BBC soft power, G7 and more in Lords questions
19 January 2021
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 18 to Thursday 21 January, members quiz the government on the BBC and soft power, support for those with eating disorders, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the upcoming G7 summit.
Catch up: Wednesday 20 January
Lords questions: 12pm on Thursday 21 January
- Watch on Parliament TV from 12pm
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript from three hours after questions
- Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale (Labour) quizzes the government on its hopes for the G7 summit due to be held in the UK in 2021
- Lord Faulkner of Worcester (Labour) questions the government on its plans to ensure heritage organisations have access to enough locally produced coal to continue operating after 2021
- The Lord Bishop of Coventry (Bishop) asks the government about its assessment of the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
- Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Labour) will ask the government what representations they have made to the government of Russia about the arrest of Alexei Navalny.
- Lord Sarfraz (Conservative) will ask the government a 'private notice question' on access to the Covid-19 vaccination for vulnerable people in less economically developed countries as part of their development and aid work overseas.
Catch up: Lords questions on Monday 18 January
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (Liberal Democrat) questioned the government on the role of the BBC in their international soft power strategy. Members discussed the BBCs role in promoting democracy and freedom, plus government plans to make improvements to the services the broadcaster provides.
Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Conservative) asked the government about its plans to review the Airports National Policy Statement. Members discussed including international aviation emissions in the UKs climate targets and shifting traffic from domestic flights to trains.
Baroness Boycott (Crossbench) checked government action on encouraging a circular economy and the elimination of waste. Members discussed making it easier for people to repair their own domestic appliances, and government steps to help prevent household waste.
Baroness Cox (Crossbench) quizzed the government on the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Members discussed the UK’s plans to call Azerbaijan to account, and what access organisations like the International Committee of the Red Cross is being given to help guard against ethnic cleansing.
Lord Woolley of Woodford (Crossbench) asked the government a 'private notice question' on supporting working parents and those with caring responsibilities to access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme who cannot work due to the latest school closures and who were denied or not offered furlough. Members discussed government support for the clinically vulnerable who cannot work from home but have been advised to shield, and potentially giving parents of young children additional paid leave to help with the current crisis.
Catch up: Lords questions on Tuesday 19 January
Lord Bradshaw (Liberal Democrat) asked the government about its estimate of the reduction in the use of diesel oil if railways connecting ports and quarries to inland distribution centres were electrified. Members discussed the potential for jobs that electrification of railways would bring, plus the steps the freight locomotive industry are taking to reduce harmful diesel emissions.
Baroness Parminter (Liberal Democrat) questioned government steps to support those with eating disorders after 'The Health Survey for England' finding that 19% of women aged sixteen and over screened positive for a possible eating disorder. Members discussed the effects eating disorders have on fertility and the impact of the pandemic on people with eating disorders.
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Labour) pressed the government on its steps to encourage research into the causes and treatment of brain tumours. Members discussed plans to increase funding into brain tumour research and developing clinical and research workforces, including diagnostic and treatment centres.
Lord Berkeley of Knighton (Crossbench) asked the government about the European Union offer to the UK for visa-free touring for musicians in EU member states. Members discussed the impact of visa requirements on music students who need to travel to progress their careers, and government plans to reopen negotiations with the EU on the topic.
Catch up: Lords questions on Wednesday 20 January
Lord Leigh of Hurley (Conservative) questioned the government on ascertaining the impact of the equalisation of Capital Gains Tax to income tax on entrepreneurs starting new businesses. Members discussed regional disparities in the capital gains tax regime and whether new businesses will benefit from the equalisation.
The Lord Bishop of Gloucester (Bishop) quizzed the government on the wellbeing of children under five and supporting the early years sector affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Members discussed appointing a minister for children and young people, and reviewing government financial support of child and adolescent mental health services.
Lord Rooker (Labour) asked the government about the preparations against flooding in England in 2021. Members discussed the impact of flooding on transport infrastructure and eventual plans to relocate coastal communities due to flooding.
Lord Cormack (Conservative) asked the government what plans they have in place to ensure that no one has to wait more than three months for a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. Members discussed lessons learned from the first rollout of vaccines, and prioritising front line health staff in hospitals and care homes when administering the vaccine.
Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party) asked the government a 'private notice question' on its discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on delivering the payment to victims of the Troubles under the Victims’ Payment Scheme. Members discussed the impact of the delay to the scheme on the victims of the Troubles, and the current understanding between the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive as to who is responsible for funding the scheme.