Asked by: Lord Gascoigne (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the local elections which have been delayed until next year will definitely take place in May 2026.
Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The 2026 local elections will include those postponed from May 2025, and those already or to be scheduled for any area in 2026.
Asked by: Lord Gascoigne (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government when Lord Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador will commence.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Prime Minister confirmed the appointment of Lord Mandelson to be the next British Ambassador to the United States of America on Friday 20 December. He started the role on 10 February 2025.
Asked by: Lord Gascoigne (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government on what date was the decision to name HMS Achilles agreed by the Government; which Minister had final sign off on the naming process; and on what basis was the name HMS Agincourt ruled out.
Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Potential ship names are proposed by the Royal Navy's Ships Names and Badges Committee, ahead of approval by Ministry of Defence Ministers and His Majesty The King.
There are no current plans to rename any other Royal Navy ships.