Contributions
112 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDIntegrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign PolicyMy Lords, when, in 1992, Francis Fukuyama heralded the post-Cold War ascendency of western liberal democracy as “the end of history” , he was somewhat premature. Global democracy…22 Apr 2021HANSARDHong Kong Courts: British JudgesMy Lords, I thank the Minister for his reply, but is it not time that Her Majesty’s Government make their position clear on this and take further action? Is it not wrong on many…22 Mar 2021HANSARDHong Kong Courts: British JudgesTo ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of role of British judges in courts in Hong Kong; and what plans they have to prevent judges from participating in…22 Mar 2021HANSARDIntegrated ReviewMy Lords, I look forward to a full debate in your Lordships’ House on the integrated review but, in the meantime, the Indo-Pacific tilt is realistic only if proper resources are…17 Mar 2021HANSARDRough SleepingMy Lords, as someone who once worked for a charity supporting homeless people, I welcome the reduction in the numbers of those sleeping rough. Rough sleeping is a blight on any…02 Mar 2021HANSARDEducation Return and Awarding Qualifications in 2021My Lords, in my view, Her Majesty’s Government made the right decision in resisting calls to vaccinate teachers ahead of vulnerable people. However, can the Minister give your…01 Mar 2021HANSARDPandemics and Environmental DegradationMy Lords, as the Minister said, it is now accepted that many new diseases have emerged due to environmental degradation and animal populations under severe pressure—not only…24 Feb 2021HANSARDCovid-19: Road MapMy Lords, I welcome the road map but wonder whether Her Majesty’s Government will consider loosening the hospital admissions criteria for those suffering from Covid-19. The UK has…23 Feb 2021HANSARDPolitical Parties: Expenditure LimitsMy Lords, this Question reminds me of my time as a political organiser in the 1980s. Of course, campaigning has changed a lot over the last decade or so: President Obama was one…22 Feb 2021HANSARDArmed Forces Act (Continuation) Order 2021My Lords, it is a pleasure to follow the noble Lord, Lord Thomas of Gresford, and his tour through history, which was certainly very instructive, especially for some of us who…11 Feb 2021HANSARDSocial Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2021My Lords, I will try to be brief, as many issues have been raised by other noble Lords. In these challenging times for pensioners struggling with the pandemic, and with the…10 Feb 2021HANSARDUK Shellfish ExportsMy Lords, UK shellfish catches were valued at £393 million in 2019, so this is a very serious matter for the fishing industry, especially in the south-west. Is this not yet…09 Feb 2021HANSARDSanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2020My Lords, I will raise the sanctions on unauthorised drilling in the eastern Mediterranean, as mentioned by the noble Lords, Lord Northbrook and Lord Balfe, and then comment on…08 Feb 2021HANSARDNational Security and Investment BillMy Lords, I, too, congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Woodley, on his excellent maiden speech. I welcome this Bill to ensure that our national security is better protected. For too…04 Feb 2021HANSARDNational Risk RegisterMy Lords, the 2020 national risk register refers to planning to tackle Covid-19. It says that “the UK Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Strategy covers strategic planning, response…03 Feb 2021HANSARDThe UK’s Relationship with the Pacific Alliance (International Relations Committee Report)My Lords, I too welcome this excellent and, ultimately, timely report. I thank the noble Lord, Lord Howell of Guildford, and the International Relations Committee for securing the…01 Feb 2021HANSARDHouse of Lords: SizeSurely a painless way to reduce the size of your Lordships’ House would be to abolish hereditary by-elections, as proposed in the admirable Bill from by the noble Lord, Lord…28 Jan 2021HANSARDSocial Care Funding (EAC Report)My Lords, I too congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Forsyth of Drumlean, and the Economic Affairs Committee on their incisive report. Social care funding has become a postcode…28 Jan 2021HANSARDNo-fault EvictionsMy Lords, I refer to my interests in the register. I support the ending of no-fault evictions and believe that the tenant should receive extra support during the pandemic and the…27 Jan 2021HANSARDBritish Armed Forces: Global BritainMy Lords, we all await the delayed integrated review. I too welcome the extra £24 billion for defence and our Armed Forces, but think it somewhat perverse to allocate the extra…21 Jan 2021