Contributions
2,386 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDElections BillMy Lords, I am explaining to the House why we are concerned in this particular context. I would have thought the noble Lord, having listened to the speech by my noble friend Lady…06 Apr 2022HANSARDElections BillMy Lords, I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Quin, for her kind remarks, and I apologise that she did not get a response. I assure her that I was horrified when I went into my…06 Apr 2022HANSARDElections BillMy Lords, I rise to speak to Amendments 10 to 18, 20 to 25, 47 and 50 tabled in my name. Apart from Amendments 20 to 25, these are all technical amendments to ensure consistency…06 Apr 2022HANSARDElections BillMy Lords, the Government’s objective—as indeed is the objective of anybody who practices the art of politics—is to achieve the highest number going to the polling station. The…06 Apr 2022HANSARDCivil Servants: Reduction of NumbersMy Lords, I think that is another important challenge from those Benches. We do need to raise the quality of specialism within the Civil Service—though that is not to disparage…24 Mar 2022HANSARDCivil Servants: Reduction of NumbersMy Lords, there is not a specific target; there are overall financial targets, but as far as numbers are concerned, we are seeking obviously to reduce from what we have now. I…24 Mar 2022HANSARDCivil Servants: Reduction of NumbersMy Lords, indeed, I am delighted to do so. Devolved Administrations have their own responsibilities, but as I said in response to the good and challenging question from the noble…24 Mar 2022HANSARDCivil Servants: Reduction of NumbersIt is intended that there will be ministerial accountability for the development and progress of the Civil Service. Each department is responsible for managing its employees, but…24 Mar 2022HANSARDCivil Servants: Reduction of NumbersThere are a lot of questions there. I have great sympathy for the noble Lord’s first sentiment, which is the loss of Gladstonian Liberalism, which I think needs to be rediscovered…24 Mar 2022HANSARDCivil Servants: Reduction of NumbersI would say to the right reverend Prelate that there are two sides to this coin. One is an efficient service that is more capable of delivering quality public service—we all…24 Mar 2022HANSARDCivil Servants: Reduction of NumbersMy Lords, I cannot claim to be an expert on the linguistic training policies of the foreign service. I would say that we wish to have a Civil Service that is adaptable, nimble and…24 Mar 2022HANSARDCivil Servants: Reduction of NumbersI am delighted that I am not in a department where I have to defend the DVLA. I take note of what my noble friend says, and I think people will have heard the sentiment on that…24 Mar 2022HANSARDCivil Servants: Reduction of NumbersI think the noble Lord makes a very important point. There is a great deal of churn in the Civil Service and that reflects one of the things that the Government wish to address in…24 Mar 2022HANSARDCivil Servants: Reduction of NumbersMy Lords, I reject the first part of the question. I am absolutely delighted that my right honourable friend is bringing his insight to the Cabinet Office and I look forward to…24 Mar 2022HANSARDCivil Servants: Reduction of NumbersMy Lords, there was a significant increase in the number of civil servants employed to manage the temporary requirements of Covid-19 and preparations for leaving the EU. Given…24 Mar 2022HANSARDElections Bill23 Mar 2022HANSARDElections BillMy Lords, government Amendment 121 concerns the details about candidates that appear on ballot papers at parliamentary elections. We are bringing forward this amendment in…23 Mar 2022HANSARDElections Bill23 Mar 2022HANSARDElections BillMy Lords, it has been a lengthy debate. I say to the noble Lord, Lord Stunell, that I have not presented any amendment. I am presenting to your Lordships’ House a Bill which has…23 Mar 2022HANSARDElections BillI am grateful to those who have spoken, and I will think about the last point made by the noble Lord, Lord Khan. This is a balanced proposal which has come from concerns from…23 Mar 2022