Speeches by Pennycook.

“Again, it comes back to the fact that this is not the end of the process. We are involved in the process of building the evidence base and scoping. We will go out to consult on those adopted sites and there will be the chance for people to input as part of that. Then in the final decision-making process, in the event o…”

“I recognise my hon. Friend’s frustration and anger on behalf of his constituent. We will not tolerate transnational repression of the kind that he is concerned about. Specifically, the counterfactual here is not that the Chinese do not have an embassy; they have seven diplomatic premises in the UK already. Again, I com…”

“Planning Ministers will make a decision taking into account all material planning considerations.”

“As I have said, it was precisely because the Department did not feel that it had all the necessary information to make a decision that we sought that further information via a reference-back letter to parties. As I continue to say, all material considerations will be taken into account when a decision is made.”

“What I would say to the hon. Gentleman, as I have said to other hon. Members, is that all national security considerations will be taken into account. He can be reassured of that fact.”

“I simply cannot provide a running commentary on a live case, but I assure all hon. Members that national security is the first duty of Government generally and that all relevant planning considerations will be taken into account when making a decision.”

“I note the right hon. Gentleman’s question. For obvious reasons, we do not comment on intelligence matters. I can assure him that national security concerns and all the representations that have been made along those lines will be taken into account as part of the decision-making process. He says that Tower Hamlets doe…”

“I note the hon. Gentleman’s concerns, and I appreciate his frustration, but this is ultimately a planning case on which a decision is being made. As I have said repeatedly to hon. Members, all material considerations will be taken into account when reaching a decision on this case.”

“I simply note that all the points the hon. Gentleman has made could apply to the existing seven diplomatic premises in the UK. When it comes to this site, as I have said, a decision will be made on or before 20 January, and all material considerations will be taken into account. We remain steadfast in our support for t…”

“I am happy to write to you with other details but the New Homes Ombudsman is in place, making a vital contribution. There is more we could explore on redress. I think I committed to you yesterday, in fact, but I will certainly—”

“With all due respect to the hon. Lady, this is an urgent question in relation to plans that are part of a planning process. I understand her frustration, but it was precisely to secure the information in question that a reference back was made to the parties on 6 August. Her constituents can be reassured that all mater…”

“The planning process has not been compromised. We will make a planning decision on the basis of the relevant propriety guidance. On the delays, given the detailed nature of the representations provided and the need to give parties sufficient opportunity to respond, we have considered that more time is needed for full c…”

“The UK condemns the politically motivated prosecution of Jimmy Lai. No state can bully and persecute the British people for exercising their basic rights. Following the court verdict, the Foreign Office summoned the Chinese ambassador to underline our position in the strongest terms, and we call again for Jimmy Lai’s i…”

“We have reviewed transnational repression through the defending democracy taskforce; we take it incredibly seriously, and I note the hon. Gentleman’s concerns. I am here on behalf of my Department as the Housing and Planning Minister to make clear what the process is for making a decision on this embassy application.”

“In developing the programme, we were inspired by the proud legacy of the post-war Governments and the three waves of new towns that have come forward. Part of the taskforce’s excellent work was learning the lessons of those waves, what went right and what went wrong. Sir Michael can expand on this if you need, but some…”

“I thank the shadow Minister for her questions. I am obviously not going to comment on speculation in the press. On the specific case before Ministers, at the application stage it was a matter for parties what information was put forward for consideration, and it was a matter for Tower Hamlets what information was put o…”

“On a statutory footing?”

“That was the remit we gave the taskforce to come up with, on the basis of the objectives we set out in the terms of reference: what are the sites across the country that most adhere to those? As I say, there is now a slight nuance to the process, which is why I am trying to explain to the Committee exactly what we are …”

“I have to say, Mr Dillon, I am not particularly interested in the party politics. I can assure you and the Committee—”

“This question relates to the proposals for a new Chinese embassy at Royal Mint Court. It is a decision to be taken by Planning Ministers, independent of the rest of Government. As I have said before in the House, this Government are committed to the probity of the planning process at all levels, to ensure robust and ev…”