Contributions
67 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDUK Defence CapabilityMy Lords, we still may sing “Rule Brittania”, but the reality is that our navy at present is, frankly, a national embarrassment. Obviously, we are glad that the “Prince of Wales”…08 Jun 2026HANSARDKing’s SpeechMy Lords, I draw attention to my entry in the register. Who is to blame for the parlous state of our Armed Forces: politicians, the media or the public? I would suggest all three,…21 May 2026HANSARDKing’s SpeechCould the Minister tell us whether the defence investment plan is likely to be published during the premiership of the present Prime Minister?21 May 2026HANSARDCompanies: Online AGMsTo ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effect of companies holding their annual general meetings solely online on individual shareholders’ ability…23 Mar 2026HANSARDCompanies: Online AGMsMy Lords, too often directors forget that it is shareholders who own the company. To hold AGMs entirely virtually, barring shareholders’ attendance, is in my view arrogant,…23 Mar 2026HANSARDDefence Industrial StrategyWill the Minister write to me?10 Sept 2025HANSARDDefence Industrial StrategyMy Lords, I refer to my entry in the register of Members’ interests re the defence sector. As has been said, there is much to welcome in this document, but we need a full day…10 Sept 2025HANSARDUK–EU Defence and Security Co-operationMy Lords, with drones increasingly revolutionising modern warfare, is it not essential that the UK and European countries collaborate and partner drone research and production,…03 Jul 2025HANSARDArmed Forces RecruitmentMy Lords, the Government inherited an MoD employing 63,000 civilians. Of course, many do vital and necessary work, but surely this is an absurd number, given that the Army itself…21 May 2025HANSARDMansion House AccordMy Lords, if the Government are keen, quite rightly, to encourage more investment into the United Kingdom, why do they still give tax relief to those with ISAs who invest in…14 May 2025HANSARDNational Shipbuilding StrategyMy Lords, there has been a huge growth in world cruising over recent years. Can the Minister tell us why we as a country have totally failed to participate in the construction of…30 Apr 2025HANSARDStock Market: First-time InvestorsTo ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to encourage first-time investors in the stock market.03 Feb 2025HANSARDStock Market: First-time InvestorsMy Lords, it is a privilege to open this short debate on encouraging first-time investors. I have been a private investor for 65 years, investing solely in United Kingdom…03 Feb 2025HANSARDStock Market: First-time InvestorsGiven the lateness of the hour and the time pressure, there is nothing that I would like to contribute. Obviously, I could deal with a number of the points that have been raised,…03 Feb 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords ReformMy Lords, I am very much in a minority on these Benches, in that I very much oppose an elected House of Lords for a whole host of reasons. It would destroy the relationship…12 Nov 2024HANSARDHolocaust Memorial BillMy Lords, I declare firstly an interest as president of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, whose members include the Royal Parks and the Imperial War Museum. It is…04 Sept 2024HANSARDHolocaust Memorial BillDuring construction, where will the access point be for all the lorries that will take out the soil and the debris and bring in the building materials? The Minister has not…04 Sept 2024HANSARDKing’s Speech (4th Day)My Lords, first I declare an interest. I am here in my 83rd year, and there is a threat of the culling of the 80 year-olds. I would like to ask the Government whether they have…22 Jul 2024HANSARDMiddle East: Deployment of British Armed ForcesMy Lords, we are very fortunate to have the Foreign Secretary in our House. Indeed, it is probably the best decision that the Prime Minister has taken. It is an excellent idea…17 Apr 2024HANSARDSpring Budget 2024My Lords, it gives me no pleasure to describe our country today as pothole Britain. For years, we have lived beyond our means, compounded, of course, by Covid and Brexit. Most…18 Mar 2024