Contributions
26 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCreative Industries: QualificationsMy Lords, I congratulate my noble friend Lady Keeley on securing this important debate. I know from many conversations with her that she is utterly passionate about support for…23 Jul 2026HANSARDLocal Government ReorganisationMy Lords, as a councillor, I have always represented about 3,000 electors, but they and I always had the certainty and clarity of where strategic responsibilities and…21 Jul 2026HANSARDGovernment Record on Education, Employment and WelfareMy Lords, when I saw that the noble Baroness, Lady Evans, had put this subject down for a debate today, for which I thank her, I thought I should take a look at the statistics to…16 Jul 2026HANSARDBusiness HiringMy Lords, I also congratulate my noble friend on her well-deserved appointment. Many of us will share the concerns about the number of young people—16 to 24 year-olds —not in…14 Jul 2026HANSARDChild PovertySorry, I was not expecting that cheer. We have spoken about it over the past two years, and we have seen some modest growth, but we have to be honest that it is not enough. We…18 Jun 2026HANSARDChild PovertyMy Lords, I add my name to the list of those commending my noble friend Lady Lister on bringing this debate? I also welcome the contribution of the noble Baroness, Lady Coffey,…18 Jun 2026HANSARDThe Building Safety Regulator: Building a Better Regulator (Industry and Regulators Committee Report)My Lords, I declare my interest as chair of H4Life and as a partner in Quoin Partners, which represents the building development industry. I very much welcome this report; it is…08 Jun 2026HANSARDNational Arts BankMy Lords, I declare my interests as a member of the president’s circle at the Central School of Ballet and a trustee at the Old Vic Theatre. I want to talk today about a…04 Jun 2026HANSARDNational Arts BankTo ask His Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to establishing a national arts bank to act as a guarantor lender for those theatres, performance venues,…04 Jun 2026HANSARDSocial Housing Bill [HL]My Lords, it is a pleasure to speak after the noble Baroness, Lady O’Neill of Bexley. I fondly recall the times in London Councils meetings when we would sit around the table and…01 Jun 2026HANSARDKing’s SpeechMy Lords, I thought long and hard about which debate on the humble Address I should participate in. My background in local government, regeneration and housing initially pushed me…21 May 2026HANSARDBalletTo ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide further support to those institutions which provide classical ballet training at degree level.28 Apr 2026HANSARDBalletMy Lords, in begging leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper, I declare an interest as a member of the president’s circle of the Central School of Ballet.28 Apr 2026HANSARDBalletI thank my noble friend for her Answer. Whatever Timothée Chalamet may say, people care about ballet. The Central School of Ballet, almost uniquely as a degree-awarding classical…28 Apr 2026HANSARDFuel Supplies: War in IranTo ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure the continuity of fuel supplies in the light of the war in Iran.25 Mar 2026HANSARDFuel Supplies: War in IranI thank my noble friend for his Answer. Two matters prompted my Question: first, reports that 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and, secondly,…25 Mar 2026HANSARDUniversal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) BillMy Lords, as an old-timer in this place, I congratulate my noble friends Lady Antrobus and Lord Walker, and the noble Baroness, Lady Teather, on their brilliant, inspiring and…12 Mar 2026HANSARDStamp Duty: Periodic TenanciesMy Lords, one of the ways in which we meet the concerns that the noble Lord has raised is by increasing the housing supply. Can my noble friend the Minister give us an update on…09 Mar 2026HANSARDLocal Government ReorganisationMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper. In so doing, I declare my interests as a peer mentor adviser for the Local Government Association…04 Mar 2026HANSARDLocal Government ReorganisationTo ask His Majesty’s Government what progress they have made on local government reorganisation in England.04 Mar 2026