Contributions
175 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCardiovascular IllnessesMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Booth, for securing this debate. I say as an aside to his opening remarks that if the most common British response is, “I feel fine”, the…12 Jun 2025HANSARDDisorder in BallymenaMy Lords, I join others in commending the efforts and the bravery of the police and the other emergency services in dealing with the appalling situation of the last 48 hours. I…11 Jun 2025HANSARDOfficial Controls (Plant Health) and Phytosanitary Conditions (Amendment) Regulations 2025My Lords, from that point of view, I had not originally intended to speak, but I suspect I may be the last Back-Bench contributor. In the true spirit of equality, it may be useful…09 Jun 2025HANSARDComplications from Abortions (Annual Report) Bill [HL]My Lords, I join others in apologising for not being here at Second Reading—on medical grounds, in my case—which seems to be a consistent theme in this debate. In looking at the…06 Jun 2025HANSARDPreterm Birth Committee ReportMy Lords, I am only the third male Member of this House to speak in this debate, following on from the noble Lords, Lord Patel and Lord Winston, which, in addition to the other…06 Jun 2025HANSARDUK-EU SummitMy Lords, whatever the claims and counterclaims of any deal by any Government, and whatever concerns may be raised today—I share some of those concerns, although some of us see…21 May 2025HANSARDTrade NegotiationsMy Lords, the deal that has been struck is clearly limited in scope. However, it is clear that the Government see this as part one of a wider package that will develop and will be…14 May 2025HANSARDNational Debt: It’s Time for Tough Decisions (Economic Affairs Committee Report)My Lords, having now overcome technical difficulties, I belatedly commend the work of the noble Lord, Lord Bridges, and this committee in producing this excellent report, which…25 Apr 2025HANSARDTobacco and Vapes BillMy Lords, where we seek to restrict individual freedom, we should always approach that with a certain level of caution. However, it is undoubtedly the case that the horrendous,…23 Apr 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, I commend the amendment brought forward by the noble Baroness, Lady Hoey, and my noble friend Lord Morrow, and commend the young people who have helped to provoke this…01 Apr 2025HANSARDNational Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) BillMy Lords, I too support the amendments in this group; I will speak briefly on them. Like many Members of your Lordships’ House, I share the general scepticism—indeed,…24 Mar 2025HANSARDNon-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillMy Lords, again, I support the amendments in this group. Perhaps I should clarify for the Minister that I do so, to paraphrase something said in a different context, on the basis…18 Mar 2025HANSARDNon-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) BillMy Lords, I shall speak briefly on these amendments. The best way forward is probably Amendment 30 in the next group, which is a cleaner way of dealing with this. I would sit a…18 Mar 2025HANSARDUkraine: UK PolicyMy Lords, I spoke in a previous debate about two lazy and dangerous assumptions that are sometimes applied in areas of conflict: first, that everyone involved is a victim; and,…17 Mar 2025HANSARDUkraineMy Lords, I join others in commending the Government for their Statement and their actions in recent days. It is perhaps symbolic that Belfast will be at the heart of the UK…04 Mar 2025HANSARDNorthern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2024My Lords, in dealing with the very difficult subject of legacy in Northern Ireland, there is always the risk of dangerous and lazy myths distorting our thinking on the subject,…26 Feb 2025HANSARDHolocaust Memorial DayMy Lords, it is a great honour to contribute to this vital debate—a debate in which the House is rightly able to speak with one voice. It is particularly an honour to follow the…13 Feb 2025HANSARDEducation (Assemblies) Bill [HL]My Lords, I am delighted to be able to speak in this debate. In following the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Chelmsford, I assure her that she is not a lone voice in…07 Feb 2025HANSARDInheritance Tax, National Insurance and VATWhatever the stated intentions of the Government are with this raft of measures, it is clear that the suspicion is that they are, at best, ideologically driven or, at worst,…27 Jan 2025HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillThe noble Baroness should not dare to accuse me of thoughtfulness.24 Jan 2024