Contributions
231 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDLord Mandelson Humble AddressMy Lords, this is beginning to sound more like something out of “Mission Impossible”, with telephone messages destructing themselves after 30 seconds and other telephones being…09 Jun 2026HANSARDWindrush Compensation SchemeMy Lords, every week I pass by that wonderful statue of the Windrush generation at Waterloo station. It is an inspiration, showing people who were invited here to come and be part…02 Jun 2026HANSARDRetirement and Participation CommitteeMy Lords, a little while ago, I became aware of the case of a young man charged with multiple counts of rape. He was arrested late at night in front of his weeping parents and…18 May 2026HANSARDKing’s SpeechMy Lords, a little while ago, I became aware of the case of a young man charged with multiple counts of rape. He was arrested late at night in front of his weeping parents and…18 May 2026HANSARDTerminally Ill Adults (End of Life) BillMy Lords, this debate has become very personal at times, and perhaps I might indulge in that. First, I apologise to my noble friend Lord Sandhurst for trying to get in the way of…24 Apr 2026HANSARDReducing Government SpendingI hope the House will forgive me, but I can scarcely keep up with the good news that the Minister keeps showering upon us, so may I ask him for an indication—not a guarantee or…24 Mar 2026HANSARDNationalised Passenger Rail ServicesIf the Minister was travelling on a successful South Western train this morning, he was on a different train from the one I was on. I ask him to look back: the very first breath…02 Feb 2026HANSARDAutumn Budget 2025My Lords, I have a lot of personal regard for the Minister, and I listened to his speech carefully, but I did not hear a single word about unemployment, so allow me to help him.…04 Dec 2025HANSARDTerminally Ill Adults (End of Life) BillI will just follow up my noble friend’s remarks. He is a noble friend; I campaigned for him several times in his constituency when he was an MP, and I will remain a friend of his,…21 Nov 2025HANSARDTerminally Ill Adults (End of Life) BillMy Lords, I speak as a cancer sufferer, as a man who applauds and supports the hospice movement and, I hope, as a conservative. I reject, as a matter of principle, the idea that…12 Sept 2025HANSARDProstate CancerThe biopsy was not much fun. Stuck in those stirrups, my dignity dangling in the breeze, a charming lady nurse asked me if I was comfortable. We both agreed that that was a…03 Sept 2025HANSARDFriendly Wifi CertificationMy Lords, while we are on the subject of provisions in this place, may I express the hope that at last the front door is more family-friendly than it used to be? I have also heard…02 Sept 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, perhaps I might impose for just a few moments on this matter. I think it is relevant to remark on a very significant anniversary for the Labour Party this month. I am…21 Jul 2025HANSARDFemale Genital MutilationMy Lords, I thank the Minister for that information and his very encouraging response. Female genital mutilation means cutting off a young girl’s clitoris. It usually happens in a…16 Jul 2025HANSARDFemale Genital MutilationTo ask His Majesty’s Government how many cases of female genital mutilation have been reported in the past 10 years, and how many cases have been prosecuted.16 Jul 2025HANSARDAfghanistanMy Lords—16 Jul 2025HANSARDAfghanistanI am afraid I am a little less sanguine about some of this than others. This catastrophic cock-up—and it was a cock-up, not a criminal event—is a direct consequence of us getting…16 Jul 2025HANSARDTaxesMy Lords, I understand why the Minister refuses to give hypotheticals on forthcoming tax. However, this Government made a clear commitment not to introduce taxes on working…15 Jul 2025HANSARDPeers’ Entrance Security DoorMy Lords, last week when we were discussing this issue I made a silly mistake. I suggested that the wretched front entrance had cost as much as Grenfell Tower. I am sorry; I…02 Jul 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, I shall make a very brief comment on the points of the noble Lord, Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, about the image of the House. We know and accept that hereditary Peers are…02 Jul 2025