Contributions
1,271 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCommission on Race and Ethnic DisparitiesMy Lords, yes, the Government commend the ambition of this report, which is for us to use it as “a road map for racial fairness.” I hope noble Lords have understood that, although…21 Apr 2021HANSARDCommission on Race and Ethnic DisparitiesMy Lords, the Government will not be rejecting this report outright. When I began to read this report, it did not match, in my view, what had been reported in some parts of the…21 Apr 2021HANSARDCommission on Race and Ethnic DisparitiesMy Lords, as I have outlined, robust disagreements in this scenario sadly descended into abuse of the commissioners, which is not acceptable. The first recommendation ironically…21 Apr 2021HANSARDCommission on Race and Ethnic DisparitiesMy Lords, as I have outlined, the evidence that was considered by the commissioners, as we understand it, is that they did not find institutional racism in any of the sectors. I…21 Apr 2021HANSARDCommission on Race and Ethnic DisparitiesMy Lords, it will be a matter for the parliamentary authorities and the usual channels as to whether time is allowed for debate, but of course, noble Lords have that opportunity…21 Apr 2021HANSARDCommission on Race and Ethnic DisparitiesMy Lords, it is deeply regrettable, as I have outlined, that reading many of the media reports and the commission’s report is like moving from one planet to another. The…21 Apr 2021HANSARDCommission on Race and Ethnic DisparitiesMy Lords, yes, of course I am concerned about figures showing a lack of representation like that. There have been various initiatives such as the Parker review and the review…21 Apr 2021HANSARDFamily PolicyMy Lords, families play a primary role in caring for and educating their children. The right honourable Secretary of State for Education is charged with driving family policy…19 Apr 2021HANSARDFamily PolicyMy Lords, we are creating the new national centre for family hubs to provide expert advice, guidance and advocacy to support local councils in developing those family hubs. They…19 Apr 2021HANSARDFamily PolicyMy Lords, indeed, since 2014 there has been the family test, which I believe is led out of the Department for Work and Pensions, which asks government departments to consider the…19 Apr 2021HANSARDFamily PolicyMy Lords, that is precisely why the Government committed to championing family hubs to provide a locally based—through local authorities—support network. The noble Lord may be…19 Apr 2021HANSARDFamily PolicyMy Lords, the noble Baroness is correct: what has now been renamed the Supporting Families programme has been successful at supporting families with some of the most complex…19 Apr 2021HANSARDFamily PolicyMy Lords, as I have outlined, the family justice system currently has a review into these matters, looking at a potentially more investigative approach to family justice. We also…19 Apr 2021HANSARDFamily PolicyMy Lords, the catch-up in the education section of building back after the pandemic is focused on children catching up their education, but particularly disadvantaged children. On…19 Apr 2021HANSARDFamily PolicyMy Lords, getting the money out the door is very important, but I take the point that the noble Baroness makes. As the Minister responsible for the efficiency and commercial…19 Apr 2021HANSARDFamily PolicyMy Lords, the current Minister for Children and Families, the right honourable Vicky Ford MP, works across government on many issues—for instance, online harms, at the moment, and…19 Apr 2021HANSARDFamily PolicyMy Lords, decisions are made on an issue-by-issue basis. As I outlined in terms of care leavers, the dual chairmanship of that is clear. It is important there is also a degree of…19 Apr 2021HANSARDEducation (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) BillMy Lords, first, I thank the Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee for its detailed examination of the Bill. Both the committee and my noble friend Lord Blencathra have…16 Apr 2021HANSARDEducation (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) BillI will take the opportunity to write to the noble Lord. It is a matter for local authorities whether they choose to make grants available, but we are not proposing to introduce…16 Apr 2021HANSARDInitial Teacher Training Market ReviewMy Lords, maintaining a good quality and efficient market for initial teacher training is a key part of the review. Some 240 organisations are accredited by the department at the…14 Apr 2021