Garcia.”

“Is there a separate lease document for Diego Garcia or is that the treaty itself—is it included in the information that we already have?”

“Outside of the 12-nautical-mile limit around Diego Garcia, is Mauritius permitted to have security or military forces? Would they need to notify us, as we would need to notify them, and could they potentially have military advisers or observers from countries other than Mauritius?”

“Is there a requirement for them to notify us?”

“And any military observers?”