Lords questions government on accessible homes and human rights
30 October 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 2 to Wednesday 4 November, members press the government on the Life in the UK Test, human rights, rural communities and homes for people with disabilities.
Catch up: Wednesday 4 November
Catch up: Monday 2 November
Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat) questioned the government on the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Members discussed topics including press freedom in the region and the impact of partition on the relationship between India and Pakistan.
Lord Tyler (Liberal Democrat) asked the government about the report of its investigation into allegations of bullying of officials by the Home Secretary. Members discussed topics including methods to report workplace bullying.
Lord Teverson (Liberal Democrat) pressed the government about the 2042 target date for restoring 75% of terrestrial and freshwater protected sites. Members discussed topics including the international response to restoring soils and grasslands, and discussions with the devolved administrations.
Lord Harries of Pentregarth (Crossbench) asked the government about prioritising a fair settlement for less economically developed countries. Members discussed topics including the government’s response to the OECD (The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) report: Reports on the Pillar One and Pillar Two Blueprints.
Baroness Cox (Crossbench) asked the government a ‘private notice question’ on the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Members discussed topics including progress to deescalate the conflict from the Minsk group and discussions with Turkey.
Catch up: Tuesday 3 November
Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) quizzed the government on the integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy. Members discussed a range of topics including the UK’s influence at the United Nations and spending on the Armed Forces.
Lord Haskel (Labour) asked the government about rationalising standards for qualifications to ensure they are of value to individuals and employers. Members discussed the value of technical qualifications and encouraging the uptake of vocational qualifications amongst technically-gifted students.
Baroness Bakewell (Labour) questioned the government about reviewing the contents of the Life in the UK Test. Members discussed topics including the costs of citizenship and a regular review of the contents of the test.
Lord Scriven (Liberal Democrat) asked the government about its assessment of the statement by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner that police will investigate breaches at Christmas of restrictions in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Members discussed topics including cuts to the police and alternative methods to ensure the public follow the law.
Lord Moylan (Conservative) asked the government a ‘private notice question’ on public worship. Members discussed a range of topics including the support offered by places of worship.
Catch up: Wednesday 4 November
Lord West of Spithead (Labour) asked the government about the level of support for HMS Queen Elizabeth’s deployment to the South China Sea in 2021. Members discussed topics including the UK’s plans to establish links with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue between Australia, India, Japan and the USA, and whether HMS Queen Elizabeth would have enough military equipment in the event of the situation escalating.
Lord Lexden (Conservative) questioned the government about strengthening the union between Scotland and the rest of the UK. Members discussed topics including creating formal representation for all UK nations in the House of Lords and the coming Scottish parliament elections.
Baroness Greengross (Crossbench) pressed the government on ensuring changes to the planning system will deliver more accessible homes for people with disabilities. Members discussed the timescale for the government’s plans to implement its changes to the planning system and developing new ways of designing accessible homes within urban areas.
Lord Harris of Haringey (Labour) questioned the government on its contracts for personal protective equipment and the mass COVID-19 testing programme using fast-track procurement procedures. Members discussed topics including government plans to allow publicly accessible audits and the effectiveness of Test and Trace.