Contributions
1,892 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCovid-19: Lockdown Costs and BenefitsI thank the noble Lord for his wise observations. I would observe that the health of the economy and the health of the population tend to go in tandem, and that was one of the…13 Mar 2024HANSARDCovid-19: Lockdown Costs and BenefitsI cannot accept that conclusion. Due diligence was carried out on all companies that were referred to the Department of Health and Social Care, and companies were subject to the…13 Mar 2024HANSARDCovid-19: Lockdown Costs and BenefitsThat is more a matter for the Department of Health and Social Care than for me, but module 4 will look at vaccines, therapeutics and antiviral treatments across the UK. It is a…13 Mar 2024HANSARDScottish Government: Devolved CompetencesI can only agree with my noble friend, but I think it is a matter for Scottish taxpayers. I look forward with interest to the coming months and years. We need to try to work well…13 Mar 2024HANSARDCovid-19: Lockdown Costs and BenefitsAs set out in its terms of reference, the Covid inquiry will examine, consider and report on preparations for and the response to the pandemic. We expect the inquiry to explore…13 Mar 2024HANSARDMinisters: Legal CostsI do not see it that way. The Secretary of State gave evidence this morning to the Lords Science and Technology Committee. There was a brief discussion of this matter. They then…12 Mar 2024HANSARDMinisters: Legal CostsOn extremism, as the Prime Minister said in his very important speech two weeks ago, we have seen an unacceptable rise in extremist activity that seeks to divide our society and…12 Mar 2024HANSARDMinisters: Legal CostsThe truth is—as I know well—that as a Government Minister you do work late. Government officials often work late as well. This is a serious point about how to make sure that…12 Mar 2024HANSARDMinisters: Legal CostsI have explained the circumstances about why the taxpayer gets involved in legal expenses. I note the noble Lord’s point.12 Mar 2024HANSARDMinisters: Legal CostsThe Secretary of State has explained her actions fully. I refer noble Lords to her statement. The important thing is that legal advice was taken, and subsequently there was a full…12 Mar 2024HANSARDMinisters: Legal CostsI think the Secretary of State explained very fully. It took the course of two days to draft, clear and send the letter to UKRI’s CEO to ask for an investigation. She highlighted…12 Mar 2024HANSARDMinisters: Legal CostsAs I said, it is long-standing practice. Indeed, the Secretary of State concerned made a statement this morning at the Lords Science and Technology Committee and explained the…12 Mar 2024HANSARDMinisters: Legal CostsMy Lords, in line with established practice under multiple Administrations of all political colours, Ministers are provided with legal support and representation where matters…12 Mar 2024HANSARDMinisters: Legal CostsMy understanding is that the legal expenditure was approved by the department’s accounting officer. That was made clear. I believe that the Permanent Secretary was there with the…12 Mar 2024HANSARDMinisters: Legal CostsThe statement the Secretary of State made this morning was full and clear. I have a great deal of respect for the Secretary of State. The action she took in the aftermath of 7…12 Mar 2024HANSARDMinisters: Legal CostsAdvice to the Prime Minister, including from the ethics adviser, is not something that we would comment on.12 Mar 2024HANSARDMinisters: Legal CostsThe Secretary of State is responsible for the non-departmental public body UK Research and Innovation. She was operating in that context. Her intentions were always to do the…12 Mar 2024HANSARDUK Population GrowthThe projections do not break the individual categories down in that way. They are, as the noble Lord probably knows, put together by expert panels and they are projections. They…04 Mar 2024HANSARDUK Population GrowthI agree that we must tackle our abysmal productivity rates. It is something I have focused on, I have to say, since long before I came to this House. There are things that we can…04 Mar 2024HANSARDUK Population GrowthThe analysis by the ONS does not go into that, but we have published the long-term workforce plan for the NHS, which has been accompanied by the largest ever injection into…04 Mar 2024