Contributions
325 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDEU-UK Trade and Cooperation AgreementMy Lords, the annus horribilis of 2020 drew to a close. As I stated in the Sun, “what an important achievement this zero-tariff deal has been. Business wanted to leave the EU on…08 Jan 2021HANSARDHealth Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation and Linked Households) (England) Regulations 2020My Lords, it is absolutely essential that we put the health of our citizens first. The economic impact of the new restrictions is significant. We have to ensure that firms have…07 Jan 2021HANSARDCovid-19: Educational SettingsMy Lords, the Statement clearly states a binding requirement for schools to provide high-quality remote education, yet just over a month ago the Chancellor said in the spending…07 Jan 2021HANSARDEuropean Union (Future Relationship) BillMy Lords, four and a half years after the referendum we have a deal—hallelujah. It is with our biggest partner and our neighbour, our principal economic partner, with 43% of our…30 Dec 2020HANSARDHealth Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020My Lords, I congratulate the Government. The Minister just announced the MHRA’s clearance of the Oxford University AstraZeneca vaccine. I congratulate Kate Bingham and the Vaccine…30 Dec 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Impact of No-deal Brexit on Vaccine SuppliesMy Lords, we have the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine available, with more than 137,000 people inoculated in the first week, and we hope to have the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine available…16 Dec 2020HANSARDRegional Comprehensive Economic PartnershipMy Lords, UK trade with CPTPP members is £110 billion—more than our trade with China. Does the Minister agree that UK accession to the CPTPP would be a clear display of intent…15 Dec 2020HANSARDCovid-19 Vaccine RolloutMy Lords, many congratulations to the Minister, the Government, Kate Bingham and the Vaccine Taskforce on V-day, yesterday. Does the Minister agree that this has been possible…09 Dec 2020HANSARDSpending Review 2020My Lords, there is a forecasted drop in GDP of more than 11% this year, the worst in 300 years; the fear of unemployment possibly going up to 7.5%—almost 3 million people—by Q2…03 Dec 2020HANSARDSecurity Co-operationMy Lords, the Minister has confirmed that the security of their citizens is the number one priority of the Government. If that is the case, are we going to have access to the…02 Dec 2020HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateMy Lords, is the Minister aware that just a few minutes ago, before the Statement, a press report questioning the accuracy of lateral flow antigen tests said that 140,000 tests…30 Nov 2020HANSARDComprehensive Economic Partnership (EUC Report)My Lords, the total trade in goods and services between the UK and Japan was almost £32 billion last year. Japan is the world’s third largest economy and the UK is the fifth or…26 Nov 2020HANSARDCoronavirus Act 2020 (Expiry of Mental Health Provisions) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020My Lords, the coronavirus and the isolation of lockdown are impacting not just our physical health but our mental health, as people deal with loneliness, stress and anxiety.…25 Nov 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Vaccination PrioritisationMy Lords, the Question of the noble Baroness, Lady Campbell, shows very clearly that flexibility will be needed, and I think the Government are hearing that. Now that we have…25 Nov 2020HANSARDCovid 19: Winter PlanMy Lords, we rejoice at the wonderful news of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. However, in the meantime, does the noble Baroness agree that a six-week mass, rapid and affordable…24 Nov 2020HANSARDNorthern Ireland Protocol: Implementation ProposalsAgreement with the EU is key for the sustainability and implementation of the protocol. As president of the CBI, I hear from businesses on a daily basis about the urgent need for…19 Nov 2020HANSARDCanada-UK Trade DealSecuring continuity of the CETA deal before 1 January is absolutely crucial; in fact, UK exports to Canada increased by 14% in the first year of implementation. Will the Minister…17 Nov 2020HANSARDHer Majesty the Queen’s Platinum JubileeMy Lords, it is serendipitous that the 2022 Commonwealth Games, originally meant to be held in Durban, are taking place not just in the UK but in Birmingham. I am proud to be the…16 Nov 2020HANSARDCovid-19 UpdateMy Lords, Sir John Bell, the Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford University, has said that these inexpensive, easy-to-use lateral flow antigen tests, when used systematically,…12 Nov 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Vaccine[ Inaudible ]—about the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine and full credit to the Vaccine Taskforce. Given that other vaccines, such as the Oxford AstraZeneca one, will, I hope, be available…11 Nov 2020