Speeches by Barker.

“4. Whether she plans to increase the level of small business rates relief for the hair and beauty sector.”

“T1. If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.”

“Before I call the next speaker, I suggest an informal time limit of four minutes per speaker, because of the popularity of this important debate. I hope that Members will help each other out by keeping speeches to four minutes, please.”

“Order. I am sorry, but I am going to have to take the limit down to three and a half minutes. It is an informal limit; if we can stick to it, I will not have to impose a formal limit.”

“Order. After the next speaker, there will be a formal time limit of three minutes.”

“Many happy returns to your son.”

“Order. May I bring the shadow Minister back to the issue of play, please?”

“Order. I ask the shadow Minister to bring his remarks back to the petition, please.”

“I pay tribute to the families, some of whom are in the Public Gallery; to Elkan Abrahamson and Pete Weatherby KC, who have done phenomenal work for the past 37 years; and of course, to my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool West Derby (Ian Byrne), and to the Minister for the work that she has done on this. While I am …”

“As the Minister alluded to, British taxpayers have witnessed atrocities committed by Israeli authorities in Gaza and then acted by donating to NGOs that are ordinarily able to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid there. However, Israeli authorities continue to impede full humanitarian access, leaving aid paid for by th…”

“Compliance with international law is not an either/or, and I am extremely concerned that the action of the United States shows utter disdain for international law and leaves enormous uncertainty over the future of Venezuela. It removes a leader whose rule was corrupt and cruel, but rather than celebrating, many people …”

“It is entirely up to you.”

“Do you accept that the effect of your action would have been to prevent the House from receiving information from a statutory body that sought to provide it? This follows on from Mr Snell’s question earlier.”

“In your letter on 4 July to Speaker’s Counsel, Mr Rechtman writes that your conduct cannot amount to contempt of Parliament. What internal discussions took place when the possibility that you may be committing contempt was raised with you?”

“You have been very clear on that, so thank you. Mr Rechtman, is there anything you would like to add?”

“Do you have anything to add, Mr Simms?”

“Thank you for being here this morning, gentlemen. On 19 March, by your account, you asked the PHSO to delay laying its report before Parliament. Why did you wish to prevent that report from being laid before Parliament? What was your thought process?”

“The Charity Commission has argued that it is challenging the lawfulness of the recommendations. What legal advice have you taken on the matter? Can you share that with us?”

“Thank you.”

“Thanks very much for being here, Mr Banister. Thank you for setting that out so comprehensively; you have answered one of my questions already. Why did you share the report in draft? Have you shared previous reports in draft at any earlier date?”