All 2 Debates between Lord Alderdice and Lord Birt

Wed 8th Jul 2020

OneWeb

Debate between Lord Alderdice and Lord Birt
Wednesday 8th July 2020

(4 years, 5 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Alderdice Portrait The Deputy Speaker (Lord Alderdice) (LD)
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I understand that the noble Lord, Lord Willetts, is not with us, so I call the noble Lord, Lord Birt.

Lord Birt Portrait Lord Birt (CB) [V]
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My Lords, I declare an interest as a former member of the board of Eutelsat. LEO is potentially a breakthrough technology, but it is also very high risk, as the collapse of OneWeb so vividly demonstrates. What scale of investment will be needed to build out a commercially viable constellation? How will that investment be funded, whether by debt or equity?

Covid-19: Aviation

Debate between Lord Alderdice and Lord Birt
Thursday 4th June 2020

(4 years, 6 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Birt Portrait Lord Birt (CB)
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My Lords, yesterday, British Airways offered reassurance to future passengers, citing, first, the effectiveness of its air-filtering system, and, secondly, its intention to clean key surfaces between flights. BA also asked its customers to supply and wear their own face masks and to socially distance when checking in or collecting luggage. However, BA’s guidance was glaringly silent on social distancing during flights. What expert advice have the Government received on social distancing during flights?

Lord Alderdice Portrait The Deputy Speaker (Lord Alderdice) (LD)
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Is the Minister there? We seem to have a problem with her connection. We are just coming up to the 10-minute time limit, so I am afraid that the Virtual Proceedings will now adjourn until a convenient point after 6.30 pm for the government Statement.