Lords debates role of charities and trade unions
9 September 2016
Members of the Lords, including the chair of the Big Society Trust and the chair of the England Volunteer Development Council, debated the role that charities, trade unions and civil society groupings play in a democracy, including the provision of advice and information to government, and of the case for regulating lobbying activities, including those undertaken by business and private interests, in the House of Lords on Thursday 8 September.
- Catch up on Parliament TV
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript
- Lords Library note: Lobbying and Political Campaigning: Charities and Trade Unions
This was a general debate. They normally take place on a Thursday in the chamber. During debates, members are able to put their experience to good use, discussing current issues and drawing the government's attention to concerns.
The debate was proposed by Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour), former chair of the Legal Services Consumer Panel.
Members taking part included:
- Lord Harries of Pentregarth (Crossbench), member of the Lords Select Committee on Charities
- Baroness Pitkeathley (Labour), chair of the Big Society Trust
- Baroness Scott of Needham Market (Liberal Democrat), chair of the England Volunteer Development Council
- Lord Balfe (Conservative), Trade Union Envoy for the Conservative Party
Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen (Conservative), Lords Spokesperson for the Cabinet Office, responded on behalf of the government.