Contributions
617 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDOfficial Development Assistance: Vulnerable ChildrenMy Lords, as there is a lull, I might take an opportunity to ask the Minister a question. The Department for Work and Pensions has stated that, as a result of the planned benefit…23 Jun 2025HANSARDContracts for Difference (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2025My Lords, I am really concerned about the legislation in front of us, because it seeks to extend subsidies to highly profitable corporations, at least until 2031. Inevitably, the…23 Jun 2025HANSARDCladding: High-rise BuildingsMy Lords, on 15 June 2017, the Metropolitan Police began a criminal investigation into the Grenfell fire. Can the Minister tell the House how many individuals and corporations…17 Jun 2025HANSARDPublic Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill16 Jun 2025HANSARDPublic Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillMy Lords, there are four amendments in this group. Three are mine; the fourth belongs to the noble Lord, Lord Vaux, and is of a different kind altogether, so I shall let him…16 Jun 2025HANSARDPublic Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillI am very grateful to everyone for their contributions to this debate. I want to come back on a couple of issues. I fully understand the arguments made against Amendment 79, but…16 Jun 2025HANSARDPublic Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillI am very grateful to the Minister for that reply, which gives us plenty to think about—and perhaps a flow chart would be helpful in due course. For the time being, I beg leave to…16 Jun 2025HANSARDPublic Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillMy Lords, I support all the amendments in this group, but I want to make a brief comment on Amendment 89. It is inappropriate for the Government to have powers to extend to and…16 Jun 2025HANSARDPublic Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill16 Jun 2025HANSARDPublic Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillRelated to that, as far as I understand it, some benefits can be paid into foreign bank accounts but they are totally beyond the scope of the Bill, so, presumably, if there is…16 Jun 2025HANSARDPublic Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillMy Lords, good laws should consider unexpected negative consequences and eliminate them before any legislation is implemented. One consequence of the Bill could be that it might…16 Jun 2025HANSARDPublic Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillI thank the Minister and the noble Viscount, Lord Younger, for their illumination of, and contribution to, this issue. I am not really that convinced by their replies, to be…16 Jun 2025HANSARDPublic Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill16 Jun 2025HANSARDPublic Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillMy Lords, there are three amendments in this group. Amendments 91A and 91B are tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Vaux, and the noble Baroness, Lady Kramer. All three seek to…16 Jun 2025HANSARDPublic Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) BillMy Lords, I am very grateful to the Minister and the noble Viscount, Lord Younger, for their contributions. The argument that something is costly and timely has been made for…16 Jun 2025HANSARDWinter Fuel PaymentMy Lords, I have two points. First, can the Minister say how many more pensioners will now have to submit a tax return? Secondly, this policy is full of anomalies. To give just…10 Jun 2025HANSARDSocial Care and Special Education Charities: Employer National Insurance ContributionsMy Lords, partners of big law and accountancy firms derive most of their income from one source but, despite that, they are not deemed to be employed by the firm. Therefore, the…09 Jun 2025HANSARDThames WaterMy Lords, while the Government are dithering about the future of Thames Water, its debt has increased by £3 billion, it is spending £200 million a year on its business advisers…04 Jun 2025HANSARDHealth: Ultra-processed FoodMy Lords, I thank the Minister. Research shows that ultra-processed food causes disease, disability and premature death. It costs the UK economy £268 billion a year, in the form…03 Jun 2025HANSARDHealth: Ultra-processed FoodTo ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to address health harms associated with ultra-processed food.03 Jun 2025