Contributions
1,800 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDEmployment Rights BillMy Lords, I have already spoken to Motion H, that the House do not insist on its Amendment 48, to which the Commons have disagreed for their Reason 48A. I beg to move. Motion H1…28 Oct 2025HANSARDStarvation as a Weapon of WarMy Lords, I start by expressing my gratitude to my noble friend for securing this debate. I am also grateful to all noble Lords for their contributions. The simple fact is that…16 Oct 2025HANSARDEquality Act 2010: Meaning of “Sex”As the noble Baroness knows, I have huge respect for her and the responsibility she has. It is a very serious responsibility. From her letter to the Secretary of State today and…15 Oct 2025HANSARDEquality Act 2010: Meaning of “Sex”My noble friend is absolutely right. Of course, we recognise that the application of the Supreme Court ruling is, in some settings, complex, which is why it is important that this…15 Oct 2025HANSARDEquality Act 2010: Meaning of “Sex”Put simply, that is why we have the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and that is why it has a responsibility independent from government to do precisely that. That is why we…15 Oct 2025HANSARDEquality Act 2010: Meaning of “Sex”I do not accept the noble Baroness’s assertion. The department received the final draft code on 4 September. It is 300 pages long. That code needs detailed consideration because,…15 Oct 2025HANSARDEquality Act 2010: Meaning of “Sex”I understand that many trans people may have read the human rights commissioner’s correspondence. I reread it this morning. It will undoubtedly raise concern among trans people.…15 Oct 2025HANSARDEquality Act 2010: Meaning of “Sex”As the noble Viscount acknowledges, we have a duty under the Equality Act to ensure equality of treatment, including for trans people and others. It is important that that is…15 Oct 2025HANSARDEquality Act 2010: Meaning of “Sex”My noble friend is right. As the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, who is in her place, acknowledges in her letter, it is important that the Secretary of State…15 Oct 2025HANSARDEquality Act 2010: Meaning of “Sex”The code is absolutely important. That is why it needs to be dealt with properly and appropriately. The draft code, which is over 300 pages long, was submitted on 4 September and…15 Oct 2025HANSARDEquality Act 2010: Meaning of “Sex”My Lords, the Government are considering the draft updated code and, if the decision is taken to approve it, the Minister will lay it before Parliament. Parliament will then have…15 Oct 2025HANSARDUnited Kingdom: Soft PowerWe have had many debates in the House about this, certainly about malign influence and misinformation, particularly in the use of social media and other forms of communication…15 Jul 2025HANSARDUnited Kingdom: Soft PowerI must declare an interest as well, as a humanist. My noble friend is absolutely right, but one reason why the Soft Power Council is essential is that it is not restricted to UK…15 Jul 2025HANSARDUnited Kingdom: Soft PowerI agree with the noble Baroness. Spreading the English language has been the most important element of the British Council’s commercial activity. I also agree that how we support…15 Jul 2025HANSARDUnited Kingdom: Soft PowerThe noble Baroness is right: we should not underestimate the importance of the World Service and its reach. It has exceeded the target we set for it, to reach 306 million people,…15 Jul 2025HANSARDUnited Kingdom: Soft PowerMy Lords, we recognise the opportunity and potential that the UK’s soft power presents. The Soft Power Council is advising government on how best to shape a new strategy on soft…15 Jul 2025HANSARDUnited Kingdom: Soft PowerI think my noble friend Lady Chapman has answered these points. There is part of a spending review and lots of decisions have not yet been made. We will get more detail in the…15 Jul 2025HANSARDUnited Kingdom: Soft PowerI reassure my noble friend that we are working with the British Council on a plan to return it to financial sustainability. We are committed to a successful British Council that…15 Jul 2025HANSARDUnited Kingdom: Soft PowerI am tempted to say I agree with the noble Lord, but then I am in danger of suggesting that I am not in agreement with the Foreign Secretary. Let me be very clear: we are at one,…15 Jul 2025HANSARDActions of Iranian Regime: UK ResponseI repeat that the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and the Minister responsible have been absolutely focused on diplomatic efforts. I also repeat that President Trump has…08 Jul 2025