Geoff Hoon
Geoff Hoon
Geoffrey William Hoonis a British politician who served as the Member of Parliamentfor Ashfield from 1992 to 2010. He is a former Defence Secretary, Transport Secretary, Leader of the House of Commons and Government Chief Whip...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionPolitician
Date of Birth6 December 1953
chief deliver democratic elected governing government job promises sure trying
The Chief Whip's job is trying to make sure that the Government - and MPs elected as part of the governing party - deliver the promises that they were elected on. That's a healthy part of the democratic process.
branch costs defence house lived personal property providing special until
I lived at admiralty house from 2002 until 2006 on advice from special branch on security grounds as defence secretary. The alternative of providing comprehensive security at my personal property would have entailed significant extra costs to the taxpayer.
environment protecting
My role is not to choose between safeguarding the economy and protecting the environment - it's about doing both.
consistent despite difficult fairly necessary newspapers people questions received recognised report
Despite my involvement in difficult and sometimes controversial questions I have received consistent support from the people of Ashfield. They have recognised that it is necessary to take difficult decisions, that newspapers do not always report fairly or accurately.
agree might people supported views
I have had many Ashfield people say to me that they might not agree with my political views or my decisions but that they supported my right to be heard.
flights people viable
Most people are flying to Heathrow because it's a hub, so they can fly on to other places, often long-distance flights. If they can't go on those long-distance flights from Heathrow, they will go to Paris, they will go to Amsterdam, they will go to Frankfurt, because those are viable alternatives.
attend belief connection deep event india largest learn political reinforce runs second stands stronger uk year
The political connection between India and the UK runs deep and stands stronger than it has ever been. I attend this event for the second consecutive year and reinforce my belief that we have a lot to learn from the world's largest democracy.
enemies
not be deflected by the enemies of peace.
campaign history moved passed technology
That kind of campaign has fortunately passed into history as technology has moved on.
continue political understand work
It's important that we continue to work together... that we understand each other's political difficulties.
available ensuring inexorably lead military options process range
What we are doing is ensuring that we have a range of military options available should they be required, ... This process does not lead inexorably to military action.
mission risk safety security
to do so would risk the operational security of the mission and potentially the safety of our forces.
action easier hussein saddam taking time
To do nothing, to give Saddam Hussein time without end, as he wishes, would be easier than taking action, certainly.
indians showing shows step
encouraging because it shows the Indians are showing a first step back from the brink.