Contributions
20 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDWelfare Reforms and Youth UnemploymentMy Lords, I congratulate my noble friend Lord Evans of Rainow on introducing this important and timely debate. Successive Governments have had to deal with rising levels of youth…11 Jun 2026HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, I support my noble friend’s sensible proposals in Amendment 121A—they obviously have cross-party support. The Bill proposes a power for local authorities to withhold…28 Jan 2026HANSARDLocal Elections: CancellationMy Lords, later today, the House will debate the children Bill, which proposes an enormous increase in the duties and responsibilities of local authorities. How will postponement…21 Jan 2026HANSARDSchools and Universities: Language LearningMy Lords, I congratulate the Baroness, Lady Coussins, on introducing this debate and also on her outstanding and continuing work on the importance of modern languages. The…08 Jan 2026HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment BillMy Lords, we on this side oppose many aspects of the Bill, but that is not because we oppose the principles of devolution and greater local accountability; we strongly support…08 Dec 2025HANSARDBiodiversity and the CountrysideMy Lords, I congratulate my noble friend Lord Grayling on opening this debate in such a balanced and wide-ranging way. It is also a tremendous pleasure to follow my friend, the…13 Nov 2025HANSARDSheep Carcase (Classification and Price Reporting) (England) Regulations 2025My Lords, I echo my noble friend’s words: this consultation has been going on for a very long time. My noble friend Lord Deben and I absolutely can vouch for these issues being…07 Jul 2025HANSARDSheep Carcase (Classification and Price Reporting) (England) Regulations 2025Or from Norfolk to Manchester.07 Jul 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, I support the amendment so eloquently and persuasively described by my noble friends Lord Nash and Lady Penn. I was also extremely struck by the points made by the noble…23 Jun 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, there is much to commend in the Bill, not least because it seeks—as did the last Government—to strengthen collaboration between education and social services for the…01 May 2025HANSARDFarming and Rural CommunitiesMy Lords, I congratulate my noble friend Lord Roborough on calling this debate. It is, as ever, a pleasure to follow the right reverend Prelate, who brings a depth of knowledge…03 Apr 2025HANSARDLifelong LearningMy Lords, I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Knight, on securing this debate, his insightful remarks and reminding us that all sectors of education need to evolve as our society…06 Feb 2025HANSARDClimate Change: Support for FarmersMy Lords, I congratulate the right reverend Prelate on again bringing a very timely issue to this House. Food insecurity is a serious matter and is increasing across the world,…23 Jan 2025HANSARDFree Schools and AcademiesMy Lords, how inspiring it is to follow my noble friend Lord Harris. His enthusiasm for the work of his life shines out and encourages us all. I also congratulate my noble friend…23 Jan 2025HANSARDRural EconomyMy Lords, I congratulate the right reverend Prelate on calling this very important debate, and on bringing to it his great knowledge, his experience and his insight into the…19 Dec 2024HANSARDSmall Farms and Family BusinessesMy Lords, I congratulate my noble friend on calling this debate and on bringing to it his customary knowledge and experience. It is a pleasure to follow the right reverend Prelate…12 Dec 2024HANSARDEducation (Values of British Citizenship) Bill [HL]My Lords, it is a privilege to follow the noble and right reverend Lord and the noble Lord, Lord Blunkett. I congratulate the noble and right reverend Lord on his Bill, which…18 Oct 2024HANSARDSocial CareMy Lords, it is a privilege to follow the noble Baroness, Lady Andrews, and to have a chance to thank her for her outstanding chairmanship of the committee. I also thank our…30 Mar 2023HANSARDSocial MobilityMy Lords, I congratulate the noble Baroness, Lady Tyler, on securing this debate. I also congratulate my noble friend Lord Choudrey on his excellent maiden speech. I am delighted…29 Jan 2020HANSARDSure StartMy Lords, can my noble friend the Minister comment on the need for Sure Start centres to be accessible? Clearly, if they are well targeted, they bring great help to children born…05 Jun 2019