Contributions
920 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDPost Offices: Cash Withdrawal ServicesMy noble friend is correct. Banking is changing and we need to reflect on how our future banking needs will be met: perhaps not through the traditional means of marble-fronted…22 Oct 2019HANSARDPost Offices: Cash Withdrawal ServicesI can assure the noble Lord that this is, indeed, in progress.22 Oct 2019HANSARDPost Offices: Cash Withdrawal ServicesThe noble Viscount is right: a consultation matters only if its results are taken forward. I will reflect carefully on what he has said. I believe there is an obligation that…22 Oct 2019HANSARDPost Offices: Cash Withdrawal ServicesMy noble friend asks a very good question. I will certainly have that discussion—and you never know.22 Oct 2019HANSARDPost Offices: Cash Withdrawal ServicesThe noble Baroness puts her finger right on it. Banks are not just about serving customers; they are about serving communities as well. When small organisations are unable to…22 Oct 2019HANSARDPost Offices: Cash Withdrawal ServicesThe noble Lord is correct. Since 2010 we have invested £2.3 billion in the Post Office network, stabilising the number of banks. There was a 27% decrease in the 10 years before…22 Oct 2019HANSARDPost Offices: Cash Withdrawal ServicesThe right reverend Prelate asks an important question: does this set a precedent? I certainly hope not. I would like to think that customers affected will reflect carefully on…22 Oct 2019HANSARDFrequent Flyer Airmiles SchemesI would much rather that we were able to address 100% of the individuals who take flights. That is why we are participating very strongly in the International Civil Aviation…21 Oct 2019HANSARDFrequent Flyer Airmiles SchemesMy Lords, the fight against climate change is the greatest and most pressing challenge facing the modern world. The UK has done more than any other major economy to tackle…21 Oct 2019HANSARDFrequent Flyer Airmiles SchemesIt is not the policy of the Government to intervene in these commercial decisions. It is also important to recognise that this is a regressive step in many respects.21 Oct 2019HANSARDFrequent Flyer Airmiles SchemesI have a sneaking suspicion that the 15% who are the wealthiest will not be deterred by the removal of a loyalty scheme.21 Oct 2019HANSARDFrequent Flyer Airmiles SchemesThe reason why I suggest that it is regressive is that by taking this approach, whether banning air miles or making other restrictions in this fashion, the people affected will…21 Oct 2019HANSARDFrequent Flyer Airmiles SchemesYes, that is probably true. I am not sure how it would work, but I am willing to go away, look at it and see whether we can do something with it.21 Oct 2019HANSARDFrequent Flyer Airmiles SchemesThe noble Baroness makes a point, but air passenger duty is already a tax on every flight which is directly passed on to air passengers. It is also important to recognise that…21 Oct 2019HANSARDFrequent Flyer Airmiles SchemesMy noble friend raises a question to which I do not have the answer in my notes. It strikes me that private jets probably constitute a very small proportion of the overall flights…21 Oct 2019HANSARDFrequent Flyer Airmiles SchemesThe challenge we face in this country is that we are a major hub for international flights, as well as a country with a significant geographical challenge. We do all we can to…21 Oct 2019HANSARDFrequent Flyer Airmiles SchemesTo be very clear, our air passenger duty is a tax commonly passed on to passengers: the more you fly, the more you pay. Additionally, this should be addressed at international…21 Oct 2019HANSARDFrequent Flyer Airmiles SchemesTo be very clear, the UK has an air passenger duty which raises £3.6 billion a year. It is the highest such tax in Europe—many countries in Europe do not have such a tax—and that…21 Oct 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019: Section 3(5)That this House takes note of the Report pursuant to section 3(5) of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019, which was laid before this House on Monday 14 October.17 Oct 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019: Section 3(5)My Lords, on 9 October reports were published providing an update on progress on executive formation, the transparency of political donations, higher education and a Derry…17 Oct 2019