Contributions
90 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDArrangement of BusinessOn behalf of our Benches, I support the principles laid out by the Government and Opposition Chief Whips. It is in the interest of the health of the Front Benches that we at the…08 Feb 2022HANSARDCoronavirus Grants: FraudMy Lords, when Covid struck, HMRC stopped answering its fraud-reporting phone line—the phones just rang and rang. The alternative way of reporting fraud online required entering…25 Jan 2022HANSARDPesticides: ThiamethoxamMy Lords, what assessment have the Government made of the health of the bee population in this country, and what contingency plans will they consider if it is deteriorating?20 Jan 2022HANSARDTributesMy Lords, I join in the tributes to all the staff who have kept us going this year, which has been exceptionally difficult. I would like to pay tribute to three members of staff.…16 Dec 2021HANSARDSocial Security (Up-rating of Benefits) BillMy Lords, I will be brief and speak on behalf of my noble friend Lady Janke, our Front-Bench spokesman on this Bill. Unfortunately, she cannot be here today. First, I will say…16 Nov 2021HANSARDSocial Security (Up-rating of Benefits) BillMy Lords, the noble Baroness, Lady Janke, apologises for not being able to be here today. She has asked me to say a few words on behalf of our group. We very much welcome that…08 Nov 2021HANSARDCatchment Based Approach’s Chalk Stream Restoration Strategy 2021My Lords, I congratulate my noble friend Lord Chidgey on the timing of this debate after the sewage and water vote last week, and coinciding with the COP 26 conference. The issue…03 Nov 2021HANSARDProcedure and PrivilegesMy Lords, I, too, am a member of the committee, but one of those who has thought for some while that we were rushing too quickly away from the virtual voting system, particularly…25 Oct 2021HANSARDHouse of Lords Commissioners for StandardsMy Lords, this group thought it important for the noble and learned Lord, Lord Mance, to be given support for this Motion, and that we should express our thanks for the work that…26 May 2021HANSARDHouse of Lords: Remote Participation and Hybrid SittingsMy Lords, it has been a long debate, which, I have to say, I have enjoyed more than I expected. I too thank all the staff for the work they have done in enabling the amazing…20 May 2021HANSARDFire Safety BillWe have had some very good speeches and some very good points have been made, so I will speak quite briefly. First, I declare my own interests in property and as someone with 15…27 Apr 2021HANSARDProcedure and PrivilegesI thank the Senior Deputy Speaker for introducing this debate. The hour is late. Fortunately, the arguments on all five issues in this report were properly discussed by the…22 Feb 2021HANSARDBusiness of the HouseMy Lords, as a member of the usual channels I have to accept my collective responsibilities in that mechanism, but I must say that I am unhappy with the cavalier way in which…30 Dec 2020HANSARDTributesI am pleased to join the Chief Whip and Leader of the Opposition in thanking all House staff for the great contribution and commitment they made in 2020, on behalf of these…17 Dec 2020HANSARDRecess DatesHaving been part of the initial discussions on this, I wanted to ask about the fact that we are coming back in midweek. It seems rather odd that we will finish on a Wednesday and…09 Jun 2020HANSARDBusiness of the HouseMy Lords, as a representative of the usual channels, I also join in congratulating the staff on all the work they have done to get us to where we will be next week. It has been an…04 Jun 2020HANSARDHouse of Lords: AllowancesI do not think the noble Baroness answered the question that I raised. In showing leadership, she must go back to the commission this week, or next week—whenever it is due to…06 May 2020HANSARDBusiness of the HousePerhaps I may be of help. Obviously talks have been taking place in the usual channels. I understand that the noble Baroness cannot support what the noble Lord, Lord Adonis, is…06 May 2020HANSARDHouse of Lords: AllowancesI declare an interest as someone who receives and claims allowances. I am, I think, the only representative today of the usual channels, and I would like to make a few remarks…06 May 2020HANSARDD-day Landings Memorial: EducationMy Lords, I draw the House’s attention to my interest as a trustee of the Portsmouth D-day museum. As we are discussing the educational work that is being done to commemorate…13 Jan 2020