Contributions
1,117 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDRail FreightMy noble friend clearly knows a lot about it—probably more than I do—but I was at the launch of the Class 99 locomotives last autumn, which I think are the ones he is referring…13 Apr 2026HANSARDRail FreightIt was a privilege for me to open the ninth Maritime Transport rail freight hub in Northampton about six weeks ago. I had a long discussion with John Williams, the chief…13 Apr 2026HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill13 Apr 2026HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment BillMy Lords, I start by paying tribute to noble Lords who have spoken, and particularly to the noble Lord, Lord Borwick, for his commitment and contribution to accessibility for…13 Apr 2026HANSARDRail FreightThe Railways Bill is framed to give Great British Railways the authority, for the first time in over 30 years, to control access to the railway and make sure that it is fairly…13 Apr 2026HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment BillI say to the noble Lord that the successors of those people have changed their minds, so it is about time that he did, too. We have had the experience of three mayors, over 25…26 Mar 2026HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment BillMy Lords, I thank the noble Lords, Lord Moylan, Lord Shipley and Lord Bassam, and the noble Baronesses, Lady McIntosh, Lady Pidgeon and Lady Bennett of Manor Castle, for their…26 Mar 2026HANSARDSmall Boat Deaths: Cranston Inquiry ReportMy Lords, this was a sobering report setting out the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of over 30 lives. Our sympathies remain with all those affected. Significant…25 Mar 2026HANSARDSmall Boat Deaths: Cranston Inquiry ReportThe Government are committed to taking action in every way they can. Since I do not deal with social media—I have plenty to do with transport—if there is any more to say to the…25 Mar 2026HANSARDSmall Boat Deaths: Cranston Inquiry ReportThe noble Lord is right that collaborative action with our neighbours is key to making the sea safer in these circumstances. It is clear to me from the actions taken before the…25 Mar 2026HANSARDSmall Boat Deaths: Cranston Inquiry ReportI am not going to comment on the actions of our near neighbour. There is more collaboration now than there was. The number of boats that arrived last year, in 2025, was half that…25 Mar 2026HANSARDSmall Boat Deaths: Cranston Inquiry ReportI compliment the noble Lord on instituting the report when he was Secretary of State, because losing more than 30 lives at sea is clearly a very serious matter. I have already…25 Mar 2026HANSARDSmall Boat Deaths: Cranston Inquiry ReportThe Government are taking strong, decisive action to do something about this issue. In particular, we are removing around 60,000 people who had no right to remain, and the…25 Mar 2026HANSARDSmall Boat Deaths: Cranston Inquiry ReportMy Lords, the first thing to say is that crossings of the English Channel in these circumstances are extraordinarily dangerous. Notwithstanding that, more than 152,000 people have…25 Mar 2026HANSARDSmall Boat Deaths: Cranston Inquiry ReportI spent most of last weekend reading the report—I do not claim to have read every word—but parts of it are extraordinarily harrowing because they comprise evidence from two…25 Mar 2026HANSARDTrain Driving Licences and Certificates (Amendment) Regulations 2026That the draft Regulations laid before the House on 10 February be approved. Considered in Grand Committee on 23 March. Relevant document: 52nd Report from the Secondary…25 Mar 2026HANSARDSmall Boat Deaths: Cranston Inquiry ReportI am afraid that this particular Minister is ill qualified to work out the effects of international conflict. What I should say in respect of those matters for which the…25 Mar 2026HANSARDSmall Boat Deaths: Cranston Inquiry ReportThe Cranston report makes a number of recommendations. The actions to be taken my department in order to get the best possible outcome must consider all the recommendations…25 Mar 2026HANSARDPublic Transport: AccessibilityI absolutely respect the noble Lord’s determination in the matter of people with any disability accessing public transport. A lot has been done on the accessibility of the bus…24 Mar 2026HANSARDPublic Transport: AccessibilityThe oldest railway in the world still needs better accessibility at many stations, between platforms and trains, and in information and customer service. We have committed to more…24 Mar 2026