Contributions
1,892 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDBusiness Rates ReformMy Lords, we on these Benches broadly support BIDs and would not want to upset the good arrangements that exist. I welcome the Minister’s assurances on these issues, as far as…23 Jun 2025HANSARDWinter Fuel PaymentI am glad of the opportunity to wish the Minister a happy birthday from these Benches. We welcome the decision by the Government partially to reverse their decision on the winter…12 Jun 2025HANSARDSpending Review 2025My Lords, the spending review Statement, delivered by the Chancellor in the other place yesterday, made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that the Treasury has lost authority in…12 Jun 2025HANSARDEconomic GrowthMy Lords, the Government’s tax hikes last year are believed—by the Bank of England, no less—to have reversed the frankly anaemic growth we have seen in the last couple of months,…11 Jun 2025HANSARDSocial Care and Special Education Charities: Employer National Insurance ContributionsMy Lords, the fact is that these increases have devastated the charitable sector. For example, Noah’s Ark Hospice in north London said recently that the rise in national insurance…09 Jun 2025HANSARDEmployment Rights BillMy Lords, I shall also briefly support this amendment. The noble Lord, Lord Faulkner of Worcester, has made the case very well, well supported by my friend Lord Parkinson of…05 Jun 2025HANSARDRegional GrowthWill that include buses?05 Jun 2025HANSARDPension Fund Clearing Obligation Exemption (Amendment) Regulations 2025My Lords, I thank the Minister for bringing this important debate before the Grand Committee today. While technical in nature, the debate strikes at the very heart of our pensions…05 Jun 2025HANSARDPension Fund Clearing Obligation Exemption (Amendment) Regulations 2025That is very helpful—particularly on the international side. One does need to look at this in an international context; nowadays, we are so aware of the ups and downs of global…05 Jun 2025HANSARDPayment Services and Payment Accounts (Contract Termination) (Amendment) Regulations 2025My Lords, I was a little disappointed about the response on two points. One is on this business of small and medium-sized businesses. The Minister rightly referred to the FCA as…05 Jun 2025HANSARDPayment Services and Payment Accounts (Contract Termination) (Amendment) Regulations 2025My Lords, I welcome the opportunity to speak on this statutory instrument in this brief debate. We note that these regulations build on previous legislation and arise from a…05 Jun 2025HANSARDRegional GrowthMy Lords, the Statement given in the other place yesterday made many references to the benefits of growth, and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury could hardly contain his…05 Jun 2025HANSARDPayment Services and Payment Accounts (Contract Termination) (Amendment) Regulations 2025My Lords, I am reassured. It is good to have the figure for politically exposed debanking of 1%, although the significance depends on the total figure for the number of cases. It…05 Jun 2025HANSARDDenial of Banking Services: UK Defence SectorMy Lords, defence is a vital requirement of our nation; I think we are all agreed on that. There have been many bad examples, which is why we are debating this today. Does the…04 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillI have a factual question. How many wrong NHS numbers are there each year, and is there a viable and reliable process for sorting them out?22 May 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, I very much hope that the NHS number works, so that we can get on with data sharing. When I spoke in an earlier group, I explained the importance of feedback loops in a…22 May 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, I am sorry not to have been able to speak at Second Reading, but I take a great interest in the effectiveness of public services and improving them where we can. I was…22 May 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillCould the Minister perhaps show us an example of the kind of guidance that is already given to a childminder or a small primary school? Presumably that is going to be enhanced—I…22 May 2025HANSARDEmployment Rights BillMy Lords, I rise to speak to Amendments 105 to 107 and 109 to 112 in my name, and I am delighted to have the support of my noble friend Lady Noakes and the noble Lords, Lord Morse…21 May 2025HANSARDEmployment Rights BillUnfortunately, that is our concern—that we do not know what the detail is, and we are being asked to pass a Bill without all that detail, as I said in my speech. There was a more…21 May 2025