Contributions
1,193 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDPublic Sector: Working From HomeMy noble friend knows how inordinately fond of him I am, and I am aware that it is always a bad idea to disagree with him. On that basis, I will have all those conversations.20 Mar 2025HANSARDPublic Sector: Working From HomeMy Lords, I am not brave enough to answer the final point. As for my performance in the Division Lobby, I think most noble Lords have now experienced that. I can either apologise…20 Mar 2025HANSARDPublic Sector: Working From HomeMy right honourable friend in the other place Pat McFadden has been clear that we want to ensure that people are working in the office. We genuinely believe that there is social…20 Mar 2025HANSARDPublic Sector: Working From HomeThe noble Lord raises an important point. I think most of us in your Lordships’ House benefited from being in workplaces so that we could be mentored and learn from people who are…20 Mar 2025HANSARDPublic Sector: Working From HomeMy Lords, I think that many general secretaries of trade unions would wish that to be the case. As a former trade union officer, I am very proud that this Government are embedded…20 Mar 2025HANSARDPublic Sector: Working From HomeMy Lords, this Government are absolutely committed to the re-prioritisation of our workforce in delivering front-line services, which will require ongoing upskilling and training.…20 Mar 2025HANSARDPublic Sector: Working From HomeI thank the noble Lord for his question. I am sorry but I do not agree with the sentiment behind it. In the Budget last year, the Chancellor announced a £100 million public sector…20 Mar 2025HANSARDPublic Sector: Working From HomeNoble Lords will, like me, want to thank the public sector for its continued dedication and for what it does day in, day out. As my noble friend Lord Livermore informed your…20 Mar 2025HANSARDPublic Sector: Working From HomeThe noble Baroness raises an important point. The Government are currently reflecting on how we should do it. The House of Lords Select Committee on Home-Based Working has a call…20 Mar 2025HANSARDPublic Sector: Working From HomeI thank the noble Lord for his question. He is right to raise it. In 2023-24 HMRC answered only 66.4% of phone calls when customers wanted to speak to an adviser. I can update the…20 Mar 2025HANSARDInfected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations 2025My Lords, I am grateful to all noble Lords who have spoken in this debate. As with previous debates on infected blood, this has been a thoughtful, important and, I hope,…19 Mar 2025HANSARDInfected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations 2025My Lords, as today is my first time engaging publicly in your Lordships’ House on this hugely important issue, I hope noble Lords will allow me a moment to thank those whose…19 Mar 2025HANSARDInfected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations 2025That the draft Regulations laid before the House on 12 February be approved. Relevant document: 18th Report from the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee (special attention…19 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, the time limit is 10 minutes. If the noble Lord could wind up, I would be ever so grateful.12 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, it is a pleasure to follow the noble Lord. I fear I have been set a challenge by my Leader to try to get Andrew Lloyd Webber’s lyrics into my speech, but with very…12 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, it has been an interesting debate to listen to. I was brought up properly and told that you are never to discuss a woman’s age, but, in the context of the debate today,…10 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, before I begin, it would be remiss of me not to wish the noble Lord, Lord Wallace, a happy birthday. But, as I will probably still be here on Wednesday, I will do it on…10 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, what is so unfortunate is that I was about to welcome and celebrate the tone of the debate that we had just had. So I am going to move on with the tone of the debate and…10 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillI apologise, my Lords. I think it might help everybody if I confirm the normal courtesies of the House. This is a debate and Members can take interventions, but they can also…10 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, the amendment that the noble Lord is speaking to is actually in group 18, whereas we are starting with group 1. We will debate Amendment 90C later.10 Mar 2025