Contributions
455 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDNew Housing: Flood RiskMy Lords, does the Minister agree that the time is right for a review of the Flood Re programme? As we heard from the noble Lord, Lord Blencathra, it does not apply to buildings…26 Feb 2026HANSARDChanging Weather Patterns and FloodsMy Lords, Flood Re is a temporary system that will run out in 2039 and is aimed only at domestic dwellings, which is a great disadvantage to owners of microbusinesses and small…12 Feb 2026HANSARDUS Department of Justice Release of FilesMy Lords, I have spent some of this morning looking at the US Department of Justice’s Epstein library. I note that the emails have a very matey tone and therefore obviously sit in…05 Feb 2026HANSARDConstruction Industry: TimberMy Lords, the level of afforestation in Great Britain is about 13% and the average in the EU is mid-30%, so it is good to hear about planning for the planting of more trees. The…05 Feb 2026HANSARDTributes: Lord Wallace of TankernessMy Lords, with a heavy heart, I rise on behalf of these Benches to pay tribute to the noble and learned Lord, Lord Wallace of Tankerness, and to extend our condolences to his wife…03 Feb 2026HANSARDTributes: Lord McFall of AlcluithIt is a great pleasure to follow three warm and special reflections on the noble Lord, Lord McFall. I agree with every word and sentiment that has been expressed. On behalf of…02 Feb 2026HANSARDHigh Temperature Gas-Cooled ReactorsMy Lords, can the Minister update the House on the plans to replace Russia in the nuclear fuel supply chain, given that it has a very dominant place there at the moment?19 Jan 2026HANSARDGreenland: Proposed US TariffsMy Lords, much of what has been said so far is of the respectful and firm way in which the intergovernmental dimension of the relationship is reacting to this news. Tomorrow, of…19 Jan 2026HANSARDElection of Lord SpeakerMy Lords, I will be very brief. I am very much looking forward on the commission to seeing the forensic skills of the noble Lord, Lord Forsyth, as he questions the many people we…12 Jan 2026HANSARDTributesMy Lords, I associate myself with all the warm comments made by my fellow members of the usual channels about the staff of the House. I note the kindness, the courtesy and the…18 Dec 2025HANSARDTropical Forest Forever FacilityMy Lords, the Minister mentioned earlier the tree planting that has been going on in the United Kingdom. Is he aware that the biggest threat to those trees reaching maturity and…09 Dec 2025HANSARDRiver PollutionMy Lords, the Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs last met in June this year; it was very high level and all the top Ministers from the various nations…10 Nov 2025HANSARDJobcentres: Staffing LevelsMy Lords, I declare my interest as the chairman of the charity that runs the libraries and museums in Perth and Kinross. In Perth and Kinross, there is a feeling that libraries…23 Oct 2025HANSARDModular Nuclear ProgrammeMy Lords, can the Minister update the House as to the efforts and timetable for removing Russia from the supply chain for nuclear fuel?15 Oct 2025HANSARDBusiness of the HouseMy Lords, I do not represent a considered view of the whole Cross Bench, but I will make one or two points. The first is that what the noble Lord, Lord True, said about making…14 Oct 2025HANSARDMaking Tax DigitalMy Lords, I want to go back to the question from the noble Baroness, Lady Kramer, about helplines. I have to say that, for me—I declare my interest as a small farmer with a small…17 Sept 2025HANSARDTributesMy Lords, on behalf of these Benches, I echo all the thanks expressed so far today. The noble Lord, Lord Kennedy, praised the Deputy Speakers who so ably guide us through…24 Jul 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, the rest of the Bill and ping-pong will play out in September, I suppose, but I add my voice to those saying that the most valuable thing that will come out of the Bill…21 Jul 2025HANSARDRenters’ Rights BillMy Lords, I will speak to Amendments 87, 88 and 103, which I have signed. I add my thanks to the Minister, who has engaged with me on these amendments, among others in the Bill.…15 Jul 2025HANSARDFalkland Islands: Fisheries Exports TariffsThe European Union Committee looked at this issue in 2020-21. What was interesting about it then—and I am sure that it is fairly similar now—is that the fishing grounds for the…10 Jul 2025