Contributions
37 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDGenocide Determination Bill [HL]My Lords, before we begin this debate, I remind the House that the advisory speaking time is strictly four minutes for Back-Bench contributions.17 Jul 2026HANSARDLord AdvocateMy Lords, this Government acknowledge there is a live debate about the dual role of the Lord Advocate in Scotland. The Scottish Labour manifesto in 2024 committed to splitting the…08 Jul 2026HANSARDLord AdvocateI thank the noble Lord and recognise his position as a former Scotland Office Minister and his knowledge and experience on this matter. He is of course right to emphasise that…08 Jul 2026HANSARDLord AdvocateI thank my noble friend for that question—I think. Of course, he is right on so many things, and I will listen very closely to what he has to say. He makes reference to the Peter…08 Jul 2026HANSARDLord AdvocateI recognise the depth of the argument that the noble Lord has put forward and understand the issues at stake, which are live in Scotland. We also have to acknowledge that this has…08 Jul 2026HANSARDLord AdvocateWhat an interesting suggestion. I thank the noble Earl for putting that forward. I will take that back to the department. I draw his attention to the Scottish…08 Jul 2026HANSARDLord AdvocateI pay tribute to the noble Baroness as well, who commands great respect in Scotland across the political divide. Her comments therefore are of great significance. I repeat that I…08 Jul 2026HANSARDLord AdvocateAgain, as a former Secretary of State for Scotland, I pay tribute to the work of the noble Lord and recognise his status within these discussions. I would not want to be in a…08 Jul 2026HANSARDKing’s SpeechMy Lords, I must admit that when I saw my name so far down the speakers’ list, I hesitated and thought, “I’ll have so many speeches I have to listen to”, but I am so glad that I…19 May 2026HANSARDClimate Change: Government ActionI thank my noble friend for that Answer. Will he join me in sending warmest wishes to Sir David Attenborough on his 100th birthday? I am sure that all in this House would pay…19 May 2026HANSARDEl Niño: ImpactMy noble friend the Minister is clearly aware of the urgency of this situation and the demands across government that we must respond to it. The sector is now increasingly asking…19 May 2026HANSARDClimate Change: Government ActionTo ask His Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to tackle climate change.19 May 2026HANSARDLow-carbon Heat NetworksTo ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to support the rollout of low carbon heat networks.22 Apr 2026HANSARDReducing Government SpendingMy Lords, can my noble friend spell out to the House the benefits of increased public expenditure on health and how this actually contributes to economic growth? Can he spell out…24 Mar 2026HANSARDMiddle East: DefenceMy Lords, I associate myself with the gratitude and thanks to the armed services that has been expressed by all Members of this House. I ask my noble friend the Minister directly,…11 Mar 2026HANSARDDefence Industrial Strategy 2025: Economic Growth and Job CreationMy Lords—03 Mar 2026HANSARDDefence Industrial Strategy 2025: Economic Growth and Job CreationMy Lords, I agree that we should judge the Government on what they do. My noble friend the Minister has referred to the £10 billion defence contract with Norway to build Type 26…03 Mar 2026HANSARDYouth UnemploymentMy Lords, does my noble friend the Minister agree that the youth guarantee scheme could represent a step change in dealing with profound issues around youth unemployment? Does the…20 Jan 2026HANSARDYouth Guarantee Scheme: EvaluationTo ask His Majesty’s Government how the success of the Youth Guarantee scheme will be measured; in particular, what specific employment and training outcomes will be targeted and…13 Jan 2026HANSARDYouth Guarantee Scheme: EvaluationI thank the Minister for that reply. I am sure she will agree that the youth guarantee scheme could be a vital reform to the welfare state, offering a lifeline to young people who…13 Jan 2026