My Lords, I am delighted to speak to this group of amendments and declare my interests as set out in the register. I congratulate my noble friend Lady Noakes not just on the eloquence that she demonstrated in introducing these three amendments but on the quality of their drafting. As an ex-City solicitor, I look …

Continue reading “Amendment 4 | Financial Services Bill – Report (1st Day) | Lords debates”

My Lords, does my noble friend agree that the Government may be able to perform a useful convening role with political parties, to gain more traction on this issue? In 2018, I was commissioned to produce a report on increasing access to public appointments for disabled people. Unfortunately, many of its recommendations remain unaddressed. Could …

Continue reading “People with Disabilities Standing for Elected Office – Question | Lords debates”

My Lords, it is a pleasure to take part in this debate, and I congratulate my noble friend Lord Vaizey on the excellent way in which introduced the Bill and, indeed, on all the work he did as a DCMS Minister. Literacy is everything. Just look to our prison population to understand what transpires when …

Continue reading “British Library Board (Power to Borrow) Bill – Second Reading | Lords debates”

My Lords, does my noble friend agree that the Government may be able to perform a useful convening role with political parties, to gain more traction on this issue? In 2018, I was commissioned to produce a report on increasing access to public appointments for disabled people. Unfortunately, many of its recommendations remain unaddressed. Could …

Continue reading “People with Disabilities Standing for Elected Office – Question | Lords debates”

My Lords, I declare my interests as set out in the register. Does my noble friend agree that, when it comes to build back better and the SDGs related to financial well-being, fintech has a key role to play? Further, does she agree that the Government will seriously consider the recommendations of the fintech strategic …

Continue reading “Build Back Better Business Council – Question | Lords debates”

My Lords, I welcome the bus strategy for cleaner, greener, better buses and bus services. The regulations on the information on accessibility are not due to be done until summer 2022. Would my noble friend consider a more ambitious timetable? Similarly, when it comes to the physical nature of vehicles at the end of 2023, …

Continue reading “National Bus Strategy: England – Statement | Lords debates”

My Lords, the Covid pandemic has affected young people particularly hard in their education and when beginning their careers. To this end, and in terms of “Build back better” and this task force, will the Government put an end to the pernicious practice of unpaid internships? The Prime Minister and the public are in favour …

Continue reading “Taskforce on Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform – Question | Lords debates”

My Lords, the Covid pandemic has affected young people particularly hard in their education and when beginning their careers. To this end, and in terms of “Build back better” and this task force, will the Government put an end to the pernicious practice of unpaid internships? The Prime Minister and the public are in favour …

Continue reading “Taskforce on Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform – Question | Lords debates”

My Lords, I welcome and congratulate all noble Lords who have made their maiden speeches in today’s debate and declare my interests as set out in the register. The Chancellor delivered a good Budget in uniquely bad times. I believe it can be best summarised as “The Government’s economic strategy is their vaccine strategy; the …

Continue reading “Budget Statement – Motion to Take Note | Lords debates”