Contributions
4,729 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessSince the lockdown restrictions were implemented in March, more than 450,000 people have been unable to progress their plans to move house. All buyers and renters will now be able…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessI thank the noble Lord for his question. As I have said in response to earlier questions, we keep these schemes under constant monitoring and assessment. We are always open to…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessMy Lords, the Prime Minister has said that we will do whatever it takes to win the fight against the pandemic. My noble friend has made an interesting suggestion, which I will…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessOf course, we keep these matters under constant review. It is not our intention to penalise anyone. We want to continue to work together with the devolved Administrations in all…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessAs usual, my noble friend raises very good points. I point him towards the future fund, which will be launched this month and will provide convertible loans ranging from £125,000…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessWhere workers already wear PPE for protection against non-Covid risks such as dust, they should of course continue to wear this. In relation to Covid-19 specifically, we have…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessMy Lords, as the virus of course does not respect borders or boundaries, we will continue to work very closely with all the devolved Administrations, including the Northern…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessWe have extended the scheme significantly to support firms through the transition out of lockdown. We are doing right by them and expect those firms to do right by their staff. As…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessMy noble friend is tempting me to go back to my previous role on Brexit. Of course, we will approach the negotiations constructively. I am sure he will be delighted to know that…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessThat is why we have put in place such a strong enforcement regime. We have given extra resources to the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities to help them enforce…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessMy Lords, as always, I am very happy to join my noble friend in paying tribute to the many small community businesses up and down the country that play such an important part in…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessThe noble Lord makes a very valid point. Our priority remains that testing patients to inform their clinical diagnosis is extremely important. We are also offering tests to all…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessI am indeed happy to confirm to my noble friend that we are very happy to work with all responsible trade unions, and we included them in developing this guidance and we are happy…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessOf course, we are always reviewing these measures and acting on scientific advice. I think we all have to accept that that scientific advice will evolve as the knowledge of the…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessThe noble Lord makes a very good point. I can tell him that earlier today we announced five new ministerial-led task forces that have been set up to develop plans for how and when…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessThe noble Baroness makes a number of good points. We are endeavouring to work with other political parties. The Opposition have been consulted on many measures; of course, the…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessI thank my noble friend for her question. We have announced a package of support to help businesses with their ongoing business costs in recognition of the disruption caused. This…13 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: BusinessI thank both noble Lords for their questions, of which there were a number. I will endeavour to answer as many as possible. On return to work, reducing pressure on the transport…13 May 2020HANSARDCoronavirus Business Interruption Loan SchemeI know that my noble friend takes a close interest in matters in Northern Ireland. These schemes are available to businesses across all regions of the UK, and many lenders acting…12 May 2020HANSARDCoronavirus Business Interruption Loan SchemeAs I said in an earlier answer, a huge number of loans have been approved—160,000 in the first three days of the scheme—so I am afraid that many small businesses do not agree with…12 May 2020