Contributions
2,184 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDBirmingham City Council and Unite: Refuse Workers’ PayThe commissioners are reporting regularly to the Secretary of State. They are independent of government, but they are carrying out valuable work in Birmingham. In their most…17 Mar 2026HANSARDBirmingham City Council and Unite: Refuse Workers’ PayI am pleased to tell the noble Lord that this year, very recently, the council passed a balanced revenue budget without the need for exceptional financial support for the first…17 Mar 2026HANSARDBirmingham City Council and Unite: Refuse Workers’ PayAs I have said, it is not correct to say that the commissioners blocked a viable deal. We want to urge both parties to get back around the negotiating table to find a sustainable…17 Mar 2026HANSARDBirmingham City Council and Unite: Refuse Workers’ PayThe Conservative Party in Birmingham should not wash its hands of some of the part it played in creating the crisis that Birmingham is facing overall. Birmingham’s recent history…17 Mar 2026HANSARDBirmingham City Council and Unite: Refuse Workers’ PayThroughout the dispute, the Government’s priority has been the residents of Birmingham. During the worst disruption, in spring 2025, the Government provided intensive support to…17 Mar 2026HANSARDSocial Cohesion Action PlanI agree with the noble Baroness that everyone deserves to feel safe in our country. We will work with and celebrate our faith and belief communities to improve understanding of…16 Mar 2026HANSARDSocial Cohesion Action PlanMy Lords, I am grateful for the thoughtful comments from the noble Baronesses. Last week, the Secretary of State responsible for housing, communities and local government…16 Mar 2026HANSARDUK Domestic Visitor LevyI suggest that the noble Lord, Lord Shamash, may want to think about a team closer to home—there are some very good ones near to where he lives. However, football allegiance…16 Mar 2026HANSARDUK Domestic Visitor LevyThere is a very simple answer to that question, and it is yes.16 Mar 2026HANSARDUK Domestic Visitor LevyWe would not have such a problem with the cost of living if the previous Government had not driven up cost of living pressures, as evidenced by the action we had to take in this…16 Mar 2026HANSARDUK Domestic Visitor LevyMy understanding is that this system is for English mayors.16 Mar 2026HANSARDUK Domestic Visitor LevyI have much sympathy with the noble Lord’s point. We have consulted on whether and how to extend the power to local leaders with similar geographic footprints and powers relating…16 Mar 2026HANSARDUK Domestic Visitor LevyI am sure that my noble friend Lady Merron, who is sitting next to me, will be happy to respond to that question. It is important that people who find themselves in a medical…16 Mar 2026HANSARDUK Domestic Visitor LevyI agree with my noble friend that that was a great step forward. I should declare an interest, as I benefit from that free entry when I am on my granny duty in the recesses. She…16 Mar 2026HANSARDUK Domestic Visitor LevyI always appreciate the noble Earl’s championing of culture and leisure, including the impact that that has on tourism, and I am grateful to him for the work that he does in that…16 Mar 2026HANSARDUK Domestic Visitor LevyThe power will be devolved to mayoral strategic authorities, because they cover the functional economic areas and mayors have strategic roles in driving growth. The power is…16 Mar 2026HANSARDUK Domestic Visitor LevyI certainly agree with the noble Lord that the Government want to see the tourism economy in Britain reach its full potential. The decision on whether to introduce a levy will be…16 Mar 2026HANSARDUK Domestic Visitor LevyMy Lords, the precise design and scope of the visitor levy power is still under development. Our consultation closed on 18 February and the Government will publish our official…16 Mar 2026HANSARDSocial Cohesion Action PlanThe importance of this strategy is that it concentrates on all these angles, including creating confident communities and protecting that confidence. We have to create the…16 Mar 2026HANSARDSocial Cohesion Action PlanI set out very clearly that this is a non-statutory definition. It is there to assist organisations to understand what we mean by anti-Muslim hostility. I remind the noble Lord…16 Mar 2026