Mental health services and energy industry in Lords questions for government
21 September 2020
The House of Lords questions government decisions and action in Lords questions at the start of business each day.
This week, from 21 to 24 September, members quiz the government on issues including EU State Aid rules, mental health services, the UK oil and gas industry and further devolution in England.
Catch up: Monday 21 September
Baroness Cox (Crossbench) questioned the government about the All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief report 'Nigeria: unfolding genocide?'.
Members discussed topics including attacks on religious communities, support for UK passport holders, and working with NGOs and the government of Nigeria.
Lord Allen of Kensington (Labour) pressed the government on financial support to retail businesses categorised as ‘undertakings in difficulty’ under EU State Aid rules.
Members discussed a range of topics, including support for a wider range of high street businesses, the impact on the night-time economy and extending measures to prevent company insolvencies.
Lord Balfe (Conservative) quizzed the government on its guidance to health care providers about giving appropriate treatment to different patient age groups.
Members discussed topics including 'do not resuscitate' orders, support for young people, and ensuring access to the NHS for all throughout winter.
Lord Ramsbotham (Crossbench) questioned the government on how many probation staff will be needed to implement the Probation Workforce Strategy.
Members discussed a range of topics, including the size of the probation workforce, outsourcing, and recruitment and retention of staff.
Catch up: Tuesday 22 September
Lord Bruce of Bennachie (Liberal Democrat) asked the government about the recovery and diversification of the UK oil and gas industry supply chain.
Members discussed topics including diversifying the industry, the transition to renewable energy, and nuclear power provision.
Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury (Liberal Democrat) asked the government about diversity in the creative industries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members discussed a range of topics, including support for freelance workers in the creative industries, encouraging participation in the creative industries and the BBC.
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Labour) quizzed the government on further devolution in England.
Members discussed topics including devolving powers to local government, pan-regional bodies and lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lord Young of Cookham (Conservative) questioned government about progress to remove dangerous cladding from high-rise buildings.
Members discussed topics including a comprehensive plan to remove cladding, supporting councils to investigate private sector buildings and the Building Saftey Bill.
Baroness Coussins (Crossbench) asked a Private Notice Question (a type of urgent question) on the extension of the Afghan Locally Employed Civilians Ex-Gratia Scheme.
Members discussed topics including interpreters in third countries, eligibility for the scheme and support for those employed by intermediaries.
Catch up: Wednesday 23 September
The Lord Bishop of St Albans (Bishop) raised concern with the government about the condition of Uighur internment camps in Xinjiang in China.
Members discussed topics including the decision to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in China, potential Magnitsky sanctions and China's re-election to the Human Rights Council.
Lord Rose of Monewden (Conservative) questioned government plans to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Members discussed a range of topics, including trade deals with CPTPP members, international law, and a future trade deal with the EU.
Baroness Garden of Frognal (Liberal Democrat) quizzed the government about external expert advice prior to the use of an algorithm to determine A-level results.
Members discussed topics including resignations in the Department for Education, new school closures due to COVID-19 and the impact on exams in 2021 and an investigation into the usage of algorithms to determine results by the four UK nations.
Lord Watson of Invergowrie (Labour) asked the government about plans to increase school spending per pupil.
Members discussed topics including school spending over the last decade, funding to improve school buildings, and recruiting and retaining teachers from BAME communities.
Lord Young of Cookham (Conservative) will question government about the change to National Savings and Investment (NS&I) interest rates.
Members discussed topics including inspiring a savings culture, personal debt in the UK and the impact on savings rates in the wider market as a result of the NS&I decision.
Catch up: Thursday 24 September
Lord Harris of Haringey (Labour) pressed the government on the impact of the decision to ban Huawei equipment on delivery of the new Emergency Services Network.
Members discussed topics including the delayed rollout of the system, spending on the project and Chinese involvement in critical national infrastructure.
Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Non-affiliated) questioned the government about the victim payment scheme in Northern Ireland.
Members discussed topics including expanding eligibility, delays to the scheme and long-term funding.
Baroness Massey of Darwen (Labour) asked the government about the expansion of mental health services for young people to deal with concerns expressed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members discussed a range of topics, including demands for prioritisation of mental health services from parents and children, bereavement counselling and support, and digital support for all age groups.
Lord Robathan (Conservative) questioned government about encouraging schools to participate in Keep Britain Tidy’s 'Great British September Clean' campaign.
Members discussed topics including the Eco-Schools programme, recycling schemes and bottle deposit schemes.