Department for Science, Information and Technology: Abolition

Debate between Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent and Lord Deben

Tuesday 21st July 2026 Lords Chamber

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

I thank the noble Lord for his question. I cite the new Prime Minister, who said that we will choose hope to build a fairer society. “Hope” is definitely the word of the day so, on that basis, I absolutely agree. The new Business Secretary was very clear on this morning’s “Today” programme that he will reach out to all parts of the science community to reassure them and make sure they understand that they will now be at the heart of government. That is why we have made these changes.

[Lord Deben (Con)]

My Lords, I hope the Minister can answer this simple question: is she not embarrassed that the only way we have been able to discuss this important matter is through a Private Notice Question? Should these issues not be brought in front of Parliament to be discussed? It is a disgrace that these steps are being taken. The legislature is being overrun by those who are in charge.

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

My Lords, the last time I checked I was a Member of Parliament, in the broadest sense, and, as a Member of the Houses of Parliament, I am in front of Parliament. We have tabled a Written Ministerial Statement, as is normal, and taken a PNQ, which is normal. We have done exactly as we would at any other point to address and update your Lordships’ House. I want to be very clear to the noble Lord and your Lordships’ House: I am not embarrassed by my Government; I am very proud of them.

Wales: Further Devolution

Debate between Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent and Lord Deben

Tuesday 25th November 2025 Lords Chamber

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

The noble Baroness will not be surprised at all to hear that I disagree with both her assessment and her request that we devolve policing to Wales. The announcement last week on PCCs was not about the devolution of policing. It related solely to the abolition of PCCs, a model that simply was not working. We will seek the views of all partners, including the Welsh Government, before deciding on the best form of local policing, governance and scrutiny in Wales.

[Lord Deben (Con)]

In opposition, the Labour Party was very clear about the unfairness of the way in which money was given to Wales under the Barnett formula. Why is it that it is still cheating Wales and giving it much less money than any other part of the United Kingdom?

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

My Lords, I used to represent Stoke-on-Trent. The noble Lord will find that the Barnett formula ensures that the people of Wales receive 20% per capita more than my former constituents. The Welsh Government received a record-breaking settlement of £21 billion this financial year, which, because of the Barnett formula, is £4 billion more than it would otherwise have been. The Government are delivering for the people of Wales, financially and by supporting them through devolution in action.

Prime Minister and First Minister of Wales Meetings

Debate between Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent and Lord Deben

Wednesday 7th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Deben (Con)]

Will the noble Baroness accept that I joined with many of her colleagues in fighting against the Barnett formula, and that the Labour Party strongly attacked the Conservative Government because they did not do anything about it? Why is she now telling us that she is not going to do anything about it, when it is clearly wrong?

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

My Lords, the Labour Government’s position on the Barnett formula is clear, but I am always open to discussions about how the noble Lord can continue to work with us on these Benches to deliver for the people of the United Kingdom.

Council of the Nations and Regions

Debate between Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent and Lord Deben

Wednesday 27th November 2024 Lords Chamber

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

That is at the nub of the creation of the Council of the Nations and Regions. It is about making sure that we deliver for every corner of the country, that we do not just reset but normalise relationships between the UK Government and the devolved assemblies. What we saw on 11 October at the first meeting of the Council of the Nations and Regions was a meeting bringing everyone to Edinburgh to have those conversations and to talk about what priorities should be before the investment summit that occurred in the following days. That delivers real investment. We heard a great deal from the previous Government about levelling up. This is about levelling up in action and making sure that we are prioritising every corner and not just those that shout loudest.

[Lord Deben (Con)]

Notwithstanding that the Government gave more money to Wales in the Budget, is not the noble Lord, Lord Wigley, right that the Barnett formula, which is deeply unfair to Wales, needs to be looked at finally for the future, rather than brushed off and pushed behind a carpet?

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

My Lords, we have no current plans to review the Barnett formula.