Home Affairs

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:30 pm on 29 November 2004.

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Photo of David Blunkett David Blunkett The Secretary of State for the Home Department 4:30, 29 November 2004

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman. If they do not work, they will be utterly useless. I am glad that we are getting such agreement this afternoon. To be totally honest, I think that across the House, perhaps with one or two exceptions, most Members agree in their heart of hearts with most of what I am saying. There will be differences of nuance and approach. One thing is absolutely certain: despite the fact that we are clearly closer to a general election than we were a year ago—I will put it no more strongly than that—I intend to continue listening, responding to and, where possible, accommodating the concerns of all Members of the House on my own side and on the Opposition Benches. Some of the measures will undoubtedly be improved by the strength of people engaging positively with them.