Contributions
484 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDVictims and Prisoners BillMy Lords, I know there is an unwritten convention that noble Lords should not intervene when they were not able to be here at the beginning of a group, which in this case was last…31 Jan 2024HANSARDHousehold Support FundMy Lords, it would be deception of the worst order if the Government were to announce, as they have over the last few days, a £600 million uplift to upper-tier local authorities…30 Jan 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillPerhaps the Minister can answer the simple question which I put early in this debate. If that is true, why do the Government not accept that those who are accorded refugee status…29 Jan 2024HANSARDSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) BillMy Lords, I am pleased to follow the noble Baroness, for whom I have great respect, but telling asylum seekers to “suck it and see”—to find themselves in Rwanda and, if we have…29 Jan 2024HANSARDHealth: RSV ImmunisationMy Lords, I congratulate my noble friend Lady Ritchie on her tenacity and declare a selfish interest in that I have had this wretched virus two winters running. I will be able to…17 Jan 2024HANSARDHome and Online SchoolingMy Lords, there is surely another key element in the increase in home tuition: the aftermath of Covid and home working. Is it not true that we need a rapid increase in the…19 Dec 2023HANSARDVictims and Prisoners BillMy Lords, it is a genuine privilege to follow the noble Baroness, Lady Newlove. I was privileged to work with her as the Home Secretary who brought in what was then the original…18 Dec 2023HANSARDClassical MusicMy Lords, I wonder whether the Minister will reflect, along with the Arts Council, on the situation in the north of England. With the move of English National Opera to Manchester,…07 Dec 2023HANSARDGeneral Elections: Party-political SpendingMy Lords, I hope that the House and the Minister will forgive me for asking a tangential question. Is it not time that the Government restored the special fund that put those with…29 Nov 2023HANSARDElectricity Network Connection Action PlanMy Lords, today’s announcement is very welcome, but does the Minister agree with me —I am sure he does—that we are in a farcical situation where a charging point off the M1 in…22 Nov 2023HANSARDRwanda: Asylum Arrangements TreatyMy Lords, this proposal is both an expensive distraction and a delusion. Is it not true that even the far-right Prime Minister of Italy has proposals that would mean processing…21 Nov 2023HANSARDKing’s SpeechMy Lords, I make no apologies for saying just a word about the sad death of Lord Judge. Some Members will know how closely I worked with him over the past few years, both on the…08 Nov 2023HANSARDCapital Projects: SpendingMy Lords, I congratulate the noble Baroness on making a reasonable fist of an incredibly bad job. Is it not true that, when you have to rely on Treasury sign-off for every single…26 Oct 2023HANSARDHealth: MigrainesMy Lords, I have a non-pecuniary interest to declare. All this discussion on the advice that employers clearly need surely leads us to believe that we need a national occupational…24 Oct 2023HANSARDRestoration and Renewal: Annual Progress ReportIt is a pleasure to follow the noble Lord. I have nothing but admiration for those, past and present, who serve on what is now the programme board, and those who are supporting,…18 Oct 2023HANSARDFamily Migration (Justice and Home Affairs Committee Report)My Lords, it is a genuine pleasure to follow the noble Lord, Lord Hunt. I should remind the House that he was never known as a Tory wet. The speech he has made this afternoon…20 Sept 2023HANSARDAsylum Seekers: Channel CrossingsMy Lords, the Minister rightly drew attention to the agreement to return Albanians to their home country. The Government themselves claim that 30% of previous arrivals were from…07 Sept 2023HANSARDSchools: AbsenteeismMy Lords, it is always a pleasure to follow the noble Lord, Lord Young, and to support his Question. I think the answer just given by the Minister is very insightful. I want to…20 Jul 2023HANSARDBank AccountsMy Lords, I am fully in favour of the Government protecting the rights of the “Coutts one”, as they should be protecting the rights of the 1 million who cannot get a bank account.…19 Jul 2023HANSARDIllegal Migration BillMy Lords, as someone who rarely goes to bed after 11 pm, I will be incredibly brief. I will comment on both propositions and give my support to my noble friend Lord Coaker and to…12 Jul 2023