Emergency Services: Ministers of Religion

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Baroness Masham of Ilton

Tuesday 26th April 2022 Lords Chamber

[The Lord Speaker (Lord McFall of Alcluith)]

My Lords, we have two virtual contributions. First, we will hear from the noble Baroness, Lady Masham of Ilton.

[Baroness Masham of Ilton (CB) [V]]

My Lords, would the Minister agree that communication is vital? Will there be a list of priests in each area, with telephone numbers, who could be available if a priest were needed to give the last rites in serious injury cases?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)]

I think that is a very interesting question. Obviously, it might not be entirely predictable where priests might be in the case of a serious incident, but it is certainly true that, in circulating the guidance, police will now be far better informed about how to go about these requests should they arise.

Emergency Services: Ministers of Religion

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Baroness Masham of Ilton

Monday 22nd November 2021 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)]

We are talking here about the point of death of someone who was killed in very unusual circumstances. My family know what I would want, and I am sure noble Lords in this House have let their families know what they would want. But there is a point there about pragmatism and considering someone’s last wishes at the scene of crime.

[Baroness Masham of Ilton (CB)]

My Lords, in these difficult times, is it not possible that people’s spiritual needs, as well as their physical needs, could be supported, and if possible adhered to, during serious injury and illness? Could the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care work together to send out a directive advising on these matters?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)]

The group led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, joined by the Catholic Church and the College of Policing, will determine what such a framework looks like. It was a surprise to me that this had not come up before, and therefore it needs some thinking about, including on whether changes are required to the guidance issued to police faced with such situations.

Immigration: Points-based System

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Baroness Masham of Ilton

Tuesday 25th February 2020 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

New entrants will receive a 30% reduction on the salary threshold that would otherwise be required for their occupation. Given that the skills level has come down to A-level, I think a new technician entrant would meet the salary threshold.

[Baroness Masham of Ilton (CB)]

My Lords, does the Minister agree that only very rich disabled people will be able to afford help? What will happen to all the thousands of disabled people who are not super-rich? Does it not mean that disabled people will be discriminated against?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, the care system in this country ensures that people on low incomes have access to the care that they need. I do not know whether the noble Baroness is referring to immigrants to this country—

[Baroness Masham of Ilton]

I am asking about disabled people living in the community.

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

Disabled people living in the community have access to a means-tested care system which has long been established in this country.

Female Genital Mutilation

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Baroness Masham of Ilton

Thursday 7th March 2019 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

One thing the noble Baroness might find helpful is that it is an offence to fail to protect a girl from FGM. She mentions schools—clearly, they have not only a safeguarding role but a welfare role. Professionals are now being trained to look out for the signs of whether a girl has gone through FGM, forced marriage or another form of illegal practice.

[Baroness Masham of Ilton (CB)]

My Lords, is the Minister aware that in 1985 I took the first bit of legislation on female circumcision through your Lordships’ House and that the noble Lord, Lord Glenarthur, who is here today, was the Minister? This shows how difficult the situation is, as there have been several bits of legislation since 1985.

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

I commend the noble Baroness for the work she did back in 1995—

[Baroness Masham of Ilton]

In 1985!

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

In 1985—even further back. I also commend my noble friend Lord Glenarthur. The noble Baroness points out the difficulties of this. If people, particularly family members, are reluctant to come forward, it becomes very difficult to drive out. However, we have made a small amount of progress, and certainly some of the FGM protection orders that we have introduced have helped to stop girls from being cut.

Right to Buy: Housing Associations

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Baroness Masham of Ilton

Monday 12th October 2015 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, I assume that such details will be in the housing Bill.

[Baroness Masham of Ilton (CB)]

My Lords, does the Minister agree that there is a shortage of special housing for disabled people? Many housing associations provide this. Will these houses be protected?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, the Government will expect housing associations to abide by their obligations in terms of homes for disabled people, for homeless people and for sufferers of domestic violence.