Summary

  • Peers to debate bill abolishing by-elections for hereditary peers

  • They will then discuss use of body cameras by police officers in mental health units

  1. Careers advice 'should be priority of education reform'published at 16:23 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Careers and Education Advice Debate

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    Baroness MorrisImage source, HoL

    Conservative Baroness Bottomley says "it's high time we look at the talents and the skills of young people", especially as the UK approaches potential skill shortages after Brexit. She says real progress is being made in this sector.

    Labour's Baroness Morris says "I get cross when people moan about increasing numbers of people going to university, because those are people that wouldn't have gone before."

    She says careers education has not been protected enough, and that the 2012 Education Act was the most damaging act to the UK's education services in this decade.

    "It left schools to do it by themselves which does not work."

    She acknowledges that due to the financial climate, it has not been easy to make changes to careers education in schools, but says that it should now be a priority.

  2. Authoritarian states attempting to 'break-down' the world orderpublished at 16:12 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Global Britain Debate

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Conservative MP Bob SeelyImage source, HoC

    Conservative MP Bob Seely says that Global Britain is a phrase that need to be "filled out" and asks what the UK is prioritising.

    He says that previously UK foreign policy has been "gesture politics" but in the last five years it has become much more "serious, urgent and pressing".

    He calls for the UK's priorities to be on trade, then security and finally aid in that order.

    Mr Seely says that the UK has "stumbled" into Brexit treating it like the ending of a "flat share", whilst the EU has treated Brexit like the "mother of all vicious divorces".

    He accuses the political classes of being "obsessed" with Brexit to the "diminshment" of a domestic agenda.

    He calls Mr Putin "rash and foolish" and accuses authoritarian states, including Iran and China, of attempting to "breakdown" global order.

  3. Chamber exchangespublished at 16:01 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

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  4. Counter-strategy suggestions from Conservative MPpublished at 15:58 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

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  5. UK needs allies, says Labour MPpublished at 15:57 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Global Britain Debate

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Labour MP Mike GapesImage source, HoC

    Labour MP Mike Gapes says it is "frustrating" to experience a foreign secretary who is "not up to the job", referring to the previous secretary Boris Johnson.

    He tells MPs that the committee is "united" in their call for the government to take the Global issues they've raised "seriously".

    He says in the context of challenges to the global order and the "criminal murder" committed by the Russian state in the UK, it is the "worst possible time" for the UK to leave the EU.

    He adds "we need allies".

    Mr Gapes criticises his front bench for previously implying that Russia may not be involved in the Salisbury incident.

  6. Russian government 'salami slicing' the energy marketpublished at 15:54 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Global Britain Debate

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Conservative MP Tom TugendhatImage source, HoC

    Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat says this debate is about how Britain "resets" its relationship as the UK leaves the structures that have "propped up" it up or made it "stable".

    He asks how the UK will set itself into this "new turbulent world" and is disappointed by the Foreign Office's response to that question.

    The chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee says he aims to "challenge" and "push" the government on this question of how it will change its approach after Brexit.

    He critises the government for not having a strategy and calls for an assessment of the UK's place in the world.

    Mr Tugendhat says the UK can choose to shape events or be shaped by them; however, he believes the UK are in the "habit" of being "actors" in the world.

    He tells MPs the UK has seen the expansion of Russian influence and the spread of corruption. He accuses the Russian government "salami slicing" the energy market to slice alliances.

    He says Nato has not spent nearly enough on its defence and this "weakens all of us".

    Mr Tugendhat adds that defending the rule of law and alliances is "essential to all of us".

  7. Peer opens debate on 'exciting' careers advice schemespublished at 15:54 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Careers and Education Advice Debate

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    Lord AberdareImage source, HoL

    Crossbencher Lord Aberdare is now opening a debate on the case for high-quality careers advice being available to all students. He explains it is a vital service.

    "Today's young people will find themselves in a highly complex world when they leave education," he says, adding: "lifelong jobs are a thing of the past."

    There are clear signs of optimism in careers services, he says, adding that the government's recent changes have been widely welcomed.

    He lists "exciting" independent initiatives offering careers advice, including one which has launched its own podcast.

    He says there are three challenges to the services: funding, how progress can be tracked and ensured, and communication about what they offer.

  8. Labour peer calls for NI party funding to be withdrawnpublished at 15:35 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Northern Ireland Statement

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    Crossbencher Lord Eames warns that the "lost confidence in the body politic" is a serious consequence of the on-going division at Stormont that cannot be ignored.

    He says the frustration is found "especially among young people, and that is something that we ignore at our cost."

    Former Labour Northern Ireland Secretary Lord Hain says the docking of MLA pay "will not have much effect" and calls for the withdrawal of public funding for Northern Irish political parties.

    Without this, he says, politicians on both sides of the debate have "jobs for life" and there is no incentive for them to find a solution.

  9. MPs debate motion on 'rules-based' international orderpublished at 15:23 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Global Britain Debate

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    MPs are now debating a motion on 'Global Britain' introduced by Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat, who chairs the foreign affairs committee.

    The motion calls on ministers to publish their assessment of the threats posed by Russia and "other hostile states" to the "rules-based" international order by the end of next month.

    It also backs government aspirations for the UK to "retain its status" internationally after Brexit, whilst calling for this aim to be "backed by substance".

  10. Government seeking 'ambitious' EU science accord - Ministerpublished at 15:16 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Brexit, Science and Innovation Debate

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Science and Universities Minister Sam GyimahImage source, HoC

    Science and Universities Minister Sam Gyimah says the "world of science is changing" and for the UK to remain on the forefront, the industry requires investment and collaboration.

    He tells MPs that partnerships with the EU have led to "life-changing discoveries", with the UK playing a "vital" role in this area.

    The government is putting its "money where its mouth is" in terms of science with highest investment in public R&D ever, he adds.

    He adds the government is determined in future to be a "top collaborator" with the EU and the world.

    Mr Gyimah says that is why the UK is seeking an "ambitious" science and innovation accord with the EU, but that association cannot "come at any cost."

  11. Peers respond to Northern Ireland statementpublished at 15:11 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Northern Ireland Statement

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    Peers are now responding to the statement made by the Northern Ireland Secretary in the Commons, repeated by government spokesperson Lord Duncan of Springbank.

    Labour's Lord Murphy of Torfaen says the decision made by the government "is not easy", but recognises the difficult situation.

    He suggests talks should include all parties, not just Sinn Féin and the DUP, and possibly take place outside of Northern Ireland, as well as including British and Irish prime ministers.

    "A descent into direct rule will help no one", he says, and offers that the opposition will do anything they can to assist.

    Lib Dem Baroness Suttie says it's important that not just the DUP's views are taken into account, and echoes Labour's pledge to help wherever they can.

    Lord Duncan says this is possibly the last opportunity to "restore an executive and a restore an assembly", and agrees that there is risk of a "descent into direct rule".

    "Once this window closes, we do indeed descend into a far more chilling reality", he adds.

  12. Minister: 'Science is sexy too'published at 14:56 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Brexit, Science and Innovation Debate

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Shadow Industrial Strategy Minister Chi OnwurahImage source, HoC

    Shadow industrial strategy minister Chi Onwurah says "we do not talk enough about science in this chamber" and adds that science is sidelined for other more "sexy subjects".

    She tell the house "science is sexy too".

    Ms Onwurah says the UK has a "proud" scientific tradition with "British scientific giants" bestriding the globe and powering the economy in the process.

    The shadow minister says science is an "engine of job creation" with 20% of the population employed in science roles, earning 40% more than the average.

    Ms Onwurah says that UK science is "intertwined" with European partners in terms of pooled funding, free exchange of talent and shared institutions.

    She warns that that "unsure and uncertain scientists" are leaving UK shores or not coming in the first place.

  13. MP asks the government to encourage more people to work in sciencepublished at 14:53 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Brexit, Science and Innovation Debate

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Conservative MP Matt WarmanImage source, HoC

    Matt Warman commends private businesses in Britain and says this debate is not a conversation that happens "solely" in the context of funding from the EU when the UK is a net contributor.

    The Conservative MP says immigration is an "important factor" but asks what the government can do to encourage more people to work in science.

    Mr Warman says the government will have "greater freedom" over regulation and insurance in terms of driverless cars.

    He welcomes the industrial strategy and says the government has consistently backed science and innovation.

    He encourages business and universities to empower themselves.

  14. Remove prison as option for low level crimes - Lib Dem peerpublished at 14:37 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Prisoner and Young Offender Institutions Debate

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    Lord DholakiaImage source, HoL

    Liberal Democrat Lord Dholakia reminds the House that 60% of offenders re-offend within two years.

    He says it's impossible to avoid the fact that the deterioration in the conditions in so many prisons has followed a number of cuts.

    Lord Dholakia welcomes the recent increase in spending, but says that prisons are still struggling to cope with far too many prisoners and not having the resources to manage.

    He asks the minister if the government will introduce legislation to decrease the number of short prison sentences, and removing prison as an option for low level, non violent crimes.

  15. Labour peer: prisoners should have individual mentorspublished at 14:34 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Prisoner and Young Offender Institutions Debate

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    Lord HarrisImage source, HoL

    Labour peer Lord Harris says there have been 195 deaths in prisons this year, 49 of which have been deemed as self inflicted. He notes that nine of those were people under 24.

    "Prisons and young offenders institutions are grim environments and not holiday camps, not conducive to rehabilitation."

    Lord Harris says the current state of our prisons is getting worse.

    He says he proposes that, particularly in the case of young prisoners, there is a named individual who is responsible for each prisoner and his or her journey through the prison.

    He says they should take responsibility for the health, safety and social care of the individual and could deliver a personal package for them to ensure they don't return.

  16. Research in Oxford is 'enormously important for the world'published at 14:33 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Brexit, Science and Innovation Debate

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Labour MP Anneliese DoddsImage source, HoC

    Labour's Anneliese Dodds says that her constituency of Oxford is very "proud" of European research collaboration.

    She says the research is "enormously important for the world", developing medical technologies, clean energy and dealing with modern threats such as cyber attacks.

    She welcomes that the government will continue funding to Horizon 2020 and adds there are challenges to being an associate member of Horizon Europe.

    Ms Dodds is concerned about the language in the no deal paper around nuclear research, branding it "passive".

    She concludes that clarity is needed around an immigration regime and warns "we are running out of time".

  17. 'We must regain control of prisons'published at 14:20 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Prisoner and Young Offender Institutions Debate

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    Baroness BottomleyImage source, HoL

    Conservative Baroness Bottomley of Nettlestone says this is not a question of public or private ownership, but is an issue of prison culture, and regaining control.

    She says organised crime within prison is linking staff corruption and the use of drugs, and calls on the police to work closely with prison officers to try to tackle the violence, disorder and crime.

    "It has to be done beyond the walls."

    Baroness Bottomley says despite the announcement for 2,500 more prison officers, there is a huge problem with staff retention in the industry, but that she is convinced that the Prisons Minister Rory Stewart is taking the issue seriously and tackling it head on.

  18. Lord Bird: call to reassess community servicepublished at 14:20 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Prisoner and Young Offender Institutions Debate

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    Lord BirdImage source, HoL

    The House of Lords now moves on to its second debate of the day on prisons and young offender institutions.

    Crossbench peer Lord Bird, who founded The Big Issue, introduces the debate, asking what plans the government have to ensure that prisons and young offender institutions are safe and able to meet the rehabilitative needs of those imprisoned.

    Lord Bird begins by discussing the events at HMP Birmingham over the summer, where the prison was taken away from G4S and into the hands of the government.

    He says the prison service's jobs are becoming harder, demonstrated by a 66% increase in attacks made by prisoners on staff, and a 19% fall in the amount of working prison officers.

    "Since 2006 we've halved the amount of community servicing which actually proves to work pretty well, unlike short custodial sentences which do not work."

    Lord Bird says a reassessment of punishments for smaller crimes is needed, and that the prison system needs to be questioned as there is a predictability of failure.

    "We need to rethink crime and we need to rethink prisons as opportunities for transforming some of the naughty boys like me who may even end up in the House of Lords."

  19. UK should pursue science endeavours for its 'contribution to the world'published at 14:18 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Brexit, Science and Innovation Debate

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Labour MP Darren JonesImage source, HoC

    Labour MP Darren Jones says the House can agree "the pursuit of truths" and support for those with the "brightest minds" to solve our societal challenges is an "endeavour" the UK should pursue for its own benefit and "contribution to the world".

    He says the EU is the world leader of scientific output and that the UK is a very successful at being a lead academic institution.

    Mr Jones says that collaboration is "vital" and 62% of UK research is based on international collaboration.

    He concludes the success of Britain relies on a "flow of talent".

  20. Support needed for the UK to remain a 'science superpower'published at 13:53 British Summer Time 6 September 2018

    Brexit, Science and Innovation Debate

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Conservative MP Stephen MetcalfeImage source, HoC

    Conservative MP Stephen Metcalfe says that the challenges are "poignant" for the science community.

    Mr Metcalfe says science is "special" and needs the government's support so the UK can remain a "science superpower".

    He commends UK scientists for solving problems including feeding a growing population, tackling climate change and improving health.

    He calls for a Brexit deal to protect the "standing" of the UK science community and one that addresses their concerns such as people and talent, funding, collaboration and regulation.