Contributions
1,156 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCommand Paper Safeguarding the UnionMy Lords, if there is any malign influence in the elections in this country or its politics from a hostile state, or any other country that seeks to undermine our democracy, we…06 Nov 2024HANSARDScotlandMy Lords, the people of Scotland deserve Governments who work together and are focused on delivering for them. Within the UK, Scotland will be the powerhouse for our clean energy…04 Nov 2024HANSARDScotlandThe noble Lord makes an important point. In some ways it is the opposite—the other side of the coin—to that made by the noble Lord, Lord Foulkes. We have reserved and devolved…04 Nov 2024HANSARDScotlandMy Lords, that question goes a little wider than anticipated, but I admire the noble Lord’s ingenuity. The important thing for young people and older people across the UK is to…04 Nov 2024HANSARDScotlandMy Lords, we have thought about this a lot and, going forward, it is key to how we work across government. It goes back to the idea that we are stronger together. Unless both…04 Nov 2024HANSARDScotlandI think my noble friend hits the nub of the issue. Yes, he is right, and I am happy to agree with him: it is the largest real-terms Budget settlement for the Scottish Government…04 Nov 2024HANSARDScotlandMy Lords, it sometimes feels like 40 years can go by in the blink of an eye in your Lordships’ House. I remember Lord Barnett well. The noble Baroness is absolutely right: the…04 Nov 2024HANSARDScotlandThere is always a sting in the tail, is there not? We do recognise the contribution they make, both to the defence of the country and the economy. The Government remain committed…04 Nov 2024HANSARDScotlandMy Lords, if the noble Lord checks back to past Budgets, I think he will find that previous Chancellors from his side of the House put more of an increase on Scotch whisky,…04 Nov 2024HANSARDScotlandThe party opposite may not like it, but the reality is that we have to get the finances of this country on a stable footing, and I can assure the House that that is what we shall…04 Nov 2024HANSARDScotlandMy Lords, if they have not, they should be. The industrial strategy is the core of our mission for economic growth, and the meetings so far have been very positive. We have…04 Nov 2024HANSARDScotlandI do not have a precise answer for the noble Earl, but I will look into this. It is important that this is at the heart of government, with the responsibility lying there. I am…04 Nov 2024HANSARDLords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill [HL]That the Bill be now read a third time.22 Oct 2024HANSARDLords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill [HL]My Lords, I have it in command from His Majesty the King to acquaint the House that His Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015…22 Oct 2024HANSARDLords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill [HL]That the Bill do now pass.22 Oct 2024HANSARDLords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill [HL]My Lords, I thank noble Lords who spoke in the debate on the Bill and have otherwise indicated support and commented on the Bill. There have been no amendments throughout the…22 Oct 2024HANSARDMinisterial Gifts and HospitalityI am almost speechless. As I have said, the important thing is transparency. The only reason why there is information in the public domain about any gifts or donations is…16 Oct 2024HANSARDMinisterial Gifts and HospitalityMy Lords, transparency is a critical part of restoring public faith in politics, and the Government recognise that changes are needed. At present, ministerial data on gifts and…16 Oct 2024HANSARDMinisterial Gifts and HospitalityMy Lords, any gifts, earnings, et cetera to Members of Parliament have to be declared in full. Of course, not all those whom the noble Lord mentioned are still Members of…16 Oct 2024HANSARDMinisterial Gifts and HospitalityNo, my Lords, I do not agree that it should be a criminal offence, but there has to be complete transparency about this. Presumably, many Members of this House have wanted to…16 Oct 2024