Contributions
1,831 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDWelfare ReformMy Lords, I thank the Minister for repeating the Statement on these long- awaited and much-trumpeted welfare reforms. I say at the outset that the Government are right to look at…18 Mar 2025HANSARDUniversal Credit (Standard Allowance Entitlement of Care Leavers) Bill [HL]My Lords, once again I thank the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Manchester for bringing this Bill before your Lordships’ House. As we said at Second Reading, we support the…14 Mar 2025HANSARDNorth Sea Vessel CollisionMy Lords, the Minister has confirmed that the “Stena Immaculate” was at anchor, and it seems clear that it was. We know that a lot of large ships are often at anchor off…13 Mar 2025HANSARDNational Insurance Pension UnderpaymentsMy Lords, recent statistics from the DWP demonstrate that 13 million people are receiving state pension payments. Saving adequately for retirement remains a challenge for many,…13 Mar 2025HANSARDBreakfast Clubs: Early AdoptersMy Lords, notwithstanding the results of the pilots, can the Minister tell us whether the department, or indeed head teachers, are encouraging children to stay at home to have…27 Feb 2025HANSARDSocial Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2025My Lords, I, too, thank the Minister for clearly outlining the essence of these two SIs. I recall that last year, they were debated separately but I cannot remember why.…25 Feb 2025HANSARDUK-EU RelationsMy Lords, hearing about promises at the general election, I am reminded of the clarion calls that came from the then Opposition about smashing the gangs and getting round the…13 Feb 2025HANSARDSchool Accountability and InterventionMy Lords, the proposed five-tier report card for schools is receiving much airtime, but can the Minister tell us what is being done to measure the effectiveness of Ofsted…06 Feb 2025HANSARDState Pension: Triple LockMy Lords, it is interesting to note that, at the recent general election, the average voter in the average constituency was aged over 55. The demographics are interesting; there…21 Jan 2025HANSARDBenefits: EligibilityMy Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lady Stedman-Scott, and with her permission, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in her name on the Order Paper.09 Jan 2025HANSARDBenefits: EligibilityI echo the Minister’s words about Lord Haselhurst; I completely agree with him. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has acknowledged that addressing long-term sickness is…09 Jan 2025HANSARDPension Review: Phase 2My Lords, I congratulate the noble Baroness on her promotion. I understand that stage 2 of the review, if it does go ahead, focusing on pensions adequacy, might recommend that…18 Dec 2024HANSARDWomen’s State Pension Age Communication: PHSO ReportI would like to come back briefly with a further question, as there is time; we do have time for Back-Bench questions as well as Front-Bench questions. As regards the future, can…17 Dec 2024HANSARDWomen’s State Pension Age Communication: PHSO ReportMy Lords, it looks like we have the graveyard slot this evening. I am very sorry indeed that the House is so empty for such an important and serious subject. In fact, it feels…17 Dec 2024HANSARDNew HomesMy Lords, we all agree that more homes need to be built but, with the introduction of the higher local authority housebuilding targets, which will be mandatory, including on…11 Dec 2024HANSARDMigration and Border SecurityMy Lords, in response to questions from the noble Lord, Lord Murray, the Minister gave the impression that not much progress had been made in negotiations and actual action on the…10 Dec 2024HANSARDCOP 29My Lords, when it comes to the UK share of the $300 billion, whenever it is paid out to developing countries, which we are all for, can the Minister give some assurances that the…28 Nov 2024HANSARDHealth-related Benefit ClaimsMy Lords, I remain to be convinced that the measures the Government are taking to get more inactive people on benefits into work, including those with mental health challenges,…05 Nov 2024HANSARDCommunity and Voluntary SectorMy Lords, the noble Baroness, Lady Morgan, allows this House once again to highlight the importance of community work and the role of the voluntary sector in our lives. This has…31 Oct 2024HANSARDFood BanksMy Lords, compared to pre-Covid times, when people tended to visit a food bank for emergency purposes—as a result of a home emergency—there is anecdotal evidence, as I am sure the…31 Oct 2024