Short debates in the Lords
13 September 2024
The House of Lords discussed prison capacities, public libraries, commercial opportunies in African markets, Atlantic salmon populations and the impact of conflict on children, in five short debates on Thursday 12 September.
Short debates
Questions for Short Debate 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.
Prison capacities
Members considered challenges around prison capacities and ensuring the safety and wellbeing needs of vulnerable prisoners, in a debate proposed by Baroness Burt of Solihull (Liberal Democrat).
- Watch the Parliament TV recording.
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript.
- Read the House of Lords Library briefing.
Lords Thursday debates
One Thursday each month, the House of Lords holds four short debates in Grand Committee. On Thursday 12 September, members debated the following subjects:
Strategy for public libraries
Members debated plans to publish a new strategy for public libraries, proposed by Baroness Sanderson of Walton (Conservative).
- Watch the Parliament TV recording.
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript.
- Read the House of Lords Library briefing.
Commercial opportunities in African markets
Members considered steps being taken to raise awareness among UK businesses of commercial opportunities in African markets, and support UK exports to Africa, proposed by Lord Popat (Conservative).
- Watch the Parliament TV recording.
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript.
- Read the House of Lords Library briefing.
Atlantic salmon populations
Members discussed steps to protect wild Atlantic salmon populations, proposed by Lord Forsyth of Drumlean (Conservative).
- Watch the Parliament TV recording.
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript.
- Read the House of Lords Library briefing.
Impact of international conflict on children
Members debated the impact of international conflict on children, and the recommendations proposed by Save the Children in its report published in December 2023, proposed by Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Conservative).
- Watch the Parliament TV recording.
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript.
- Read the House of Lords Library briefing.
Image: Roger Harris
Latest news from the Lords
