Five short debates in the Lords
3 December 2021
The House of Lords discussed five short debates on Thursday 2 December. The debates covered poverty and hunger in Afghanistan, negligence in the NHS, financial fraud, the National Infrastructure Commission's report, and amending the Copyright, Designs and Patent Act 1988.
Thursday debates
One Thursday each month, the House of Lords holds short debates in Grand Committee*.
On Thursday 2 December, members debated the following subjects:
Poverty and hunger in Afghanistan
Members discussed the government's assessment of poverty and hunger in Afghanistan, and progress made with the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme, in a debate proposed by Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat).
*This debate took place in the chamber.
Negligence in the NHS
Members discussed whether the liability costs to the NHS in England that relate to negligence can be reduced and if so, how, in a debate proposed by Lord Mackay of Clashfern (Conservative).
Financial fraud
Members discussed protecting vulnerable people from financial fraud in a debate proposed by Lord Sharkey (Liberal Democrat).
Assessing national infrastructure
Members discussed concerns in the report by the National Infrastructure Commission 'The Second National Infrastructure Assessment: Baseline Report', in a debate proposed by Lord Berkeley (Labour).
Copyright, Designs and Patent Act
Members discussed amending the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to include sporting events in a debate proposed by Viscount Astor (Conservative).
Explore further information
Read the House of Lords Library briefings for the debates:
- poverty and hunger in Afghanistan
- negligence in the NHS
- financial fraud
- assessing national infrastructure
- Copyright, Designs and Patent Act.
Members
Over 30 members took part, bringing a wide range of experience and professional knowledge.
Short debates
Short debates are an opportunity for members to draw the government’s attention to concerns and hold it to account. They last for about 60 minutes, a minister or spokesperson responds on behalf of the government at the end.
The short debates on one Thursday a month usually take place in Grand Committee, work away from the main chamber.
Get involved
Watch and read
Catch up Parliament TV in the chamber and Grand Committee. Read transcripts in Lords Hansard.
Image: Roger Harris