Contributions
64 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDThames WaterMy Lords, I share the Minister’s frustration and welcome the Government’s efforts to grip the issue. Does she agree that, whatever happens to the ownership of Thames Water,…17 Jun 2026 · 3d agoHANSARDMiddle East: Economic UpdateMy Lords, does the Financial Secretary agree that, rather than increasing revenues, an oil price of more than $100 a barrel is far more likely to reduce them because of the wider…28 Apr 2026HANSARDWorld Economic Outlook: UK Growth and InflationMy Lords, I encourage the Financial Secretary not to become mesmerised by IMF forecasts. The British economy has proved remarkably resilient over the past 18 years in the face of…22 Apr 2026HANSARDStrategic Defence Review: FundingMy Lords, does the Minister agree that the effectiveness of expenditure is as important as the level of expenditure? Can he tell the House what the MoD is doing to improve the…16 Apr 2026HANSARDPension Schemes: Ministerial PowersMy Lords, I declare my interest as chairman of the Scottish American Investment Company. I understand why the Government would want to take a reserve power, given the persistent…11 Mar 2026HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, I will speak in support of Amendment 243E, tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Layard. It is late, and I promise to be brief. In Committee, a cross-party group of Peers spoke…03 Feb 2026HANSARDAutumn Budget 2025My Lords, it is axiomatic that, if you want to land a difficult message, it is best to start with some positives: so here goes. First, all credit to the Government for sticking to…04 Dec 2025HANSARDLitter on Canal TowpathsMy Lords, I will speak very briefly in the gap. First, I should mention that I, too, make regular use of canal tow-paths: I often walk along the Grand Union Canal, either through…20 Nov 2025HANSARDInheritance Tax: PensionsMy Lords, does the Minister agree that it is an important principle of the tax system that tax reliefs, and therefore tax expenditures, should be tightly drawn? Does he also agree…17 Nov 2025HANSARDChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools BillMy Lords, I will speak briefly in support of Amendment 483, which I have put my name to. The noble Lord, Lord Layard, has set out the arguments very eloquently. I would merely…18 Sept 2025HANSARDGilt YieldsMy Lords, the Financial Secretary is right to point out that yields on German bunds have risen almost as much as yields on gilts in the UK over the last month, but does he…02 Sept 2025HANSARDIndependent Commission on Adult Social CareMy Lords—22 Jul 2025HANSARDIndependent Commission on Adult Social CareMy Lords, one of the most sensible measures introduced by Mr Sunak when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer was a health and social care levy. Sadly, its abolition is the one…22 Jul 2025HANSARDUK Infrastructure: 10-year StrategyMy Lords, I congratulate the Treasury on this plan, which is well thought through. If the economy is going to grow, we have to ensure that public investment grows faster than…24 Jun 2025HANSARDWinter Fuel PaymentMy Lords, as the Minister knows, I did not welcome this decision. Turning to principles, does he agree that cliff edges in the tax and benefits system are undesirable? Can he…12 Jun 2025HANSARDWinter Fuel PaymentMy Lords, as one of the few supporters of the original measure—like my friend, the noble Lord, Lord Clarke—I feel the Minister’s pain. But when the Treasury has to retreat, it is…10 Jun 2025HANSARDRegional GrowthMy Lords, I welcome the Government’s announcements in relation to regional growth. As the sometime author of the Green Book, I welcome the direction of travel in terms of…05 Jun 2025HANSARDNational Debt: It’s Time for Tough Decisions (Economic Affairs Committee Report)My Lords, I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Bridges, and his committee on their timely and well-argued report. I agree with pretty much all of it. The fact is that Britain’s…25 Apr 2025HANSARDScunthorpe SteelworksMy Lords, do the Government agree that in recent years private sector steel producers have effectively had the Government over a barrel in negotiations? Will they commit to…31 Mar 2025HANSARDCapital Investment and Share OwnershipMy Lords, does the Financial Secretary agree that, generally, the quality of PFI projects has improved over time, with an increasing number transferring risk successfully to the…13 Mar 2025