Contributions
3,654 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCounterterrorism: Martyn’s LawIn a retrospective way, CCTV can lead to the capturing of criminals and terrorists and could be a deterrent for people engaging in criminal activity at a venue. Live facial…22 Oct 2019HANSARDCounterterrorism: Martyn’s LawI understand that that is not the case: not only is free advice provided to owners and operators of crowded places on how to protect against and prepare for terrorist attacks but,…22 Oct 2019HANSARDCrime: Police NumbersIt is important that police officers have good relationships with their communities so that there is an element of trust in the police and what they do. As we have discussed…22 Oct 2019HANSARDCrime: Police NumbersMy Lords, there would be no point in doing it if we were not committed to the needs of local people. Local areas have their own specific requirements on intervention from the…22 Oct 2019HANSARDCounterterrorism: Martyn’s LawI know that the Security Minister met Martyn’s mum on 13 September, and whether legislation is needed is certainly one of the things that the Government are considering. I totally…22 Oct 2019HANSARDCounterterrorism: Martyn’s LawMy noble friend makes a good point. That is all considered in the round because, as my noble friend said, Parliament is full not just of politicians but of the people who work…22 Oct 2019HANSARDCrime: Police NumbersAs I explained to the noble Lord, these things are multifactorial. The increased pressure on police, the increased demand on police, the changing nature of crime and certainly…22 Oct 2019HANSARDCrime: Police NumbersMy Lords, many factors impact on crime levels. More reporting of hidden crimes, recording improvements and some genuine increases in offending have all contributed to recent…22 Oct 2019HANSARDQueen’s SpeechI could agree with that, but I give the noble Lord the example of Wythenshawe in Greater Manchester, which has the largest council housing estate in Europe. It had one…21 Oct 2019HANSARDVisasMy Lords, UK Visas and Immigration continually reviews its global visa operation to improve its performance and deliver fast and fair decisions to customers while protecting the…21 Oct 2019HANSARDVisasWe are trying to achieve a fair immigration system for those who are visiting, those who are staying for a short time and those who are coming to work, from EU and non-EU…21 Oct 2019HANSARDVisasI agree with the noble Baroness that science alone will not solve the problems that we face, but science is hugely important, particularly given that we have a shortage of…21 Oct 2019HANSARDVisasI think that the noble Lord is conflating two issues. In terms of our future immigration system, yes, we want the brightest and best, but it must be a system that works for people…21 Oct 2019HANSARDQueen’s SpeechPerhaps I can follow that question up for the noble Baroness. It may have something to do with spending reviews—obviously, I cannot commit on those—but I will follow that one up…21 Oct 2019HANSARDQueen’s SpeechMy Lords, I thank all noble Lords who have taken part in this debate. I apologise to the noble Baroness, Lady Bonham-Carter. I looked with horror as she spoke about the debate…21 Oct 2019HANSARDQueen’s SpeechExactly—balancing the economy outside London and the south-east. I have the platform and can now unburden. When people say that we need regional rail more than we need HS2, or…21 Oct 2019HANSARDVisasThe noble Earl will appreciate that I cannot discuss individual cases, but I hope that he will also be aware that on 8 August the Government announced a new fast-track system for…21 Oct 2019HANSARDVisasI shall do that with gusto. Every time the noble Lord asks me a question, I am educated.21 Oct 2019HANSARDVisasI outlined the visa acceptance grant rates, which are extremely high— 98% for tier 2—and the speed at which they are granted. I think 97% are now granted within the 15-week…21 Oct 2019HANSARDVisasI appreciate the point the noble Lord makes. He has made it before, particularly on the route from Ireland. There is a concession under the tier 5 route for creative workers and…21 Oct 2019