Democracy and Unelected Strong Leaders

Debate between Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent and Lord Davies of Gower

Thursday 3rd April 2025 Lords Chamber

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

As I have said before, it is always a mistake to disagree with the noble Lord, so I agree absolutely.

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

My Lords, in addition to the poll published by FGS Global in January, research by the University of London has suggested that some of those who question democracy do so because they do not feel that they have a stake in our society. What plans do the Government have to promote the engagement of young people in particular in civic activities that will give them the sense of community and belonging which is so important to democracy?

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

When I was a Member of the other place, it was my favourite thing to visit schools, and every one of us, in both places, should actively engage with all young people. One of the reasons I personally am so in favour of votes at 16 is that I have seen the barrier to voting for those in their 30s, 40s and 50s who have never voted and may think it is a scary thing to do. If they do it together, as classes, it gives them the opportunity to engage. On that note, happy Easter.

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill

Debate between Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent and Lord Davies of Gower

Committee stage
Monday 10th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

My Lords, I am very grateful to those who have contributed to this short debate. As I say, my Amendment 33 seeks merely to create an advisory board for the SIA, so that we can have some form of independence—

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

My Lords, just to confirm, the noble Lord will be speaking after the Minister.

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill

Debate between Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent and Lord Davies of Gower

Committee stage
Monday 3rd February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

My Lords, regarding Amendment 4 tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Sandhurst, we need to define exactly what we mean by “from time to time”. Is it a decade? It must be defined if organisations are to understand their responsibilities. At the moment, it is unclear. In my Amendment 11, I seek merely to establish an exemption for premises that are assessed to be in a low-risk category by an independent assessor. We have genuine concerns about which premises will be required to implement security measures under the Bill.

I have heard what the Minister has said, but I am not entirely convinced. This is an issue that we will take away and consider before Report. For the time being, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.

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

My Lords, the amendment leading the group was moved by the noble Lord, Lord Sandhurst, so he should have replied and he must formally withdraw it.

Wales

Debate between Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent and Lord Davies of Gower

Tuesday 26th November 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Davies of Gower]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to strengthen the position of Wales within the United Kingdom.

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

My Lords, I start by paying tribute to the emergency services and local authority staff across Wales and the rest of the UK, who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe during Storm Bert. We will continue to support those who have been affected by the storm. Our efforts are focused on them, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who are grieving the loss of loved ones.

The Government have reset the relationship with the Welsh Government, based on respect, co-operation and delivery. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Wales is driving forward the partnership, meeting regularly with the First Minister of Wales to discuss key areas of joint work. This is already delivering better results for people in Wales, with last month’s Budget providing a record boost for the Welsh Government to support vital public services, including the NHS.

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

My Lords, having witnessed the terrible storms in Wales, I, too, thank the emergency services for the services they have provided. Recognising the need to enhance Welsh infrastructure, the last Government allocated £1 billion for the electrification of the north Wales main line, but Ministers in this Government have consistently refused to commit to this project since July. Can the Minister give the House a cast-iron assurance today that the north Wales main line electrification will be delivered in full?

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

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his question, but I am somewhat surprised, given that the previous Government cancelled the electrification to Swansea, that he is asking it. As for future infrastructure projects, we will update the House in due course.