Higher Education Regulatory Approach

Debate between Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent and Baroness Falkner of Margravine

Tuesday 21st January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Falkner of Margravine (CB)]

My Lords, I declare an interest as chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which is the national human rights institution for Great Britain. Another interest is that we are an intervener on the proposed judicial review. It would not be wise for me to say much on the details of this Statement, but I put on record two things for the House. First, the Minister will know that the public sector equality duty is a fundamental part of the proposed litigation in this area, as well as the Government having a responsibility to have due regard to it. We are the regulator in that regard. I wrote to the Minister on 6 December, seeking an urgent meeting. The Statement says that a wide range of providers were consulted, but we were not, which is why I wrote to her. I also put on record—

[Baroness in Waiting/Government Whip (Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent) (Lab)]

My Lords—

[Baroness Falkner of Margravine (CB)]

Forgive me; I will address a point directly to the Minister. I am grateful that we are meeting next week, but we should have been consulted as part of that consultation. I say to the Government Whip that the clerks upstairs have told me that I need to declare these cumbersome interests every time I speak. I do not think it would be fair to the House for me not to declare them and make my points.

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I appreciate those clarifications, but I remind your Lordships’ House that this is questions on a Statement, not additional statements.