Tag: Speeches

Ed Miliband – 2021 Comments on Appointments of Alok Sharma and Kwasi Kwarteng

The comments made by Ed Miliband, the Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, on 8 January 2021.

Kwasi Kwarteng has a massive task. Businesses needs support and a plan to help them through this year, not the inadequate sticking plaster measures we have seen. The failure to provide support equal to the scale of the emergency risks many businesses going to the wall. He must deliver.

It’s welcome that Alok Sharma is now doing the COP Presidency as a full-time role. It’s absolutely crucial that the full political, diplomatic and strategic resources of government are now directed to the most ambitious outcome at Glasgow, which is a 1.5 degree deal.

January 9, 2021
Rachel Reeves – 2021 Comments on DPD Suspending Delivery Operations

The comments made by Rachel Reeves, the Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, on 8 January 2021.

This government said it was prepared for a smooth transition – but instead major carriers like DPD are left wrangling with completely overwhelmed systems without any help.

As well as consumers, this impacts on British companies large to small – from carriers like DPD to the many small, independent businesses already under such huge strain trying to sell across Europe.

This government seems to prefer throwing taxpayer money at expensive consultants over listening to experienced businesses and offering them the practical, common sense support they need – like a helpline that functions when they’re operating.

This government can talk the talk, but clearly can’t walk the walk when it comes to supporting British businesses.

January 9, 2021
Michael Gove – 2021 Comments on Border Traffic

The comments made by Michael Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, on 9 January 2021.

I’d like to thank hauliers, traders and our key industry partners for the hard work they have been putting in to make sure that they are compliant with the new rules.

The preparations they have made have paid dividends and disruption has been minimal so far, but the real challenge and potential for significant disruption starts next week when we expect that the number of lorries heading to the border may return to normal levels.

We have always been clear there would be changes now that we are out of the customs union and single market, so full compliance with the new rules is vital to avoid disruption, and the best way to ensure readiness is to follow the guidance on gov.uk and use the ‘Check an HGV’ service.

We stand ready to help keep goods flowing smoothly as we adjust to our new relationship with the EU and ensure we take advantage of the opportunities it brings.

January 9, 2021
Dominic Raab – 2021 Joint Statement on Hong Kong

The joint statement made by Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, with other foreign secretaries on 9 January 2021.

We, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, and the United States Secretary of State, underscore our serious concern at the mass arrests of 55 politicians and activists in Hong Kong for subversion under the National Security Law.

The National Security Law is a clear breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and undermines the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ framework. It has curtailed the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. It is clear that the National Security Law is being used to eliminate dissent and opposing political views.

We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese central authorities to respect the legally guaranteed rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong without fear of arrest and detention. It is crucial that the postponed Legislative Council elections in September proceed in a fair way that includes candidates representing a range of political opinions.

January 9, 2021
Jim McMahon – 2021 Comments on Delays at Borders

The comments made by Jim McMahon, the Shadow Transport Secretary, on 8 January 2021.

The Government promised it had a plan to make sure things ran smoothly for businesses and hauliers post-Brexit.

It’s clear the problems caused by its poor preparation and delaying tactics have not gone away. Ministers have to get a grip on this and make sure essential workers are actually able to do their jobs, or we risk seeing a repeat of the chaos on our roads at Christmas.

January 8, 2021
Nick Thomas-Symonds – 2021 Comments on Testing Passengers Entering the UK

The comments made by Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Shadow Home Secretary, on 8 January 2021.

This is a necessary step, as it’s vital to do everything possible to control the spread of the virus and any further strains.

However, Labour has been calling for a comprehensive strategy on testing for international travel since April. Instead the Government has been lurching from one crisis to another.

In that time they have lost control of the virus and risked leaving the nation’s doors unlocked against the possibility of different strains of the virus entering the country from across the world.

January 8, 2021
Thangam Debbonaire – 2021 Comments on Evictions

The comments made by Thangam Debbonaire, the Shadow Housing Secretary, on 8 January 2021.

The Government’s last minute U-turn is not good enough. The virus is more rampant than ever before, yet the government action does not measure up to what was done in March.

The money for homelessness will not get everyone off the streets. The ban on bailiffs does not protect people from eviction.

After almost a year of economic hardship, hundreds of thousands of renters are already behind on their rent and household bills. The Government must keep its promise that nobody will lose their home because of Coronavirus.

January 8, 2021
Alok Sharma – 2021 Comments on the Moderna Vaccine

The comments made by Alok Sharma, the Business Secretary, on 8 January 2021.

Vaccines are the key to releasing us all from the grip of this pandemic, and today’s news is yet another important step towards ending lockdown and returning to normal life.

The UK was one of the first countries in Europe to sign a deal with Moderna, and I’m delighted our Vaccine Taskforce has secured an additional 10 million doses of their highly effective vaccine to protect the British public and save lives.

From the scientists and trial volunteers to our world-class regulators and clinicians, we are enormously grateful to everyone who has played their part in this national effort to defeat the virus and get our country back on its feet.

January 8, 2021
Matt Hancock – 2021 Comments on the Moderna Vaccine

The comments made by Matt Hancock, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on 8 January 2021.

This is fantastic news and another weapon in our arsenal to tame this awful disease.

Through our vaccine delivery plan we have already vaccinated nearly 1.5 million people across the UK. The Moderna vaccine will boost our vaccination programme even further once doses become available from the spring.

While we immunise those most at risk from COVID, I urge everyone to continue following the rules to keep cases low to protect our loved ones.

January 8, 2021
Robert Jenrick – 2021 Comments on Protection for Homeless and Renters

The comments made by Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 8 January 2021.

At the start of this pandemic we made sure that the most vulnerable in society were protected. This winter, we are continuing in this vein and redoubling our efforts to help those most in need.

Our ongoing Everyone In initiative is widely regarded as one of the most successful of its kind in the world, ensuring 33,000 people are safe in accommodation. We are now going further and focusing on GP registration of rough sleepers.

We are also extending the ban on bailiff evictions – helping to protect the most vulnerable renters.

January 8, 2021