What's on in the Lords 24-28 January
21 January 2022
This week in the House of Lords:
Members held government to account with questions on increasing the number of nurses in the NHS, reforming the UK's water industry, racism in cricket and more.
A packed week in legislation saw detailed examination of the Health and Care Bill continue, with a cap on social care costs and hospital food standards in the spotlight. Plus, courts' powers and the flaws of the Fixed Term Parliaments Act were on the agenda as line by line check of the Dissolution of Parliament Bill began.
A debate on the UK’s relationship with Afghanistan took place on Tuesday, and members discussed two ‘motions to regret’ on train driving licences and the Highway Code.
Discover more:
Catch up
Monday 24 January
Questions
Members questioned the government on:
- reducing sugar consumption in England
- balance in future appointments to the House of Lords
- COVID-19: vaccine patents waiver
- the Children’s Commissioner report: talking to your child about online sexual harassment: a guide for parents.
Legislation
Members began ‘tidy-up’ of the Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill at third reading.
The Lords also continued to examine and make changes to the Health and Care Bill at committee stage.
Regulations
Train Driving Licences and Certificates – motion to regret
The House of Lords debated a change to train driving licences and certification regulations. These laws relate to train drivers with European train driving licences conducting cross-border services between the UK and France. The amendment will enable an agreement with France for the mutual recognition of train driving licences in the Channel Tunnel and immediate cross-border areas.
Lord Berkeley (Labour), put forward a ‘motion to regret’ the regulations, arguing that although the laws will provide interoperability for train drivers between Ashford and Calais, they do not extend to full EU and UK interoperability in a similar manner to drivers of Heavy Good Vehicles.
Debate
Away from the chamber in Grand Committee, members debated the report from the International Relations and Defence Committee: The UK and Afghanistan.
Tuesday 25 January
Questions
Members questioned the government on:
- reforming the UK’s water industry
- increasing the proportion of rape allegations that go to trial
- regulating the disposal of wet wipes
- support to Ukraine.
Legislation
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill was considered at third reading, a chance for members to make sure the eventual law is effective and workable.
The House also started detailed examination (committee stage) of the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Bill.
Regulations
In Grand Committee, work away from the chamber, members considered regulations on:
- flying of flags at government buildings in Northern Ireland
- microchipping dogs
- air traffic services licences
- the recording and broadcast of proceedings in the Competition Appeal Tribunal
- misuse of drugs.
Wednesday 26 January
The Lords continued to examine the Health and Care Bill at committee stage.
Questions
Members questioned the government on:
- football: events surrounding the UEFA Euro 2020 Final
- electric vehicle charging points in non-residential properties
- racism in English cricket
- defusing tensions over Ukraine.
Legislation
Committee stage of the Health and Care Bill continued after Lords questions.
Thursday 27 January
Members questioned the government on:
- the criteria used to give Capita the award to run the Turing Scheme
- increasing the number of nurses working in the NHS
- impact of private equity on the social care sector
- Veterans' Strategy Action Plan: 2022 to 2024
Legislation
The House examined the Nationality and Borders Bill at committee stage.
In Grand Committee, members debated the main purpose of the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill at second reading. The aim of this bill is to help landlords and tenants find a proportionate resolution of COVID-19 related rent debt.
Regulations
Revision of the Highway Code – motion to regret
The House debated protecting road users from harm and educating the public on Highway Code changes in a ‘motion to regret’ the draft Revision of the Highway Code. This motion has been put forward by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (Green Party).
Friday 28 January
The House of Lords reviewed three ‘private members bills’:
Members examined the Status of Workers Bill at third reading.
The main debates on the key principles of the Digital Economy Act 2017 (Commencement of Part 3) Bill and the Representation of the People (Young People's Enfranchisement) Bill took place at second reading.
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Read
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Image: copyright House of Lords / photography by Roger Harris
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