Contributions
29 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDKing’s SpeechMy Lords, in the gracious Speech we hear once again the aspiration for a country that is fair for all, a nation in which opportunity is widely shared, justice is consistently…18 May 2026HANSARDTrains: PunctualityI have a very brief question, because I know we are supposed to be brief. Does the Minister think that the quality of our transport services is helping us to deal with the problem…20 Apr 2026HANSARDHMT “Empire Windrush”: 80th AnniversaryMy Lords, I am very much in favour of these positive remarks, but please remember why we are making them and why we are having this discussion. In my time at the National Audit…14 Apr 2026HANSARDOnshore Wind FarmsMy Lords, is the Minister aware of the deep anger and enduring resentment felt about the way in which the heritage coast of Suffolk, an area of outstanding natural beauty, is…23 Mar 2026HANSARDHolocaust Memorial DayI am very honoured to follow that excellent speech; and I take the chance to acknowledge the very brilliant maiden speech that we heard earlier as well. I am intending to speak…26 Jan 2026HANSARDArmed Services: Sexual ViolenceMy Lords, does the Minister agree that part of supporting victims is showing clear and sustained condemnation for this type of behaviour, and ensuring that the military pursues…09 Dec 2025HANSARDNuclear: Small Modular ReactorsMy Lords, I declare an interest as a resident of Suffolk. I mention that because to understand the context of small nuclear reactors, it is worth while understanding the progress…19 May 2025HANSARDInheritance Tax, National Insurance and VATMy Lords, I will focus on employers’ national insurance exclusively in my three minutes of stardom. An employer’s national insurance has no direct relationship to that employer’s…27 Jan 2025HANSARDRestoration and Renewal: Annual Progress ReportMy Lords, I realise that as a chartered accountant, my remarks will be quite different to those of some of the other speakers, and I apologise for that in advance. Noble Lords…16 Jan 2025HANSARDSterling: Rise in Yields on 30-year GiltsMy Lords, does the Minister recognise that the current rise in gilt prices, viewed alongside the market reaction to Liz Truss’s mini-Budget, shows that current market confidence…14 Jan 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, I shall speak briefly because I do not dispute the fact that the removal of hereditary Peers was in the Labour manifesto and that the Government therefore have a right…11 Dec 2024HANSARDKing’s Speech (4th Day)My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Fox, and warmly welcome the noble Lord, Lord Vallance, to this House and congratulate him on his brilliant maiden speech. I apologise for my…22 Jul 2024HANSARDBBC: FundingTo ask His Majesty’s Government, given the freeze in the BBC licence fee over the last two years and following their announcement on 7 December 2023 of changes to the licence fee…17 Jan 2024HANSARDBBC: FundingMy Lords, I thank the Minister for his Answer. A cut of 30% over 10 years plus a two-year freeze, which would probably be equivalent to 12%, are massive cuts. They have led to…17 Jan 2024HANSARDWindrush GenerationMy Lords, let me make the Minister aware as he considers his future actions that, over my time in charge of the National Audit Office, this was the most shameful set of events I…28 Nov 2023HANSARDRestoration and Renewal: Annual Progress ReportMy Lords, it is an honour to speak after the noble Lord, Lord Blunkett. I will try, first, not to repeat too much of what noble Lords have already heard, if that is possible, and,…18 Oct 2023HANSARDRestoration and Renewal: Annual Progress ReportIn a way, the noble Lord is asking me to answer a hypothetical question, but if a new Government appear and the first thing they are asked for, or an early decision they have to…18 Oct 2023HANSARDFood: Two-For-One OffersMy Lords, can I just test with the Minister whether there is still a commitment to the policy of banning two-for-one promotions? If there is, is there an effective deal going on…19 Jul 2023HANSARDMetropolitan Police: CriminalityMy Lords, does the Minister recognise that there is a significant cultural dimension to this issue? Understandably, as a body, the police have a deeply defensive and internally…01 Feb 2023HANSARDNHS: BacklogsMy Lords, the Minister will no doubt be aware that for a long time it has been the practice of the NHS to rob Peter to pay Paul by appropriating capital budget to supplement…09 Nov 2022