What's on in the Lords
26 April 2021
Discover what's coming up in the House of Lords chamber.
Catch Up
Monday 26 April
Topics covered:
- Industrial strategy and sustainable growth
- Adding folic acid to flour
- Protection of natural habitats
- COVID-19 impact on creative industries
Statements
After questions, members questioned the government following an update on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Report on Historical Inequalities.
Regulations and orders
On Monday, members discussed charges for pharmaceutical services and their concerns regarding capacity to respond to future emergencies.
Away from the chamber in Grand Committee, whiplash injury regulations were in the spotlight.
Legislation
Members ‘tidied up’ both the British Library Board (Power to Borrow) Bill and the Education and Training (Welfare of Children) Bill at third reading.
Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill returned to the Lords for consideration of House of Commons amendments.
Debate
In Grand Committee, the House debated a report by the Science and Technology Committee ‘Forensic science and the criminal justice system: a blueprint for change’.
Tuesday 27 April
Questions
From midday
Subjects covered:
- Bicycle bells
- Zero carbon transport sector targets
- UK Fintech
- COVID-19: music festivals cancellations
Private Notice Question
Lord Popat (Conservative), raised concerns with the government about the number COVID-19 cases in India.
Urgent questions
Following questions, the Ministerial Code and reductions in the Official Development Assistance budget were on the agenda.
Debates
In Grand Committee, members debated a Free Trade Agreement between the UK and the Republic of Turkey.
Regulations and orders
The House of Lords examined regulations on accounting, employment rights and money laundering in Grand Committee.
Legislation
The Domestic Abuse Bill and the Fire Safety Bill both returned to the Lords for consideration of House of Commons changes.
Statements
The House of Lords discussed Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions following a government update.
Wednesday 28 April
Questions
Topics covered:
- Rights in Northern Ireland
- Human rights in Zimbabwe
- Care home occupancy
- COVID-19: Northern Ireland
Private Notice Question
Lord Collins of Highbury (Labour), asked the government about its repsonse to the sentencing of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.
Legislation
Members carried out final checks (third reading) of three private members' bills:
- Prisons (Substance Testing) Bill
- Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Bill
- Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill
- Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Bill.
Further scrutiny of legislation took place including:
- National Security and Investment Bill ping pong
- Members considered the Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021. The Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee has drawn these regulations to the special attention of the House
- Financial Services Bill consideration of Commons reasons and amendments
- Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill consideration of Commons reasons and amendments.
Debates
Members debated the reduction in UK development aid and the Integrated Review objectives. Later, a debate on the economic value of biodiversity took place.
Statements
Members questioned the latest government decisions and actions on:
Thursday 29 April
Questions
Members check and challenge government actions with questions.
From midday
Topics are:
- Communal areas in blocks of flats
- Impact of COVID-19 in Syria
- Plans for a new Office of Health Promotion
- The Kickstart Scheme
See the full list of questions and find out who's asking in Lords business.
Three questions to Lord Frost, Minster of State at the Cabinet Office, will follow.
Topics are:
- The Trade and Cooperation Agreement
- Northern Ireland Protocol
- Discussions with Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission
Private Notice Question
Baroness Brinton (Liberal Democrat), questions the government about the introduction of COVID-status certification for international and domestic use.
Prorogation
Parliament will be prorogued at the end of business today until the State Opening on 11 May.
Keep track of chamber and committee work
Watch the work of the House of Lords on Parliament TV, or read Lord Hansard transcripts of what’s said.
Stay up to date with the latest Lords news and follow the House of Lords on Twitter.
