Asked by: Baroness Deech (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Ofcom about the BBC’s compliance with its Charter obligations of impartiality and accuracy of news for home and overseas audiences.
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
DCMS Ministers and officials meet with Ofcom regularly to discuss a range of issues.
It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator, to ensure the BBC is fulfilling its obligations to audiences, including on impartiality and accuracy, as outlined in the Charter.
Ofcom does not have any functions in relation to the BBC World Service. The BBC agrees objectives, priorities and targets for the World Service directly with the Government.
Asked by: Baroness Deech (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court decision in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16.
Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Prime Minister and the government have been clear that everyone should follow the For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] Supreme Court judgment.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission - as the independent regulator - has submitted a draft Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations. This will provide guidance to relevant duty bearers on how they should comply with the Equality Act 2010 following the Supreme Court judgment.
The Government is considering the updated draft Code and, if the decision is taken to approve it, the Code will be laid before Parliament for a 40-day period.
In the meantime, we expect service providers to follow the law as clarified by this judgment and seek specialist legal advice where necessary.
Asked by: Baroness Deech (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 31 October (HL10875 and HL10876), and with reference to the Montevideo Convention and international law regarding recognition of a state, who they recognise as the government of the state of Palestine; where that government is located; and what are the boundaries of that state.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
The Palestinian Authority is the legitimate governing authority of the Palestinian state. The UK recognises Palestinian statehood over provisional borders, based on 1967 lines with equal land swaps, to be finalised as part of future negotiations.