Contributions
22 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDChild 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 2026 · 2d agoHANSARDChild 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 2026 · 2d agoHANSARDThe 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 2026HANSARDLocal Government ReorganisationI thank my noble friend for her Answer. One part of the country that is not included in the current plans for local government reorganisation is London, despite it now being…04 Mar 2026HANSARDLocal Government ReorganisationMy Lords, one of the concerns expressed to me by colleagues in local government has been about the cost of preparing submissions and scoping work for local government…25 Feb 2026HANSARDUnder-16s Energy Drinks BanMy Lords, in addition to the harms of energy drinks, the 156 cans of fizzy drink that the average child consumes in the UK each year can and do contribute to higher rates of…10 Feb 2026HANSARDEnglish Devolution and Community Empowerment BillMy Lords, this debate feels like getting the gang back together around this table. I declare my political interest as a former chair of London Councils and leader of Southwark…29 Jan 2026