Tag: 2021

  • Brandon Lewis – 2021 Statement Following Death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    Brandon Lewis – 2021 Statement Following Death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    The statement made by Brandon Lewis, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, on 10 April 2021.

    Prince Philip lived an extraordinary life of service – the Queen’s loyal consort, a naval hero and a man who inspired so many across Northern Ireland, and the world, through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

    As a regular visitor to Northern Ireland, having made 56 official visits in his lifetime, I know there will be many people who will wish to pay their respects and mourn his passing. He will be remembered not only as a truly dedicated public servant but also a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

    My deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the whole of the Royal family as they mourn this tremendous loss.

  • Jim McMahon – 2021 Comments on Global Travel Taskforce’s Report

    Jim McMahon – 2021 Comments on Global Travel Taskforce’s Report

    The comments made by Jim McMahon, the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, on 9 April 2021.

    Time and again the UK Government have been devoid of strategy when it comes to protecting our borders against Covid.

    At a time when cases are rising across Europe and the threat of variants remains deeply worrying, we need a comprehensive hotel quarantine system, to help protect the gains of the vaccine. The first priority has to be keeping people safe.

    Labour will look at these proposals, but proper details and clarity about strategy are vital. This must include the criteria by which the ‘traffic lights’ will be decided, as well as clear information for travellers and industry, about what test will be required and resulting costs.

    It will take a long time for international travel to recover from the impact of the virus. The Government must come up with a comprehensive financial support package for the aviation sector and its supply chain which supports almost a quarter of a million jobs and protects the environment and stimulates further decarbonisation of the industry.

  • Kate Green – 2021 Comments on Mental Health Issues Amongst Children

    Kate Green – 2021 Comments on Mental Health Issues Amongst Children

    The comments made by Kate Green, the Shadow Secretary of State for Education, on 9 April 2021.

    The pressure the Conservatives are putting on children to ‘catch-up’ academically ignores the crucial role mental health and wellbeing play in children’s learning and development.

    The pandemic has exacerbated a decade of Conservative failure, with more families struggling to pay the bills and living in insecure housing, while specialist mental health support has been cut.

    Labour’s Bright Future Taskforce would put wellbeing at the heart of a national strategy to ensure every child recovers from the pandemic and is supported to reach their full potential.

  • Oliver Heald – 2021 Comments on the Death of Ian Gibson

    Oliver Heald – 2021 Comments on the Death of Ian Gibson

    The comments made by Oliver Heald on 9 April 2021.

    Ian Gibson, Labour MP of years gone by has sadly passed away. A good MP and one prepared to make common cause across Party.

  • Owen Paterson – 2021 Statement Following Death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    Owen Paterson – 2021 Statement Following Death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    The statement made by Owen Paterson on 9 April 2021.

    HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was an extraordinary public servant.

    A naval hero, Mentioned in Despatches for service at the Battle of Cape Matapan.

    Inspired generations of young people through Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

    My deepest condolences to HM The Queen & Royal Family.

  • Greg Hands – 2021 Statement Following Death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    Greg Hands – 2021 Statement Following Death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    The statement made by Greg Hands, the Conservative MP for Chelsea and Fulham, on 9 April 2021.

    First time I met Prince Philip was, in retrospect, very funny.

    Elected MP for Chelsea, May 2010, I was in the receiving line at the Chelsea Flower Show, a few days after.

    I had practised my bow, nervously.

    On performing it, he looked at me & asked:

    “Are you new?”

  • Barack Obama – 2021 Statement Following Death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    Barack Obama – 2021 Statement Following Death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    The statement made by Barack Obama, the former President of the United States, on 9 April 2021.

    When we first met His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, he and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had already been on the world stage for more than half a century — welcoming leaders like Churchill and Kennedy; Mandela and Gorbachev. As two Americans unaccustomed to palaces and pomp, we didn’t know what to expect.

    We shouldn’t have worried. The Queen and Prince Philip immediately put us at ease with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremonial occasion into something far more natural, even comfortable. Prince Philip in particular was kind and warm, with a sharp wit and unfailing good humor. It was our first introduction to the man behind the title, and in the years since, our admiration for him has only grown. We will miss him dearly.

    Like the Queen, Prince Philip saw world wars and economic crises come and go. The radio gave way to the television, and the television to the internet. And through it all, he helped provide steady leadership and guiding wisdom. It has long been said that the United States and Great Britain have a special relationship — one that has been maintained and strengthened not just by presidents and prime ministers but by the Royal Family that has outlasted them all.

    At the Queen’s side or trailing the customary two steps behind, Prince Philip showed the world what it meant to be a supportive husband to a powerful woman. Yet he also found a way to lead without demanding the spotlight — serving in combat in World War II, commanding a frigate in the Royal Navy, and tirelessly touring the world to champion British industry and excellence. Through his extraordinary example, he proved that true partnership has room for both ambition and selflessness — all in service of something greater.

    As the world mourns his loss, we send our warmest wishes and deepest sympathies to the Queen, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and everyone who knew and loved this remarkable man.

  • Zarah Sultana – 2021 Statement Following Death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    Zarah Sultana – 2021 Statement Following Death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    The statement made by Zarah Sultana, the Labour MP for Coventry South, on 9 April 2021.

    Condolences to the Windsor family on the loss of their husband, father and grandfather Philip – and thoughts with everyone whose life he touched.

    Far too many families have experienced the loss of a loved one this past year, and we mourn for each of them.

  • Keir Starmer – 2021 Statement Following Death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    Keir Starmer – 2021 Statement Following Death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition, on 9 April 2021.

    The United Kingdom has lost an extraordinary public servant in Prince Philip.

    Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country – from a distinguished career in the Royal Navy during the Second World War to his decades of service as the Duke of Edinburgh.

    However, he will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to The Queen.

    For more than seven decades, he has been at her side. Their marriage has been a symbol of strength, stability and hope, even as the world around them changed – most recently during the pandemic. It was a partnership that inspired millions in Britain and beyond.

    My thoughts are with The Queen, the Royal Family and the British people as our nation comes together to mourn and remember the life of Prince Philip.

  • Nicola Sturgeon – 2021 Statement Following Death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    Nicola Sturgeon – 2021 Statement Following Death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    The statement made by Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, on 9 April 2021.

    On behalf of the people of Scotland, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and the rest of the royal family.

    Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time and their grief is shared by people across the country.

    The Duke of Edinburgh had deep and longstanding ties to Scotland, attending school here at Gordonstoun and regularly holidaying at Balmoral Castle.

    From his patronage of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, to his close association with the University of Edinburgh as Chancellor for over 50 years and his commitments to countless charities and organisations, Prince Philip’s long contribution to public life in Scotland will leave a profound mark on its people.

    Online Books of Condolence will open in the coming days to allow people to pay their respects. In line with current restrictions, the royal household has requested that members of the public do not leave floral tributes or gather at the Palace of Holyroodhouse of Balmoral Castle at this time.

    The Palace has suggested that people could donate to charity instead, if they wish to do so.