Speeches by Bishop.

“I want to start by saying that I remain extremely supportive of the Government. I am proud of what we have achieved together in a short space of time. We have delivered massive investment into the NHS and schools. Those are all positive steps, and we are taking meaningful steps to reduce inequality, lift people out of …”

“I thank the hon. Member for his intervention. I think we are talking about trust across the House, so that includes every Member of this House, and across both Houses. The Government’s violence against women and girls strategy is one of the proudest achievements of this Parliament. It is the product of years of tireles…”

“Anybody linked should be investigated—simple. If we are not fully transparent about how we vetted the ex-US ambassador in the face of such scandal, how on earth can we expect victims to come forward in future? How can we expect them to trust institutions that seem designed to protect the powerful rather than the vulner…”

“Yes, I completely agree. I will get on to the ISC in a second. What would I say to those victims? That transparency matters, except when it is inconvenient? That accountability applies, except when it is uncomfortable? As a party, we promised to halve violence against women and girls. We promised to put victims at the …”

“I thank the hon. Member for her words. How can we mark our own homework on matters of such gravity? I want to be clear. I understand the position the Government find themselves in. I understand the concerns that have been raised about embarrassment, reputational damage, and national and international security. They are…”

“17. What steps he is taking to tackle the backlogs in the courts.”

“My constituent, a victim of domestic abuse, has seen her case listed and relisted multiple times since 2023, with delays repeatedly granted due to medical claims by the defendant. Does the Minister accept that repeated adjournments risk denying justice to victims? Will she meet me to discuss how cases like that can be …”

“I thank the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister for his statement. Does he agree that unless this legislation that we are talking about is brought through swiftly, we run the risk of diminishing any confidence that victims of serious sexual abuse and violence have in Ministers and people who make decisions and laws?”

“I thank the Prime Minister for his statement. Does he agree that the security of this country is the Government’s first and foremost priority at all times?”

“As a former police officer of three police forces in this country, I can categorically and honestly say that the many reforms presented in the White Paper are welcomed by my former colleagues and by me. Both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats had the chance to bring these reforms forward. They tried many times…”

“A comment often made to me and my colleagues when I was policing was that as soon as I left the police station in full uniform, I was a sitting target, every single day. Does the Minister agree that the proposal for mandatory whole life sentences for those who murder police officers, prison officers and probation offic…”

“Parents supported by Harry’s Pals, a small charity, consistently describe the fragmented and emotionally exhausting system of accessing support for children with life-limiting conditions. Will the Secretary of State commit to exploring a dedicated national support pathway for parent carers, including better access to c…”

“Sir Brian, my questions relate to your recommendation 27 where you recommend a 40% reduction in sentences for an early guilty plea. Do you think there is a risk that increasing the maximum reduction in sentence length for an early plea may place pressure on defendants to plead guilty inappropriately? If so, how would t…”

“The independent sentencing review recommended legislating to ensure that short custodial sentences be used only in exceptional circumstances. With your recommendation of a 40% reduction, how can the Government ensure that those recommendations work together to solve the prison and court capacity crisis?”

“Good afternoon, Sir Brian. I am the Member for Forest of Dean, with interests as in the register. In addition, I am a former serving police officer.”

“Dame Nicole, you briefly mentioned the presumption of parental involvement. The Government, after lots of campaigning from colleagues across both Houses, announced last week that they will repeal the statutory presumption of parental involvement. What are the panel’s general thoughts and comments on that? Is it going f…”

“I am the Member of Parliament for the Forest of Dean. My previous career was as a police officer, and my other interests are as declared.”

“One quick follow up, if I may? One of the biggest campaigners, Claire Throssell, sadly lost her two children to her ex-partner. With this change in the law, do you agree that it is potentially going to save children’s lives?”

“I am the Member of Parliament for the Forest of Dean. My previous career was as a police officer, and my other interests are as declared.”

“Dame Nicole, you briefly mentioned the presumption of parental involvement. The Government, after lots of campaigning from colleagues across both Houses, announced last week that they will repeal the statutory presumption of parental involvement. What are the panel’s general thoughts and comments on that? Is it going f…”