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
assigned certainly clear conflict forces major prepared start tasks
We've made it clear that this is not the start of a major conflict, but certainly our forces are ready, they are prepared and they will take on the tasks that assigned to them,
both clear course longer matter member private provide strategic
I don't want to be a lobbyist. I want to provide strategic advice to companies. I said both of those things in the course of the interview, and I made clear this is a matter only for after I had become a private citizen and I was no longer a member of parliament.
determined economic last tories
During the last economic slowdown in the 1990s, the Tories slashed infrastructure investment. I am determined not to make that mistake.
buses closely electric encourage huge including people programme promote record sums
We're investing record sums on buses and trains. We have a huge programme to encourage people to walk and cycle, and everyone up to and including the PM has been looking closely at how we can promote electric vehicles, hybrids, and other technologies.
both fulfil home maintain
I need to maintain a home in Derbyshire and in London to be able both to represent my constituents and to fulfil my responsibilities as an MP and as a minister.
anyone drawn earn future happens job knowledge leave positions previous skills
I think anyone about to leave one job not surprisingly would use their knowledge, their experience, their skills drawn from their previous positions to try and earn a living in the future. That's what happens in all interviews.
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.
along bill clear debate discussion
We have made clear all along that this bill is for discussion and debate,