Short debates in the Lords

Delays at airports and ferry ports

Members raised concerns as the House of Lords quizzed government on steps to alleviate the problems, including queues, cancellations and delays, being experienced by travellers at airports and ferry ports in the United Kingdom.

• read a Lords Library Briefing
• catch up on Parliament TV
• read a transcript in Lords Hansard

Lords Thursday debates  

One Thursday each month, the House of Lords holds four short debates in Grand Committee. On Thursday 9 June, members debated the following subjects:  

Constitutional relationship for the four nations

In light of recent local and Northern Ireland Assembly elections, members discussed plans to set up a commission to consider options for a new constitutional relationship for the four nations of the UK. Lord Wigley (Plaid Cymru), put forward the debate.

• read the House of Lords Library briefing on this debate

Tree health

Members discussed health of trees in England, and the progress made towards developing a variety of ash that is resistant to ash dieback, in a debate proposed by Lord Harries of Pentregarth (Crossbench).

• read the House of Lords Library briefing on this debate

Respiratory Synctyial Virus infections

Members discussed costs to the NHS associated with managing Respiratory Synctyial Virus infections, proposed by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Labour).

• read the House of Lords Library briefing on this debate

Health care access for those with neurological conditions

The House discussed ensuring people with neurological conditions receive timely access to health and care services, and that the sector’s workforce is properly staffed to deal with demand. Lord Dubs (Labour), put forward the debate.

• read the House of Lords Library briefing on this debate

Get involved

Watch and read

 Catch up on Parliament TV or read the Lord Hansard transcripts.

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 four short debates on one Thursday a month take place in Grand Committee, work away from the main chamber.  

Learn more about how the House of Lords checks and challenges government.    

Image: House of Lords / photography by Roger Harris