Contributions
223 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDChannel 4 PrivatisationMy Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lady Bonham-Carter, I beg leave to ask the Question of which she gave private notice.05 Apr 2022HANSARDChannel 4 PrivatisationTo ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have regarding the privatisation of Channel 4.05 Apr 2022HANSARDCivil Servants: Reduction of NumbersMy Lords, does the Minister agree that one of the great gifts of 19th century Liberalism to the present day was a Civil Service selected on merit and politically neutral? Is that…24 Mar 2022HANSARDCOVID-19 Vaccinations: International AthletesMy Lords, given the attention that will be paid to the Commonwealth Games, is this not a wonderful opportunity for the Government to promote vaccination, particularly if a fourth…17 Mar 2022HANSARDPrisoners: Imprisonment for Public Protection SentencesMy Lords, 10 years ago I was the Minister who saw through the abolition of IPP in this House. I do not doubt the Minister’s good intentions, but I had the same good intentions. I…08 Mar 2022HANSARDChildren: Online ProtectionMy Lords, I think the Minister should beware TS Eliot’s: “Woe unto me when all men praise me!” There is clearly a direction of travel which is welcomed in the House. Could he…10 Feb 2022HANSARDBBC FundingMy Lords, I cannot think of a time in the 100-year history of the BBC when an announcement of its future has been so politically motivated and accompanied by such ridiculous…25 Jan 2022HANSARDEnergy CostsMy Lords, when I was in my sixth-form debating society, we would occasionally have a debate entitled “Something must be done.” That mood was well captured in yesterday’s Daily…06 Jan 2022HANSARDCovid-19: Entertainment and Arts VenuesMy Lords, yesterday’s newspapers reported on the new musical “Cabaret”. These five-star reviews remind us what a magnificent magnet our London theatres in particular are for…14 Dec 2021HANSARDBBC: Government SupportMy Lords, first, I send my good wishes to the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Liverpool on making his maiden speech. My parents were both born in Old Swan; they gave their…02 Dec 2021HANSARDFootball Clubs: Ownership TestMy Lords, I do not think anybody doubts Tracey Crouch’s commitment to reform, but as the noble Lord, Lord Faulkner, reminded us, the Mellor-Faulkner report 20 years ago was…29 Nov 2021HANSARDOfcom: Appointment of ChairMy Lords, is the Minister aware that, according to the Daily Telegraph , the term popular in the 1980s that “Every Prime Minister needs a Willie” is back in fashion? That of…24 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel 4: ConsultationMy Lords, in the absence of my noble friend Lady Bonham-Carter, and at her request, I beg to move the Question standing in her name on the Order Paper.16 Nov 2021HANSARDChannel 4: ConsultationMy Lords, is there not a lot of evidence that the overwhelming response, particularly from those with individual or organisational experience of the collective creative…16 Nov 2021HANSARDCreative SectorMy Lords, this has been a very constructive debate, thanks in no little part to how my noble friend Lady Featherstone introduced it, and I congratulate her on that. I also…04 Nov 2021HANSARDOfcom: Appointment of ChairIt is McNally—the noble Lord and I have known each other for only 30 years. It has already been pointed out that Ofcom will shortly be given unprecedented responsibilities for…26 Oct 2021HANSARDUK Journalism (Communications and Digital Committee Report)My Lords, when I was a lad growing up in the north-west, there was a programme on Granada Television called “All Our Yesterdays”. Looking round the Room, I am reminded of that…13 Oct 2021HANSARDUK Journalism (Communications and Digital Committee Report)Since I am not a member of the committee chaired by the noble Lord, Lord Gilbert, I have the opportunity, without any self-interest, to pay tribute to him and to the other members…13 Oct 2021HANSARDFuture UK-EU Relationship on Professional and Business Services (EU Committee Report)My Lords, like all the members of our committee, I was in awe of the ability of the noble Baroness, Lady Donaghy, to keep our unruly group in order and enable us to deliver a…22 Jul 2021HANSARDChannel 4: Funding and GovernanceMy Lords, is it not quite clear that the Secretary of State and Mr Whittingdale support public service broadcasting like the rope supports the hanging man? Is it not time that the…01 Jul 2021