Contributions
3,240 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, we have had the privilege this afternoon of listening to some very powerful and well-informed speeches, and I thank all noble Lords who have contributed to this debate.…23 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, we have had another excellent debate and I too thank everyone who has spoken. It is a pleasure to speak on this group because it is, as we have heard, so important to…23 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillI thank the Minister for giving way. Presumably, all the countries that have introduced mobile phone bans in schools have found ways around this. It cannot be beyond the wit of…23 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillI am not a teacher and probably never will be, sadly—although probably happily for children. My answer to the noble Lord is what was behind my offer to sit down and talk to him.…23 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillThe noble Baroness is right that a smartphone amendment on its own is not sufficient. As the Minister said a couple of times on previous days in Committee, I will be coming to…23 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, Amendment 166 in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Lister of Burtersett, would amend the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and, as I understand it, would complement the role of…23 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, this stand part notice is to probe, and therefore understand, what changes the Government intend to make to the regulation of agency social workers and how those changes…19 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillObviously, I respect their opinions, but there is plenty of evidence—and the noble Baroness will know this in other contexts, not necessarily about child poverty—where targets…19 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, I begin by stressing that reducing child poverty is a goal that we clearly share across the House, and tackling the challenge of child poverty must be a priority for…19 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Mohammed of Tinsley, on his powerful speech. I listened to his maiden speech, and this is the second time I have heard him speak. I…19 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillI understand that, and I stand by what I said. There is a risk that this will result in an exiting of capacity, and that the reverse of what the Government rightly want to happen…19 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, Amendments 142A to 142C, 504A and 505A are in my name. I will not speak to Amendment 142 in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Longfield, and I thank her for giving me…19 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, I thank the Minister for her reply. On the point of principle—why you would put a profit cap on one area of the economy where you think there is profiteering on the back…19 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillThe noble Baroness makes a very helpful point, and I absolutely agree with it.19 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillI thank the Minister for her response and her explanation. I think I understand now the scope that the Government intend in terms of the wider social care workforce, although I…19 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillI thank the Minister for her very detailed reply and for her commitment to write; that is much appreciated. To respond to the Minister’s remarks, the reason for tabling Amendments…17 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillI was aware that my remarks may not have been clear that, in the department’s own memorandum, it describes this power as being akin to a Henry VIII power.17 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, Clause 13, as we have heard, introduces monetary penalties for non-compliance with an improvement plan or for running an unregistered children’s home or fostering…17 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, I will speak to Amendments 135 to 138C in my name. Clause 12 introduces the provider oversight scheme, which, according to the department’s policy summary, creates the…17 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, I thank all noble Lords who have contributed to this important debate. I echo the noble Lord, Lord Storey: the House of Lords was at its best with the expertise that was…17 Jun 2025