Contributions
1,831 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDUnion with ScotlandMy Lords, the Government recognise the importance of the union. The UK is a family of nations that share social, cultural and economic ties that together make us far safer, more…04 Nov 2020HANSARDUnion with ScotlandI will not be drawn into commenting on that, but I will use this opportunity to say that we strongly believe that Scotland should remain, and is better off remaining, within the…04 Nov 2020HANSARDUnion with ScotlandThe noble Lord will not be surprised when I say that Scotland had an independence referendum in 2014 which was legal, fair and decisive. The people of Scotland voted by a…04 Nov 2020HANSARDUnion with ScotlandI will certainly take back my noble friend’s first point. The furlough scheme, including the self-employment income support scheme, has supported the jobs of more than 930,000…04 Nov 2020HANSARDUnion with ScotlandNotwithstanding the reviews that I have mentioned, one of the key policies that has been rolled out is the presence of the new Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh. This opened in…04 Nov 2020HANSARDUnion with ScotlandThe message behind my noble friend’s Question is that we must do more to ensure that Scottish people see and understand the benefits of being part of one of the most successful…04 Nov 2020HANSARDFlags (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020My Lords, I thank all Peers who have spoken for their overall support for these regulations. It was cheering to note that many speeches repeated some parts of mine, which shows…03 Nov 2020HANSARDFlags (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020That the Grand Committee do consider the Flags (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020.03 Nov 2020HANSARDFlags (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020My Lords, the draft regulations were laid before the House on 23 September. The flying of a specific flag can represent an important symbol, with wider implications of what that…03 Nov 2020HANSARDAdjacent Waters Boundaries (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2020That the draft Order laid before the House on 7 September be approved. Considered in Grand Committee on 27 October.29 Oct 2020HANSARDAdjacent Waters Boundaries (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2020That the Grand Committee do consider the Adjacent Waters Boundaries (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2020.27 Oct 2020HANSARDAdjacent Waters Boundaries (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2020In this particularly short debate, I want to thank the noble Baroness, Lady Ritchie, and the noble Lord, Lord Murphy, for their general support for the order. I am perhaps not so…27 Oct 2020HANSARDAdjacent Waters Boundaries (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2020My Lords, I shall start by setting out the context of why we are making this amendment, which is purely technical, now. We are seeking to change the Adjacent Waters Boundaries…27 Oct 2020HANSARDNorthern Ireland: Commission for Victims and SurvivorsThe noble Lord makes an important point about reconciliation and, as I referred to earlier, looking forward rather than looking back. He is right: there needs to be a degree of…22 Oct 2020HANSARDNorthern Ireland: Commission for Victims and SurvivorsThe noble Lord, with all his experience of Northern Ireland, is right. I assure him that, since March, Ministers and officials have engaged with a range of stakeholders, including…22 Oct 2020HANSARDNorthern Ireland: Commission for Victims and SurvivorsMy noble friend is right to draw attention to the brief comments made by the Secretary of State. He, with many others, is working hard to help all communities in Northern Ireland…22 Oct 2020HANSARDNorthern Ireland: Commission for Victims and SurvivorsThe noble Lord echoes the wise words of the previous commissioner. Though he will know that the appointment of a new commissioner is a matter for the Northern Ireland Executive, I…22 Oct 2020HANSARDNorthern Ireland: Commission for Victims and SurvivorsI can understand the noble Lord’s interest and frustration. I am unable to give him a timetable, but I give further reassurance that we are committed to bringing forward…22 Oct 2020HANSARDNorthern Ireland: Commission for Victims and SurvivorsIndeed, the noble Baroness is right. She will know that legacy is one of the most complex, sensitive and profoundly important issues for the people of Northern Ireland, so it is…22 Oct 2020HANSARDNorthern Ireland: Commission for Victims and SurvivorsMy Lords, the Government will bring forward legislation addressing the legacy of the Troubles to focus on reconciliation and deliver for victims. The Government engaged with the…22 Oct 2020