Tag: Speeches

Ben Wallace – 2020 Comments on VJ Day Plans

Comments made by Ben Wallace, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 5 August 2020.

VJ Day is sometimes seen as the forgotten victory, but this year, on its 75th anniversary, our celebrations are rightly focused on paying special tribute to the Greatest Generation and their service and sacrifice in the Far East. I will be thinking of the unique hardships faced by those who served, and thanking them for all they did for us.

The partnerships forged during the Far East campaign continue to thrive today. It’s a unique honour for me as Defence Secretary to meet Second World War veterans in person at important commemorations such as these. As a former Army officer, I understand just how much today’s troops are inspired by those who came before them.

I am proud we have put together such a full programme of events and look forward to paying tribute to our amazing Asia pacific war veterans.

August 5, 2020
Oliver Dowden – 2020 Comments on VJ Day Plans

Comments made by Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, on 5 August 2020.

We must never forget the bravery and sacrifice of our greatest generation. On 15 August we will come together as a nation to remember, give thanks and pay tribute to the endurance of those who served around the world and finally secured peace for us. These commemorations will inspire a new generation to learn about them and ensure their stories of heroism and sacrifice live on.

August 5, 2020
Boris Johnson – 2020 Comments on VJ Day Plans

The comments made by Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, on 5 August 2020.

When the Second World War ended 75 years ago with the surrender of Japan, British soldiers, sailors and airmen were serving in the Far East, fighting hard to achieve victory – and were among the last to come home.

On this anniversary I want to remember what we owe the veterans of the Far East campaign. They brought an end to the Second World War, they changed the course of history for the better, liberated South East Asia, and many paid the ultimate sacrifice.

That’s why on this remarkable anniversary – and every day hereafter – we will remember them.

August 5, 2020
Gavin Williamson – 2020 Comments on School Funding Projects

Comments made by Gavin Williamson, the Secretary of State for Education, on 5 August 2020.

As we work towards all children returning to school in September, this investment in our school and college buildings helps create modern environments that lend themselves to great teaching, making sure every child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

We have worked at great speed to release this additional £560 million of condition funding to schools for projects this year to kick-start the economy and transform the buildings so vital for excellent teaching.

We have now allocated over £2 billion this year to improve the condition of our school buildings, paving the way for our new transformative ten-year school building programme starting later this year with over £1 billion funding for the first wave of 50 schools.

August 5, 2020
Priti Patel – 2020 Comments on Dstl Scientists

The comments made by Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, on 5 August 2020.

This Government is committed to giving police the resources they need and empowering them to use technologies to fight crime and keep the public safe. I am exceptionally impressed to see how Dstl is contributing to this priority through science and technology, which is directly benefiting crime reduction and providing better protection for our dedicated police officers.

This research and development is absolutely crucial to keeping our country and citizens safe and it is exciting to see the work come to fruition.

August 5, 2020
Lucy Powell – 2020 Comments on High Pay Report

Comments made by Lucy Powell, the Shadow Minister for Business and Consumers, on 5 August 2020.

These figures will stick in the throat of many low paid workers who have gone above and beyond during this pandemic to keep our shelves stocked, care for older people and deliver goods across our country. They have been undervalued and underpaid for years. This can’t go on.

With the looming spectre of mass unemployment, Ministers must redouble their efforts to get excessive pay under control and make sure those on low incomes who have worked so hard to keep our country running get the pay they deserve.

August 5, 2020
Tulip Siddiq – 2020 Comments on Social Mobility Commission Report

Comments made by Tulip Siddiq, the Shadow Minister for Children and Early Years, on 5 August 2020.

Years of underfunding has left childcare professionals working long hours for very low pay. This is driving talented staff out of the sector and letting down the young children whose life chances are shaped by vital early education.

Labour has been calling for targeted support to save the thousands of nurseries and childminding business that are threatened with closure due to Covid-19. But we cannot go back to undervaluing the childcare workforce after this crisis – we must invest in them for the sake of the next generation.

August 5, 2020
Nick Thomas-Symonds – 2020 Comments on Home Affairs Select Committee Report

The comments made by Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Shadow Home Secretary, on 5 August 2020.

The findings of this Home Affairs Select Committee report are a stark warning to the Government that it needs to learn lessons, and fast.

The Government’s decision to lift self-isolation guidance on 13 March and create a situation where no border protections were in place for three months is described as “inexplicable” and there is harsh criticism for the mixed messaging on recent border measures.

The Government needs to get a grip of its communication, be open and transparent about the quarantining measures it needs to take, by publishing the evidence it is based on, and develop a properly functioning testing system.

August 5, 2020
David Lammy – 2020 Comments on Courts Backlog

The comments made by David Lammy, the Shadow Justice Secretary, on 5 August 2020.

The Tories’ disastrous sell-off of courts in England and Wales has created a situation where dangerous offenders could now be released onto the streets.

This could threaten public safety as well as being another insult to the generation of victims who are being denied justice by endless delays.

Tory vandalism has created chaos and permanently damaged the justice system. It’s unbelievable that the Government plans to close further courts.

The Government must stop dithering over its roll out of Nightingale Courts. We urgently need more capacity to deal with the immediate crisis. The Conservatives must also promise to make no new plans to close more courts while in government.

August 5, 2020
Vicky Foxcroft – 2020 Comments on Shielding Population

The comments made by Vicky Foxcroft, the Shadow Minister for Disabled People, on 5 August 2020.

Sadly these statistics confirm what Labour has been warning for some time, issuing back to work notices for the clinical vulnerable with no support has left many facing an impossible choice between their health and their livelihood.

The Government must publish the scientific advice it has received confirming it is safe for disabled and clinically vulnerable people to stop shielding. They must urgently confirm how those who cannot return to their workplace will be supported, how many people this affects and what steps they are taking to communicate this to the shielding community.

August 5, 2020