Contributions
150 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDIntegrated Review: New ShipsMy Lords, the Prime Minister in his Statement on the integrated review said that it will ensure a “renaissance of British shipbuilding” across the United Kingdom—in Glasgow and…25 Jan 2021HANSARDBritish Armed Forces: Global BritainBritain’s Armed Forces are renowned for their dedication, professionalism and excellence. Labour stands four-square behind them, their families and our veterans. Today Britain…21 Jan 2021HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) BillMy Lords, across this House, there is overwhelming support for Britain’s Armed Forces, and I echo the Minister by paying tribute to them. The British people value the men and…20 Jan 2021HANSARDCare Quality Commission ReportMy Lords, I refer the House to my interests in the register. As vice-chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Autism, I know all too well the devastating impact this…15 Dec 2020HANSARDUN Mission in Mali: Armed Forces DeploymentMy Lords, today’s repeat of the Mali deployment Statement is very much welcomed because, whenever British forces are deployed, it is right—indeed, absolutely necessary—for…14 Dec 2020HANSARDWar Widows PensionsMy Lords, in an interview in The Yorkshire Post on 8 May, the Veterans Minister, Mr Mercer, said: “You’ve got to remember that the military is as much about families as anything…10 Dec 2020HANSARDTrident Nuclear ProgrammeMy Lords, the recent announcement of an extra £16.5 billion for defence is welcome, but the £13 billion black hole in the defence budget is still there. In terms of the funding…07 Dec 2020HANSARDChild Trust Funds: Children with Learning DisabilitiesMy Lords, being disabled in Britain should not mean being a second-class citizen, but that is how it must seem for children with learning disabilities whose families face an…03 Dec 2020HANSARDNuclear WeaponsWe welcome the long overdue commitment on defence spending announced last week but, according to the National Audit Office, poor management of Britain’s nuclear weapons programme…25 Nov 2020HANSARDAsylum Seekers: Croatia and Bosnia-HerzegovinaMy Lords, across Europe, including in Britain, unaccompanied migrant children are being abused and trafficked, and are self-harming. A year ago, the Committee of Ministers of the…18 Nov 2020HANSARDArmed Forces: Covid-19 DeploymentMy Lords, I am sure the whole House will be at one in thanking the men and women of our Armed Forces for the vital support they have given during the pandemic. Can the Minister…12 Nov 2020HANSARDHMS “Queen Elizabeth”My Lords, on 13 March last year, during a Question about deploying HMS “Queen Elizabeth” to the Pacific, I said: “When the Americans deploy a carrier they provide an escort of a…04 Nov 2020HANSARDDefence and Security Public Contracts (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020My Lords, I congratulate and welcome the noble Lord, Lord Dodds. He follows in a rich tradition of sons and daughters of Derry/Londonderry making very important contributions to…03 Nov 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Disparate ImpactMy Lords, I welcome the commitment to widen future Statements on the disparate impact of Covid to include people with disabilities. Yesterday, in a briefing organised by Sense, we…27 Oct 2020HANSARDArmed Forces: ReductionTo ask Her Majesty’s Government what military (1) activities, (2) deployments, and (3) training, they plan to end following any reduction in the number of armed forces personnel.22 Oct 2020HANSARDHealth Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation) (England) Regulations 2020My Lords, I thank the Minister for introducing this instrument, although I must put on record my concern that we are only now able to debate these regulations, almost four weeks…22 Oct 2020HANSARDArmed Forces: ReductionMy Lords, following reports that the Government plan to cut the size of the Army, Tobias Ellwood, the chair of the Defence Select Committee, said that this was “sheer madness” and…22 Oct 2020HANSARDArmed Forces Personnel from Commonwealth CountriesThe Royal British Legion says the Government should stop charging fees to Commonwealth veterans who want to remain in the country they have served. The Veterans Minister, Johnny…20 Oct 2020HANSARDArmed Forces Personnel from Commonwealth CountriesTo ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to help armed forces personnel from Commonwealth countries to settle in the United Kingdom.20 Oct 2020HANSARDFleet Solid Support ShipsOn 5 November, it will be one year since the Government suspended competition for building the fleet solid support ships. Sir John Parker, who wrote the review of the…07 Oct 2020