Speeches by Morello.

“I am interested to know whether you have had any conversations with the incoming Prime Minister about the EU reset, about changing or being more flexible on the so-called red lines, and about increasing the ambition of our negotiations with the EU and seeking closer relations.”

“We have published our report, but I accept that you will not have had time to respond to it yet, though we look forward to your response to our recommendations. I am eager to hear whether you have a view on the Committee’s recommendation that, in the case of political appointments to head of mission roles, this Committ…”

“Thank you. I have one final question, if you will indulge me, Chair.”

“You suggested earlier that you had paused the restructuring programme. Did I misunderstand? Is that happening?”

“Manageable how? The DIP funding plan states that the Government will “monetise assets including land and buildings”. Are you monetising something? Are you finding additional savings?”

“Have you taken any steps to ensure that such circumstances cannot happen again?”

“When will we have a new permanent under-secretary?”

“Okay. Sir Olly was responsible for delivering what is a large-scale restructuring and loss of headcount. Do you now have responsibility for that? Foreign Secretary, do you have political oversight of it? What does that process look like at the moment, with the loss of Sir Olly?”

“Some holiday reading.”

“I beg to move, That this House has considered Government support for rugby in schools. It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Mr Vickers. It is a privilege to bring this important debate to the Chamber. Rugby is far more than 80 minutes on a Saturday afternoon: it teaches young people that success is earned c…”

“You and Mr Dyer have mentioned that there is still work to be done on what the final operational headcount looks like. The Procedure Committee last week highlighted that the FCDO is among the worst Departments in responding to written questions. The question I ask about the restructuring process, and how long it is goi…”

“To fund the defence investment plan, the Government announced a 1% capital budget cut across all Departments, implying an overall £111 million cut to the FCDO until 2029-30. What are you having to cut?”

“I briefly want to revisit this Committee’s inquiry into the appointment of Peter Mandelson.”

“Foreign Secretary, the Foreign Affairs Committee did an inquiry into the appointment of Peter Mandelson as His Majesty’s ambassador to Washington. In evidence to this Committee, Sir Olly Robbins told us that he had been asked to find a job for Matthew Doyle and was told not to tell Ministers. What is your view on the a…”

“It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Sir Christopher. I congratulate the hon. Member for Gordon and Buchan (Harriet Cross) on securing this important and timely debate. Pig farming is an important part of our rural economy in West Dorset. Alongside several family-run pig farms, we are home to a large integr…”

“When will a new permanent under-secretary be appointed?”

“When will the Department publish the delayed strategic workforce plan?”

“But we do not have that.”

“The hon. Member must forgive that my speech is weighted towards English rugby, as he is absolutely right that the important role rugby clubs play in a community is true in all four parts of the United Kingdom. Research has now described the evidence linking organised sport with improved psychological wellbeing as compe…”

“But you do not have a sense that there will be a change of approach to the EU reset with the change of Administration.”