Brexit: Triggering Article 50

Debate between Baroness Evans of Bowes Park and Lord Morris of Aberavon

Wednesday 29th March 2017 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

I can reassure the noble Lord that we are working closely with the devolved Administrations. We have already taken forward technical discussions with both the Scottish and Welsh Governments on their proposals, in the White Papers they produced, to more fully understand and analyse their plans so as to get the best deal for Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. We will continue to do that and we will work closely with them because we are absolutely committed to achieving the best deal for all parts of the UK.

[Lord Morris of Aberavon]

My Lords—

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[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

We certainly have. Indeed, when the noble Lord reads the letter sent to President Tusk he will see that that is explicitly recognised.

[Lord Morris of Aberavon]

My Lords, if the present Brussels responsibility for subjects such as agriculture is repatriated to it, will there be full financial recompense to Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast?

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

My Lords, we are at the beginning of these negotiations. We said that we will devolve and expect further powers to be devolved. I cannot go into the outcomes of the negotiations but, as I said, we will look for the best deal for all parts of the UK. We will work closely with the devolved Administrations. I believe that we will come to a deal that works for all parts of the United Kingdom.

Judiciary: Independence

Debate between Baroness Evans of Bowes Park and Lord Morris of Aberavon

Tuesday 15th November 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Morris of Aberavon (Lab)]

My Lords—

[The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Evans of Bowes Park) (Con)]

My Lords, it is the turn of the Conservative Benches.

Universities: Freedom of Speech

Debate between Baroness Evans of Bowes Park and Lord Morris of Aberavon

Monday 22nd February 2016 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

Universities are uniquely placed to provide intellectual and robust challenge to narratives and they must continue to do this. Of course, students and academics have the right to protest peacefully but this cannot lead to intimidation, harassment or the silencing of those they disagree with. That must be stopped.

[Lord Morris of Aberavon (Lab)]

My Lords, if a proposed speech is known to be unlawful I would understand any appropriate restrictions, but would not succumbing to mob rule to deny freedom of expression be wholly contrary to the ethos and purpose of a university? I speak as a former chancellor of a university.

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

I entirely agree with the sentiments of the noble and learned Lord. Unfortunately, it has seemed at times that student unions have taken a somewhat inconsistent approach to freedom of speech—actively inviting speakers who promote intolerance but banning and silencing others. As I have said, the Government are supporting university leaderships to make sure that we preserve freedom of speech. It is hugely important and allows students the opportunity to challenge and debate ideas, which is part of the whole purpose of going to university.

Female Genital Mutilation: Education in Schools

Debate between Baroness Evans of Bowes Park and Lord Morris of Aberavon

Thursday 4th February 2016 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

As noble Lords will be aware, protection orders were fast-tracked last summer to come into place before the summer holidays, so that any girls at risk could benefit from these new orders. Eighteen FGM protection orders were issued between July and September. That is the first set of data that we have.

[Lord Morris of Aberavon (Lab)]

My Lords, while individual prosecutions are matters for the Director of Public Prosecutions, are the Government satisfied that the law is adequate, and will they consider an investigation as to why there are so few prosecutions?

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

As I said, we will shortly issue the statutory multiagency guidance, which we believe will help teachers, for instance, and other professionals to be able to identify this risk more easily and therefore to work with the police. The Serious Crime Act 2015 introduced a new mandatory duty on teachers, social workers and health professionals to report to the police known cases of FGM involving victims under the age of 18. Again, we believe that reports of these cases should assist the police; I have also mentioned protection orders. Therefore, we are building a framework within which professionals can work to help to tackle this crime.

Prisoners: Imprisonment for Public Protection Sentences

Debate between Baroness Evans of Bowes Park and Lord Morris of Aberavon

Wednesday 11th November 2015 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

I am certainly happy to speak to my noble friend Lord Faulks about that when he returns. I am sure he would be happy to do that.

[Lord Morris of Aberavon (Lab)]

Does the Minister agree that the delay in considering cases is reprehensible, but the safety of the public must always be paramount?

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

I thank the noble and learned Lord for that comment. He is absolutely right—the Parole Board can ensure that these prisoners are released only when it determines that the risk has been reduced and they can be safely managed in the community. These are extremely complex cases, and we have to be mindful of ensuring that prisoners feel they are progressing, but, equally, that the public are kept safe.