Oliver Heald: Social exclusion

Let me start by welcoming the Government's renewed emphasis on social exclusion. We share their concerns and welcome further efforts to help those on the edge of society. Although I promise not to refer to Polly Toynbee, it is only right to say that I agree that we should ...

Heald: Giving responsibility to local people and local communities

In his speech to the Conservative Party Conference, Shadow Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, Oliver Heald said:

"This has been an excellent debate.

Thanks to David Mundell, David Lidington and Cheryl for setting out what localism means for the parts of the United Kingdom for which they have responsibility ...

Heald: Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill needs Sunset Clause

Speech in the Commons

We in Parliament are getting better at considering Bills in advance, and I am a strong supporter of pre-legislative scrutiny. To be fair to the Government, they have published more than 40 bills in draft form, many of which have been considered by Committees in advance ...

Heald: Labour plans for more legislation, regulation and Parliamentary corner-cutting

Excerpts from speech to the Commons 2nd Reading debate on the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill

"The House supports deregulation and the Opposition are determined that there should be not only a reduction in the stock of regulation, but that we should regulate less, year on year. However, the worry ...

Heald: Restoring confidence, integrity and accountability to British democracy

Excerpts from speech to the House of Commons

"The United Kingdom has traditionally held a reputation as a beacon of democracy and fair play, the mother of all Parliaments. We have led the way in building foundations for democracy across the world. We have tended as a country to occupy ...