Lords questions government on free school meals, NHS and more
11 September 2020
The House of Lords checks and challenges government decisions and action at the start of business from Monday 14 to Thursday 17.
This week, members quiz the government on issues including changes to the NHS Long Term plan, free school meals, A Level and GCSE examinations and river pollution.
Catch up: Monday 14 September
Baroness Bull (Crossbench) raised concern with the government about the impact of anti-obesity strategies on people suffering, or recovering, from eating disorders.
Members discussed topics including the effect of food labelling, the emotional issues connected to obesity and tailored marketing strategies for BAME communities.
Baroness Gale (Labour) questions the government on increasing prosecutions and convictions in rape cases.
Members discussed topics including training for the police, safeguarding those who are falsely accused and the impact of changes to the approach on rape prosecutions by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Baroness D'Souza (Crossbench) questions the government about a permanent programme of free school meals and activities during future school holidays.
Members discussed topics including plans to fund food vouchers and holiday clubs, developing summer learning programmes and promoting higher standards in education and training.
Baroness Quin (Labour) asks the government about its discussions with UK-based motor manufacturers on access to export markets.
Members discussed topics including terms of the UK-Japan trade agreement, opportunities for UK motor manufacturers to diversify their supply chains and the future of Nissan in Sunderland.
Catch up: Tuesday 15 September
Lord Ravensdale (Crossbench) asked the government about recommendations from the National Infrastructure Commission that that the UK should aim to meet two thirds of its electricity needs using renewable energy sources by 2030.
Members discussed topics including the reduced costs of renewable energy, government support for advanced nuclear technologies and the benefits of investing in a hydrogen economy.
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Labour) pressed the government about plans for changes to the NHS Long Term plan in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members discussed topics including government plans to address health inequalities, targets for early intervention on cancer, employing more respiratory specialists and investing in NHS staff.
Lord Storey (Liberal Democrat) questioned the government about arrangements needed for A Level and GCSE examinations in the 2020/2021 academic year.
Members discussed topics including solutions to the gap between predicted and actual A-Level results and changes to the assessment of the spoken elements of foreign language GCSEs.
Lord Scriven (Liberal Democrat) asked government about the number of COVID-19 Secure Marshals that will be in place by 1 October.
Members discussed topics including adequate safety protection for deployed marshals, cuts to police community support officers, and the appointment and payment of marshals.
Lord Lexden (Conservative) asked a Private Notice Question (an urgent question) on the role of the Law Officers. Members discussed topics including reassurance for businesses and Northern Ireland and the rule of law.
Catch up: Wednesday 16 September
Lord Grocott (Labour) questions the government about an upper limit on the membership of the House of Lords.
Members discussed topics including representation of small parties and reforming membership.
Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Labour) asks the government about ensuring the new planning system will improve building standards, safety, environmental impacts, and the well-being of residents.
Members discussed topics including building accessibility features into new homes, developing areas for sport and recreation and the need for affordable social housing.
Lord Harries of Pentregarth (Crossbench) presses the government on the pollution of England's rivers and its different causes.
Members discussed topics including removing drug waste from watercourses, farm practices leading to chemicals damaging river ecosystems, and raw sewage being discharged into rivers.
Lord Teverson (Liberal Democrat) quizzes government on biodiversity loss in the UK.
Members discussed topics including the fall in government funding for biodiversity, the effects of climate change on biodiversity and the UK’s biodiversity in overseas territories.
Catch up: Thursday 17 September
Lord Oates (Liberal Democrat) asks the government whether the Hydrogen Advisory Council will develop a fully-funded hydrogen strategy for the UK.
Members discussed topics including hydrogen production, the use of surplus electricity generated from renewable energy sources and introducing hydrogen ready boilers.
Lord Mountevans (Crossbench) asks the government what proportion of the £22 billion of research and innovation funding is allocated to the maritime industry to assist that sector to meet its net zero emissions obligations.
Members discussed topics including diversity in the maritime industry, including shipping emissions in carbon budgets and funding research into low-carbon ferries.
Lord Haskel (Labour) quizzes the government about progress introducing a regulation system for chemicals to replace the REACH chemicals regime.
Members discussed topics including the economy, the costs and timescale of a new scheme, and replacing EU product regulation systems that govern UK trade.
Baroness D'Souza (Crossbench) questions government on the presence of the Chinese Air Force in Taiwan's airspace.
Members discussed topics including working with other nations to show support for Taiwan and forced organ harvesting in China.
Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour) will ask a Private Notice Question (an urgent question) on the new guidance to civil servants working on Brexit, whether civil servants are expected to “comply with the law and uphold the administration of justice” as set out in the Civil Service Code.
Members discussed topics including the Ministerial and Civil Service Codes, and impartiality in the Civil Service.
