US elections and carbon emissions in Lords questions to government
6 November 2020
At the start of business each day in the House of Lords, members question government activities and decisions in Lords Questions.
This week, from Monday 9 to Thursday 12 November, members quiz the government on the US elections, waste prevention, foreign aid and Universal Credit.
Catch up: Monday 9 November
Lord Ramsbotham (Crossbench) questioned the government on the announcement of the chair, timeframe, and terms of reference, for the Royal Commission on criminal justice. Members discussed topics including sentencing, family visits for prisoners, and the impact of COVID-19.
Baroness Northover (Liberal Democrat) quizzed the government on its assessment of the presidential election in the USA. Members discussed topics including President-elect Biden, the UK's presidency of the G7 and COP 26 in 2021, New START and Nato.
Baroness Blackstone (Labour) asked the government about its plans to align its skills strategy with the target for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Members discussed topics including investment in ports, gas-fired central heating, and the nature recovery fund.
Baroness Kennedy of Cradley (Non-affiliated) pressed the government on support for freelancers who work in the entertainment and music industries. Members discussed topics including the Self-employment Income Support Scheme, the Culture Recovery Fund and further support schemes.
Lord Lilley (Conservative) asked a Private Notice Question (an urgent question regarding COVID-19 statistics. Members discussed topics including a review of statistic issued, care homes, and accessible communication of statistics.
Catch up: Tuesday 10 November
- Watch on Parliament TV from 12pm
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript from three hours after questions
Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Conservative) questioned the government about the United Nations' 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign between 25 November and 10 December. Members discussed topics including the impact of COVID-19 on gender-based violence, funding for research and civil society organisations combatting gender-based violence, and education for girls.
Baroness Walmsley (Liberal Democrat) asked the government about the continued provision of dental services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Members discussed topics including the backlog of treatments, the impact on people with learning disabilities, and support for dental practices.
Baroness Parminter (Liberal Democrat) quizzed the government on its plans to publish its revised Waste Prevention Programme for England. Members discussed topics including a target for waste prevention by 2050, discharge of raw sewage into rivers, and incinerators.
Lord Clark of Windermere (Labour) pressed government on support for English Football League teams during the pandemic. Members discussed topics including support for clubs in all leagues, levies on TV revenue, and a review into football governance.
Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour) asked a Private Notice Question (an urgent question). Baroness Hayter quizzed government on the Vaccine Taskforce, its budget, and the appointment process and code of conduct for the head of the taskforce. Members discussed topics including the appointment of a PR firm to the taskforce and potential conflicts of interest.
Catch up: Wednesday 11 November
- Watch on Parliament TV from 12pm
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript from three hours after questions
Baroness Randerson (Liberal Democrat) pressed the government on improving rural bus services.
Lord Bruce of Bennachie (Liberal Democrat) questioned the government on the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on foreign aid and development spending commitments.
Baroness Bertin (Conservative) quizzed the government on its long-term funding plans to address domestic abuse.
Lord Greaves (Liberal Democrat) questioned government about preventing damage caused by fireworks.
Baroness Jolly (Liberal Democrat) asked a Private Notice Question (an urgent question). Baroness Jolly quizzed government on the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine.
Catch up: Thursday 12 November
Lord Greaves (Liberal Democrat) questioned the government on the consequences of its policies in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic on their levelling up agenda in England. Members discussed topics including economic inequalities, the rate of COVID-19 deaths in different parts of the country, the tiered COVID restrictions, and HS2.
Lord Collins of Highbury (Labour) pressed the government on whether the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office plans to develop a strategy for how they plan to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and when any such strategy will be published. Members discussed topics including a cross-government strategy for meeting the goals, maternal mortality and mental health, girls' education and investment in emerging markets.
Lord Woolley of Woodford (Crossbench) asked the government about maintaining the £20 per week increase in Universal Credit for the duration of, and after, the COVID-19 pandemic. Members discussed topics including a UK-wide child poverty strategy, an increase for people receiving legacy benefits and support for people on low wages.
Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Non-affiliated) quizzed government on negotiations with the EU regarding access for goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Members discussed topics including food supplies, future labelling requirement for food and drink produced in Northern Ireland, and checks on animals and dairy products at the Irish border.
Baroness Northover (Liberal Democrat) asked a Private Notice Question (an urgent question) on the Hong Kong Legislative Council. Members discussed topics including UK government representations to the Chinese government, freedom of expression and judicial independence in Hong Kong, and UK immigration measures to support the people of Hong Kong.