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Category: Speeches

  • Cat Smith – 2024 Speech in Support of Lindsay Hoyle Remaining as Speaker

    Cat Smith – 2024 Speech in Support of Lindsay Hoyle Remaining as Speaker

    The speech made by Cat Smith, the Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre, in the House of Commons on 9 July 2024.

    I beg to move, That Sir Lindsay Hoyle do take the Chair of this House as Speaker.

    As far as I am concerned, the best thing about having Lindsay as Speaker is how good it is to have someone in the Chair who does not have an accent. I have been talking to lots of my constituents over the past six weeks, and they agree with me! So I have figured it out, Lindsay. We are not the ones with the accents; it is everyone else.

    But seriously, Lindsay is a great champion for Lancashire, just as he is for this House of Commons. None of us in Lancashire could have imagined that Nancy Pelosi would walk those famous cobbles of Coronation Street, but Lindsay, you did it. It seems that no part of Lancashire’s cultural reputation is out of bounds for Lindsay when hosting international speakers—indeed, having a pint of mild in the Rovers Return with Nancy Pelosi.

    It is a great pleasure today to be able to speak about my good friend from Chorley. I have several friends from Chorley, including my office manager Steven, who often regales my Lancaster constituency office with tales of his childhood in Lancashire’s second town. One of my favourite anecdotes is of Chorley zoo—I did not know that Chorley had a zoo. Apparently, it is known as Chog zoo; that might be the first reference in Hansard to Chog, which is the slang for Chorley. Upon further investigation, the zoo was in fact Pets Corner in Astley Park. However, to this day, I suspect that a young Steven was mistaking the Hoyle household menagerie for an actual zoo. With cats, dogs, parrots and tortoises, Lindsay Hoyle really does live out the truism that we are a nation of animal lovers.

    If you head three hours south from Lancashire, you will find yourself here. Arriving in this grand building as a newly elected Member is daunting—the weight of pressure that you feel to deliver for your constituents, using parliamentary procedures that seem so confusing to bring about the change you have promised, can be immense. It can be difficult to know where to start, but a good place to start is by electing a good Speaker of the House of Commons, one with experience of eventualities that could not be foreseen. Lindsay recalled in his remarks the covid restrictions we needed to adapt to at speed during the pandemic. Indeed, he is the Speaker who steered us through that pandemic and steered us through those Rees-Mogg congas. He adapted procedures for the times we found ourselves in.

    It is also important to know that we have a Speaker who champions the voices of us Back Benchers, and one who ensures that all voices—Government and Opposition—are heard. Our Speaker is fair, impartial and independent. Newly elected Members will find a great friend in our Speaker, and I know I have. Being from Lancashire myself, I had the good fortune of knowing Lindsay before I was elected, and over the years he has been a great source of advice and guidance, some of which I took and some of which I chose to ignore. All I can say is that the advice I ignored I regret ignoring, and live to tell the consequences. Despite being annoyingly right about many things, which is a good Lancashire trait by the way, he will ensure that his door is open to all Members at times of need. I can vouch that he does a good brew—it is Yorkshire Tea though—but for those who prefer something from the right side of the Pennines and from the red rose county, I can say that his is the only place on this estate outside my own office I have managed to get a hot Vimto.

    However, we all have our character flaws, and regrettably Lindsay does not support Lancashire’s finest football team, Barrow, instead donning the colours of Bolton Wanderers.

    Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton South and Walkden) (Lab)

    Yay!

    Cat Smith

    We have a Bolton Wanderers fan.

    We should note that that team has both blue and red on its crest, and I think that exemplifies Mr Speaker’s even-handedness. As a proud champion of Lancashire’s rugby league tradition, outside Westminster his favourite place is cheering on Warrington Wolves, and in the summer months Lancashire county cricket club. Like all good sports people, Lindsay knows fair play and hard work. For all those reasons and so many more, I am proud and honoured to propose that Sir Lindsay Hoyle takes the Chair today.

  • Lindsay Hoyle – 2024 Speech Accepting Nomination to Remain as Speaker

    Lindsay Hoyle – 2024 Speech Accepting Nomination to Remain as Speaker

    The speech made by Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, in the House on 9 July 2024.

    First, I thank my constituents of Chorley for returning me to this House and allowing me to put myself forward again as Speaker. It is an honour to serve the people of Chorley, as I have done steadfastly for the last 44 years, as a councillor on the local authority and then as their Member of Parliament for the past 27 years. I also thank my wife Catherine and daughter Emma, and the staff in the constituency office in Chorley, for all their support.

    Of course, it was the first time in my political career that I campaigned without hearing the wise words of my late father Doug, giving me his opinions on how to campaign—he was always going to give me that, whatever the polls were doing and whatever needed to be said. I can still hear him now, saying, “Don’t stop now. You have to keep going.” I must say, after 25,000 steps a day during the campaign, I certainly did that.

    I want to give a warm welcome to all the new Members of the House. I also welcome Sir Edward Leigh to his new role as Father of the House, and Diane Abbott to her place as Mother of the House. Sir Edward, you have served this place and your constituents for 41 years. Diane, you have served for 37 years, and broken many glass ceilings along the way. I thank the former Father of the House, Sir Peter Bottomley, and of course the former Mother of the House, Baroness Harriet Harman, for the support they gave me during my speakership.

    Sir Edward, I know you are a man who respects traditions. Indeed, when you ran for Speaker in 2019, you were keen to bring back the use of the wig by the Speaker. Hopefully, though, you will look kindly on me and agree that I still have a decent enough head of hair, although not quite as luscious as that of the former Member for Lichfield—[Laughter.] You know I am only joking, Michael! I was thinking just the other day, Sir Edward, that you must be the only person who went to bed last Thursday evening as a father of six children, and woke up the father of 649.

    On a serious note, it has been an absolute privilege to serve this House as the 158th Speaker. I must say that four and a half years have flown. With the authority of the Chair comes great responsibility, which is something I have never taken lightly or for granted.

    I know from experience that decisions have consequences, but with experience comes wisdom, and if re-elected, I will be guided by that experience as I continue to be fair, impartial and independent.

    To say that I had the most unusual speakership in the last Parliament is an understatement, from ensuring that the House could function during the covid pandemic —new Members might want to google the Rees-Mogg conga—to adapting technology developed during covid to allow President Zelensky to be the first world leader to broadcast to MPs in this Chamber. It was, of course, an honour to represent this House at the lying in state of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, to present the address to the new King in Westminster Hall, and to attend his coronation. Needless to say, in this role, you need staying power. I have already been Speaker during the tenure of three Prime Ministers, two monarchs—and one Jim Shannon! [Laughter.]

    There has never been a dull moment; it is an incredible job, which I want to continue. There is so much more still to do, because I care about the reputation and the standards of this House. I care about enabling the Government to do their job in this Chamber, and about enabling the Opposition to hold the Government to account. I care about supporting Back Benchers to pursue issues that are important to their constituencies— as someone who was a Back-Bench Member for many years, I know how important that is—and I care about you individually, both as Members who have a job to do in this building and as people trying to do those jobs with constituents, staff and families to consider. I have worked tirelessly, and will continue to do so, to keep Members safe, which is the fundamental part of protecting democracy. On that basis, I submit myself to the House as your Speaker, seeking to be your champion.

  • Keir Starmer – 2024 Comments at Downing Street

    Keir Starmer – 2024 Comments at Downing Street

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 6 July 2024.

    Thank you all for coming. Yesterday the work of change began…

    And as the dust settles on Thursday’s result, what is becoming clear for, I think, all to see is the mood of the nation, of the country…

    What is expected of us and the mandate that we have to deliver change…

    It’s a mandate not just to govern, although it is certainly that, but it’s a mandate that has put trust in us to change the country and to deliver…

    And it’s a mandate to do politics differently…

    And that change started yesterday as well…

    I have, as you’ll have seen, appointed a Cabinet…

    That was done yesterday afternoon and completed…

    Some went to the Privy Council this morning to receive their seals, which was a moment in history…

    We followed that with the first Cabinet meeting of the Labour government of 2024…

    At that Cabinet meeting, I had the opportunity to set out precisely what I expect of them in terms of standards, delivery and the trust that the country has put in them…

    And yesterday I met Laurie Magnus, the Independent Adviser on standards, to discuss how we deliver in government…

    At the Cabinet meeting, I also discussed mission delivery…

    How we would put into action the plans that we have set out in our manifesto…

    And that we will have mission delivery boards to drive through the change that we need, and that I will be chairing those boards to make sure that it’s clear to everyone that they are my priority in government…

    We also talked about preparations for the King’s speech…

    And I reminded the entire Cabinet, that we will be judged on actions, not on words…

    And this afternoon, I will continue to make a number of frontbench appointments…

    We clearly on Thursday got a mandate, from all four nations for the first time in 20 plus years…

    We have a majority in England, in Scotland and in Wales…

    And that is a clear mandate to govern for all four corners of the United Kingdom…

    And therefore, I shall set off tomorrow to be in all four nations…

    I shall go first to Scotland…

    I shall then go to Northern Ireland…

    Then to Wales, and then back to England…

    Where I will meet the First Ministers, not just to discuss the issues and challenges of the day. Of course, we will do that…

    But also to establish a way of working across the United Kingdom that will be different and better to the way of working that we’ve had in recent years, and to recognise the contributions of all four nations…

    On Thursday, we also got a mandate on economic growth – the number one mission of the Labour government…

    And so we discussed at Cabinet and have started the work on driving growth…

    And to make sure that growth is everywhere across the whole country so that people are better off everywhere, wherever they live…

    The principle I operate to is those with skin in the game know what’s best for their communities, and that does require us to be bold about pushing power and resource out of Whitehall…

    And therefore, when I return from the four nations, I shall hold a meeting of the Metro mayors to discuss with them their part in delivering the growth that we need across the United Kingdom…

    That will be on Tuesday…

    That will include non-Labour Metro mayors…

    There’s no monopoly on good ideas…

    And I’m not a tribal politician…

    And the principle I operate to, whether it’s mayors or other elected representatives, is that where regional leaders want to deliver for their area…

    Then, regardless of the colour of their rosette, my door is open and my government will work with them…

    Later on Tuesday, I shall set off to Washington for the NATO summit…

    I’ve already had a number of international calls, as you will know, and as you would have expected, to establish the relations across with other countries to have really important discussions about Ukraine and other pressing issues…

    And Washington will be an opportunity for me to have further discussions with some of the leaders I’ve already spoken to and some that I’m due to speak to…

    It is, of course, an important summit on NATO…

    It is for me to be absolutely clear that the first duty of my government is security and defense, to make clear our unshakable support of NATO…

    And of course, to reiterate, as I did to President Zelenskyy yesterday, the support that we will have in this country and with our allies towards Ukraine…

    So this will be a politics and a government that is about delivery, is about service…

    Self-interest is yesterday’s politics…

    I want a politics and a country that works for you…

    Thank you very much.

  • John Healey – 2024 Speech to Defence Staff

    John Healey – 2024 Speech to Defence Staff

    The speech made by John Healey, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 5 July 2024.

    Thank you for that welcome. It is for me an honour to be asked by the Prime Minister to serve in this role and to have the chance to work with you all in the months and years ahead.

    The work you do is vital and we are proud of the professionalism and your dedication to serving this nation, both in uniform and out. So thank you for everything that you do.

    You will have my fullest support as your Defence Secretary.

    We know these are serious times – war in Europe, conflict in the Middle East, growing Russian aggression, increasing global threats.

    We know there are serious problems – with our Armed Forces hollowed out and under funded for 14 years.

    And this government now is totally committed to 2.5% of Defence spending, to NATO, to the nuclear deterrent and to support for Ukraine.

    The country has new leadership. This Ministry has new leadership. Our mission is to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad, with the guiding principle of one Defence. Because it isn’t just those who serve in uniform who defend this country, it’s those of you who serve in the Civil Service, who work on the production line, who staff the research labs, who develop software – and I want to see Defence at the heart both of the future security of this country, and the future success of this country.

    And that means an Armed Forces well-equipped and ready to fight, a skilled, scalable industrial base, a stronger relationship with allies, a more influential MOD, a public that understands and better supports, those who are willing to serve – those whose service is the ultimate form of public service.

    And I do have to tell you I am more interested in results than photo opportunities. And I look forward to learning from your experience and hearing your ideas about how we can develop one Defence.

    I will rely on your experience, your honesty. I’ll rely on your dedication to solve the problems, in delivering the government’s defence plans.

    And I know I will also be inspired by what you do.

    And as Keir Starmer said in Downing Street, we will be a government that respects all. So we will have an Armed Forces and Civil Service, drawing on all the talents. We’ll have a culture that values all, and we’ll have zero tolerance for any abuse, in the military or the Civil Service.

    We must forge one Defence, one mission: to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

    And to all of you, I and the ministerial team, look forward so much to that opportunity to work with you, to deliver just that for our country.

    Thank you very much indeed.

  • David Lammy – 2024 Speech on Reconnecting Britain for our Security and Prosperity

    David Lammy – 2024 Speech on Reconnecting Britain for our Security and Prosperity

    The speech made by David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, on 5 July 2024.

    It is the honour of my life to stand before you as Foreign Secretary. A descendant of enslaved people. A black, working class, man from Tottenham. A community which has never produced a Foreign Secretary before.

    This speaks to what a modern, multicultural Britain can be. Proudly internationalist. Determined to deliver for working people. And committed to building a better future for us all.

    Britain has enormous potential. But the world faces huge challenges. More countries engaged in conflict than at any time since World War II.  Rapidly changing technology. And a climate emergency.

    This government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home. What happens here in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is essential. Diplomacy matters.

    We will begin with a reset with Europe, on climate and with the global South.  And a gear-shift when it comes to delivering on European security, global security and British growth.

    My story is a story of progress. Progress won by all those who fought for a better future.

    Together, let us fight for a better future once again. Change begins now.

  • Ian Murray – 2024 Statement on Being Appointed Scottish Secretary

    Ian Murray – 2024 Statement on Being Appointed Scottish Secretary

    The statement made by Ian Murray on 5 July 2024 after he became the Scottish Secretary.

    It is a real privilege to have been asked to serve in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first Cabinet as Secretary of State for Scotland.  My absolute priority in the role will be to deliver the change and renewal that Scotland needs – to drive economic growth, create jobs and reduce poverty.

    As we rebuild our country, I look forward to Scotland standing foursquare with the other UK nations. I will make sure that the Scotland Office is a strong voice for Scotland within the UK Government.

    New funding will help tackle poverty in Scotland by creating jobs and unlocking opportunities across the country, especially in our most deprived communities.

    The Scotland Office will lead on promoting ‘Brand Scotland’ around the globe. Selling our world class produce, products and services to the world.

    I am also determined to reset the relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments. Focusing on co-operation and joint working will mean we can deliver better results for people in Scotland.

  • Wes Streeting – 2024 Statement on Saving the NHS

    Wes Streeting – 2024 Statement on Saving the NHS

    The statement made by Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on 5 July 2024.

    When we said during the election campaign, that the NHS was going through the biggest crisis in its history, we meant it.

    When we said that patients are being failed on a daily basis, it wasn’t political rhetoric, but the daily reality faced by millions.

    Previous governments have not been willing to admit these simple facts. But in order to cure an illness, you must first diagnose it.

    This government will be honest about the challenges facing our country, and serious about tackling them.

    From today, the policy of this department is that the NHS is broken.

    That is the experience of patients who are not receiving the care they deserve, and of the staff working in the NHS who can see that – despite giving their best – this is not good enough.

    When I was diagnosed with kidney cancer, the NHS saved my life.

    Today, I can begin to repay that debt, by saving our NHS.

    I have just spoken over the phone with the BMA junior doctors committee, and I can announce that talks to end their industrial action will begin next week.

    We promised during the campaign that we would begin negotiations as a matter of urgency, and that is what we are doing.

    This government has received a mandate from millions of voters for change and reform of the NHS, so it can be there for us when we need it once again.

    It will take time – we never pretended that the NHS could be fixed overnight.

    And it will take a team effort. It will be the mission of my department, every member of this government, and the 1.4 million people who work in the NHS, to turn our health service around.

    We have done this before. When we were last in office, we worked hand in hand with NHS staff to deliver the shortest waits and highest patient satisfaction in history. We did it before, and together, we will do it again.

    That work starts today.

  • Clive Lewis – 2024 Comments on Winning Norwich South

    Clive Lewis – 2024 Comments on Winning Norwich South

    The comments made by Clive Lewis, the Labour MP for Norwich South, on 5 July 2024.

    Norwich, thank you for re-electing me.
    Can I first thank the Returning officer and their crack team for the hard work they’ve done tonight on behalf of our democracy as well as all those that have staffed the polling stations across our city.
    Can I also thank the police for their reassuring presence on election night and every night.
    I’d also like to thank my fellow candidates. It’s been a slightly odd election with the focus for many often elsewhere – as is the nature of elections under first past the post.
    I’d like to also thank my fantastic team – particularly Adam Green, Emma Hampton, Sarah Clarke and so many others in Norwich Labour Party who’ve become friends over the years as both MP and candidate for Norwich South.
    I’d also like to give a special thanks to my agents Adam Giles and David Fullham. And finally, to my long-suffering family – Katy & Zana who have probably forgotten what I look like after 6 weeks of a general election.
    After fighting four General elections I realise it is so important in politics to always try not to get carried away – especially in victory.
    No matter how large your vote share is, how big your majority, or how historic your victory – you didn’t win the vote of everyone.
    If government is to be good government it must be pluralistic – not one voice dominating – but many talking together and all being heard. You can’t rule as one faction or one section. To me, country before party means being willing to share power so that good may be done for the many, not the few.
    With that in mind I want to say that I am well aware that many in this constituency voted for other candidates and other parties. And I want to make it clear that I will represent them too.
    I will represent those who voted with the hope of ensuring that the rights of all people – *all* people – are respected: the right to protest; the right to live as one chooses; and the right to seek asylum. Human Rights are not an obstacle for government to overcome -but the bedrock on which it is built.
    I will represent those who voted in hope of a government that stands firm against anyone trying to stop the action needed to avert the worst of human created climate change; for one which sees net zero as a challenge to be seized not something to hide from or wish away.
    And I will represent those who voted in hopes of a government willing to address the economic inequality that scars our city and our country, to redistribute wealth and power from where there is plenty to where there is need.
    Norwich – let’s get to it.
  • Jeremy Corbyn – 2024 Comments on Winning Islington North

    Jeremy Corbyn – 2024 Comments on Winning Islington North

    The comments made by Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader, on 5 July 2024.

    Tonight, our community made history. This election was never about me. It has always been about our community and the values we share. And it’s about our undying belief that there is an alternative to inequality, poverty and war.

    Tonight’s result in Islington North gives us a glimpse of a different future, which puts the interests of the many ahead of those of the few. It is also a warning – a warning to the incoming government that dissent cannot be crushed without consequences. That ideas of equality, justice and peace are eternal. That hope for a better world can never be extinguished.

    Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we organise. The energy we have unleashed will not go to waste. We are a movement made up of all ages, backgrounds and faiths. A movement which can win with and for people all over the country.

  • Praful Nargund – 2024 Comments on Labour Losing Islington North

    Praful Nargund – 2024 Comments on Labour Losing Islington North

    The comments made by Praful Nargund, the Labour Party candidate in Islington North, on 5 July 2024.

    While it wasn’t the result we hoped for, I’d like to thank every resident of Islington North who cast their vote for me. That was a huge act of faith in me, and I’ll always be grateful.

    To each and every person who knocked on doors, stuffed envelopes, delivered leaflets, or helped out in the office – thank you. Your humour, kindness, and energy meant more to me than I can put into words.

    I’m proud to have run a genuinely positive campaign, one that has been full of joy, smiles and hope for a better future for Islington North, and for our country. Of course there were tough times, and I would be lying if I said it was easy to hear and read things about me in this campaign that simply weren’t true. Sadly these sort of tactics are rapidly becoming a regular part of our politics now – and that can’t be good.

    But today, Britain has voted for change. I’m incredibly proud to have stood on behalf of changed Labour party that now has the opportunity to serve in government. Thank you.