Speeches by Wheeler.

“I want to press this, as someone who has occasionally found myself towards the bottom of the non-existent list in a debate, despite being not an incredibly frequent speaker. It is fair to say that it is a real and apparent problem when people are donating time to colleagues who are ahead of you. I agree with your asses…”

“If I might, I want to really press this in case it becomes an issue. I might agree that we should and we might, but in terms of a practical impact on the Chamber and the real psychology of our colleagues, do you not think there would be less willingness to take interventions?”

“I want to press this, as someone who has occasionally found myself towards the bottom of the non-existent list in a debate, despite being not an incredibly frequent speaker. It is fair to say that it is a real and apparent problem when people are donating time to colleagues who are ahead of you. I agree with your asses…”

“I understand that one of the concerns raised with our predecessor Committee was that elections for Deputy Speakers might introduce a partisan element of friction within the Speaker and Deputy Speaker team. In your opinion, from your extensive experience, was there any hangover from competitive elections? Was there any …”

“There was not any potential friction, as a hangover from a competitive election?”

“Good afternoon. I understand that one of the concerns raised with our predecessor Committee about the introduction of elections in the first place was that introducing that mildly partisan element might undermine the cohesion and strong working relationships between the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker team. In your expe…”

“I feel as though I should declare an interest, as I am the proud dad of a little boy who is literally taking his first steps as our Government take these important steps in a critical area. I welcome the statement and all the Secretary of State’s work in this area. I particularly welcome the fact that St Stephen’s in m…”

“I disagree that the issue is “purely” around enforcement. Obviously, there are elements of enforcement, but separating out one part of a package—a regulatory framework that will future-proof us from other issues—is not a coherent argument. To conclude, it is vital that we create a product safety, regulatory and metrolo…”

“Having heard these comments several times, I wonder whether the hon. Member will accept that wisdom is not necessarily proportional to the amount of time spent in the Chamber.”

“I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that intervention. We are dealing with a regulatory black hole that was left behind, and the absence of a framework is letting down the consumers and people of this country—[Interruption.] I was about to say that I am sure we would all agree on that, but that is potentially a stretch…”

“I thank the hon. Lady for giving way. As a fellow member of the Procedure Committee, I do enjoy a good procedural debate, but I wonder whether she will get to the meat of the Bill at any point. Will we be talking about Brexit bogeymen, or will we be talking about consumer safety, representing those we are here to repre…”

“I welcome this essential and timely Bill, which upgrades our product safety, regulation and metrology—a word that I admit I had to look up, but it does not take much to understand it—framework, delivering a much-needed boost to protections for consumers and ensuring that every company in the UK, whether they operate on…”

“If the system we have in place was working, we would not be here debating this, and we would not see these shoddy products on sale or these fires. The only explanation is either that the system does not work or the last Government failed in their duty to the people of this country. As I was saying, this has left Britis…”

“I welcome my hon. Friend’s intervention. I will happily admit to the House that I am not an expert on AI. I do, however, recognise that the fast-developing nature of AI as it relates to consumer safety and product regulation requires a rapid response, which is potentially not necessarily suited to a full debate on the …”

“I can think of several—for example, the lack of regulation around the e-bikes and e-scooters on our streets that are causing fires. We are in a fast-moving environment, and we are creating a framework that will future-proof our system.”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Dr Murrison. I thank my neighbour, my hon. Friend Member for Leigh and Atherton (Jo Platt), for securing this debate about connectivity; we are well connected, as I am sure she appreciates. Efficient, affordable and accessible transport options are crucial to north-wes…”

“I have a quick question. I understand that you are not suggesting the pursuit of promoting changes, and I found your answer interesting. To circle back to the question and to press on it slightly, do you see this exemption as potentially incompatible or out of step—that it exists and perhaps continues to exist, given w…”

“The code of conduct, which was updated in 2022, already contains several rules that regulate and provide transparency on MPs’ outside interests and earnings. Do you see any arguments in favour of maintaining the status quo?”

“Around media—if the existing exemption were to continue. Even in the context of the current rules, do you think it is out of step with those principles?”

“I think that a Bill that promotes good, secure work across the economy is something we should not shy away from. I believe, if I am correct, that the figure referenced represents 0.5% of the costs of businesses, so no—I am not concerned. I would like to finish in a slightly odd place. Benjamin Disraeli believed that hi…”