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Lords questions government on net-zero emissions and seaside resorts on 22 June

19 June 2020

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Questions in the House of Lords on Monday 22 June focused on net-zero emissions target, UK seaside resorts and increased demand for holidays, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and protection from Covid-19 in supply chains. There was also a Private Notice Question on the NHSX Test and Trace app.

Questions on Monday 22 June:

  • Lord Teverson asked the government about insulating the UK's existing housing stock in order to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2050.

    Topics discussed include: the timeline and actions to develop carbon efficiency measures for housing; refocusing winter fuel payments to support energy efficiency in low-income homes; commitments to retrofit publicly owned or funded buildings; collaboration with devolved administrations; reducing emissions from domestic boilers; closing offset schemes for new developments; a UK-wide hydrogen strategy; a green new deal as part of the post-pandemic economic recovery plan; and relaxing planning rules to enable insulation works.

 

  • Lord McNally asked the government what measures it is taking to ensure seaside resorts can respond to any increased demand for holidays in this country.

    Topics discussed include: guidance to support re-opening attractions in seaside towns; government action to prevent increasing inequalities in seaside towns; making a single government department responsible for support; the timeline for the Visitor Economy Taskforce to report; longterm support; easing planning restrictions on the use of outside space; support for language schools; support for coastal towns to diversify their economies; and creating new Town Deals for coastal areas.

 

  • Lord Campbell-Savours asked the government about the total cost of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse to date.

    Topics discussed include: the scale and cost of the ICSA enquiry; when the enquiry will come to an end; government progress on its review of the criminal injuries compensation scheme; when the government will publish the interim code of practice on tackling child abuse content; enquiries showing balance in carrying out their responsibilities; whether the ICSA enquiry will include children who have been trafficked; and government plans to tackle online abuse.


  • Lord Harries of Pentregarth asked the government what steps it is taking to encourage companies to protect those in their supply chains from the effects of Covid-19.

    Topics discussed include: vulnerability of migrant workers; government action to establish a corporate duty to protect human rights; encouraging private investments in response to the coronavirus pandemic; when the government will publish its consultation into the Prompt Payment Code; medical supply chain shortages; the number of Covid-19 cases in workplaces and warehouses; paying sub-contractors in case of main contractor insolvency; and enhancing the rights of vulnerable women and girls working in supply chains.

The Lord Speaker also accepted the following urgent question (Private Notice Question) from Lord Clement-Jones:

  • Lord Clement-Jones asked the government about the operational and financial impact of switching technology for the NHSX Covid-19 Test and Trace app, and what lessons have been learned.

    Topics discussed include: adopting the Apple-Google implementation of test and trace technology; reasons for the original development route; the influence of large tech companies and the need for regulation; plans to deal with a second wave of infections; rolling out the new test and trace app across all four nations in the UK; SAGE advice on test, trace and isolation measures being necessary to reduce social distancing measures; the cost of app development; the King's College London symptom study app; and involving local councils in developing systems.

Further information

Image: House of Lords / Roger Harris

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