Short debates in the Lords

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