http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speecharchive.php Recent Speeches from Mark Hunter MP and the Cheadle Liberal Democrats en-GB Mark Hunter MP and the Cheadle Liberal Democrats http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/ Prater Raines Ltd http://www.praterraines.co.uk/ (c) 2008 Mark Hunter MP and the Cheadle Liberal Democrats 2008-11-20T21:52+00:00 United Kingdom http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000027/mark_discussing_european_affairs_and_calling_for_a_referendum_on_the_question_of_whether_the_uk_should_stay_in_or_get_out_of_europe.html First of all, I associate myself with the remarks made by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs at the start of proceedings with regard to the tragedy in Algeria earlier today. Although details are still emerging, it is obvious that it was a very bad incident, and as the right hon. Gentleman said, our thoughts must be with everyone-the families and friends of all those who were killed or injured. 2007-12-11T18:00+00:00 http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000026/mark_discussing_the_importance_of_the_interparliamentary_union.html It is a particular pleasure for me to have the opportunity of participating in the debate, not just because you are a near constituency neighbour of mine, but because of your own long-standing and personal interest in the matters that we are discussing. 2007-11-22T14:30+00:00 http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000025/mark_calling_for_action_in_burma.html May I open my remarks by expressing our support for and solidarity with the pro-democracy demonstrators and supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi in particular? We would all agree that they have dealt bravely with the impossible situation in Burma and deserve all the assistance that the international community can give. I add my voice to those condemning the indiscriminate violent attacks on the demonstrators and others in Burma over the last months, and the awful human rights violations that have occurred. 2007-10-29T17:30+00:00 http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000024/mark_arguing_for_human_rights_improvements_around_the_world.html It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to participate in this debate under your chairmanship, Mr. Chope. I applaud the Select Committee for producing this robust and detailed annual report and its Chairman for his succinct presentation of its contents today. The Select Committee ought to be congratulated on what is self-evidently a thorough job of work. 2007-10-11T14:30+00:00 http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000023/mark_discussing_the_uks_relationship_with_russia.html It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship again, Mr. Bayley. I congratulate the hon. Member for The Wrekin (Mark Pritchard) on securing the debate, in which several interesting contributions have been by hon. Members from both sides. 2007-07-25T10:00+00:00 http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000022/mark_discussing_the_uk_relationship_with_saudi_arabia.html I start by thanking the hon. Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham for securing the debate, especially in light of recent tensions between the two Governments; the debate is timely to say the least. He gave an eloquent although, I am bound to say, rather partial account of the current state of our relationship with the Saudi Arabian Government. 2007-07-24T10:00+00:00 http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000021/mark_calling_for_the_release_of_israeli_soldiers_and_discussing_the_the_situation_in_the_middle_east.html I thank the hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire (Mr. Vara) for calling this important debate, which is particularly important in the context of recent events in the Gaza strip. I welcome the opportunity to discuss efforts to secure the release of the captured Israeli soldiers and the aftermath of events surrounding those captures. I wish to put it on the record that, as have other hon. Members, I pay tribute to the courage of Alan Johnston, the captured BBC journalist, and that the bravery of our correspondents abroad should never be forgotten by the House. I am sure that the Minister will want to bring us up to speed on efforts to secure his release. 2007-06-27T10:00+00:00 http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000020/mark_supporting_the_international_tribunal_on_sierra_leone.html It is a privilege to follow the hon. Member for Crosby (Mrs. Curtis-Thomas), whose testimony was powerful. She spoke movingly, knowledgeably and with great sincerity. 2007-06-13T14:00+00:00 http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000019/mark_discusses_irans_relationship_with_the_uk.html I thank the hon. Member for Newark (Patrick Mercer) for securing the debate, especially in the context of the upcoming US-Iranian talks about Iraq later this month. His views have been interesting and enlightening, particularly in the light of his personal experience with and contribution to our armed forces. 2007-05-23T10:00+00:00 http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000018/mark_argues_that_action_on_climate_change_begins_at_home.html The original title of this debate was "Action on climate change begins at home". The latter part of that title is the most important in relation to what we have discussed today, not least because of the pressing need to persuade the public and individuals that they can make a difference by changing their own habits and lifestyles at home. 2007-05-08T18:00+00:00 http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000017/in_support_of_concessionary_bus_fares.html I shall be brief, Mr. Cook. I congratulate the hon. Member for Manchester, Blackley (Graham Stringer) on securing the debate, and he contributed thoughtfully on a subject that has caused considerable concern on all sides. I speak as a former member of the Greater Manchester passenger transport authority and a keen supporter of public transport, whether bus, light rail or the railway system. 2007-04-25T02:30+00:00 http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000014/mark_hunter_argues_for_cultural_exchange_to_improve_britains_relationship_with_the_world.html I would like to thank my honourable friend the member for Bath for calling this debate, for my colleagues on both sides of the House for their enlightening comments on this issue. 2007-03-13T11:00+00:00 http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000015/mark_hunter_calls_for_no_military_action_in_iran.html I would like to thank both the hon member for The Wrekin for securing the opportunity to discuss this matter, and the Minister for attending and engaging so fully in the debate today. This discussion is, of course, particularly timely given the meeting yesterday of the UN Security Council members, and Germany to discuss the possibility of further sanction against Iran. 2007-02-27T11:00+00:00 http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000016/mark_hunter_discusses_uk_relations_with_lebanon_and_syria.html I am grateful to the Rt Hon member for Birmingham, Ladywood for securing this debate. I am delighted that the Minister is speaking at this debate and that he is engaging constructively with the members present. 2007-02-27T09:30+00:00 http://www.cheadle-libdems.org.uk/speeches/000011/mark_speaks_out_against_the_human_rights_situation_in_china.html May I say what a pleasure it is to contribute to this important debate under your chairmanship, Mr. Benton? I begin by congratulating the chairman and members of the Foreign Affairs Committee on the prodigious job that they have done in producing the report, and I thank the Government for their response to it. The Chairman of the Committee, the hon. Member for Ilford, South (Mike Gapes), gave a very thoughtful speech in opening the debate. 2007-02-01T00:00+00:00