Contributions
21 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDKing’s SpeechMy Lords, I approach this debate in the positive spirit of one who wholeheartedly believes in the greatness of this nation. Indeed, global recognition that this is a stellar place…18 May 2026HANSARDMusic and Dance Schools: Affordable AccessMy Lords, the Government’s clear manifesto commitment was that “the arts and music will no longer be the preserve of a privileged few”. Nothing is more crucial to the fulfilment…16 Oct 2025HANSARDProstate CancerMy Lords, I am able to speak today only because of a chance discussion 18 years ago during a general health check-up in the USA. This led to a positive prostate cancer test back…03 Sept 2025HANSARDMusic Education: State SchoolsI declare an interest as deputy patron of Outward Bound and former chair of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Those charities both focus on engaging children in challenging outdoor…24 Jun 2025HANSARDRetail Crime: EffectsMy Lords, I begin by declaring an interest as a retailer. I started work at 16 as a shop assistant, in 1969 founded the business that would become DFS furniture, and more recently…05 Dec 2024HANSARDKing’s SpeechMy Lords, I approach today’s debate from an unusual and perhaps even unique perspective: as a life Peer of working-class origins who has been sitting on the Conservative Benches…23 Jul 2024HANSARDHealth Improvement and Food ProductionFew subjects arouse stronger passions than the food that we consume. This should be no surprise given the well-attested evidence that we really are what we eat. In my home town of…07 Jul 2022HANSARDQueen’s SpeechMy Lords, it is a great privilege to participate in this debate on the gracious Speech. As a working-class child growing up in the north of England, I never maximised my grammar…17 May 2022HANSARDGambling Harm (Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry Committee Report)We live in a world that is hungry for data, where every business, charity, NGO and government department is eager to gather more and more information about our health, habits,…27 Apr 2022HANSARDFreedom of SpeechMy Lords, I heartily thank the most reverend Primate the Archbishop of Canterbury for today’s debate and for reminding us that free speech is fundamental to a just and generous…10 Dec 2021HANSARDInitial Teacher TrainingSurely none of us can be in any doubt at all about the critical importance of teachers in society. We all know from our own experience, or that of our children and grandchildren,…18 Nov 2021HANSARDQueen’s SpeechI add my welcome to the noble Lords, Lord Coaker and Lord Morse. There is much to be proud of in the United Kingdom when it comes to the environment. I am thinking here…17 May 2021HANSARDHis Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghMy Lords, this is certainly the end of an era, and I welcome this opportunity to extend my most heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen, Their Royal…12 Apr 2021HANSARDCovid-19: MasksMy Lords, I grew up in a world where the only wearers of face masks were bank robbers, sexual deviants and the Lone Ranger, in a mining community where the underground workforce…11 Jun 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Recovery StrategiesMy Lords, at a time of nationwide stress, sorrow and bereavement, it may seem crass to point out the upsides of Covid-19. But they are real enough; not least in the cleaner air…11 Jun 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Museums, Galleries and Historic BuildingsIn the current public health emergency and critical economic situation, it would be so easy to regard museums, galleries and historic buildings as a luxury option. That is…21 May 2020HANSARDEducational Opportunities: Working ClassesI speak today from my vantage point as chairman of the trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, deputy patron of Outward Bound, and also from my personal experience of social…05 Mar 2020HANSARDVocational Education and TrainingMy Lords, perhaps I may remind the House of my registered interests as chairman of the trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and deputy patron of the Outward Bound Trust.…28 Oct 2019HANSARDQueen’s SpeechMy Lords, there is undoubtedly a great deal to welcome and to commend in the domestic agenda set out in Her Majesty’s most gracious Speech, although so far it has all been sadly…21 Oct 2019HANSARDEnglish FootballMy Lords, I start by thanking the noble Baroness, Lady Taylor of Bolton, for initiating this debate. It is not surprising that she is concerned about recent events involving her…08 May 2019