What's on in the House of Lords
14 April 2021
What's on in the House of Lords chamber from Monday 12 April to Friday 16 April.
Friday 16 April
Legislation
From 11am
Members discuss the key areas and main purpose (second reading) of three private members’ bills:
- Prisons (Substance Testing) Bill
- Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Bill
- Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill
There will also be detailed consideration (committee stage) of the Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Bill.
Catch Up
Monday 12 April
On Monday, the House of Lords met to pay tribute to His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Tuesday 13 April
New Clerk of the Parliaments
Simon Burton, 65th Clerk of the Parliaments, took an oath on his first day of duties in the chamber.
Members paid tribute to Ed Ollard's work as Clerk of the Parliaments.
Questions
Subjects covered:
- Preparations for the UN Biodiversity Conference
- Improving railway services
- Impact of new EU visa for UK citizens
- Democracy campaigners in Hong Kong
Private Notice Question
Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Non-affiliated) questioned the government about the ongoing violence in Northern Ireland.
Legislation
The House again on several provisions of the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill at report stage. Changes include prosecution for war crimes, removing time limits for serving or former service personnel to bring actions against the Crown and creating a duty of care for service personnel involved in investigations.
Grand Committee
In Grand Committee, scrutiny away from the chamber, members reviewed three items of legislation on greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear safeguards and audio-visual media services.
Wednesday 14 April
Tributes
Tributes to Baroness Williams of Crosby.
Questions
Topics covered:
- Life in the UK handbook
- Teacher training
- Police surveillance
- Global minimum corporate tax rate
Private Notice Question
Lord Boateng (Labour) asked the government about the humanitarian and environmental impact of the recent volcanic eruption on St Vincent.
Statements and urgent question repeats
There were three government updates and members questions on:
- Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loans Scheme
- China sanctions on UK citizens
- New Plan for Immigration
Legislation
Members continued further examination of the Financial Services Bill at report stage, day three.
Grand Committee
Debate
During debates, members put their experience to good use, discussing current issues and drawing the government's attention to concerns.
In Grand Committee, away from the chamber, members debated the case for building an inclusive society. See the full list of speakers.
Thursday 15 April
Questions
Topics covered:
- Domestic animal welfare
- Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis: standard of care
- Use of intercept evidence in criminal trials
- Backlog of cases in the Crown Courts
Private Notice Question
Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) raised concerns with the government about the recent gathering of Russian forces on the Ukrainian border.
Legislation
The House began line by line check and change (committee stage) of three private members bills:
- British Library Board (Power to Borrow) Bill
- Education and Training (Welfare of Children) Bill
- Forensic Science Regulator Bill
Later, members started a further check and change (report stage) of the National Security and Investment Bill.
Grand Committee
Regulations
Members discussed legislation relating to auction platforms, agricultural products and plant health.
Keep track of chamber and committee work
Watch the work of the House of Lords on Parliament TV and read what’s said in House of Lords Hansard transcripts.
Stay up to date with the latest Lords news and follow the House of Lords on Twitter.