UK Domestic Visitor Levy

Debate between Lord Kennedy of Southwark and Baroness Winterton of Doncaster

Monday 16th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

It is the turn of the Labour Benches.

[Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Lab)]

Does my noble friend the Minister agree that one of the key achievements of the last Labour Government was free entry into museums, which had a huge effect on boosting tourism? Can she assure me that this Labour Government will continue to do all they can to boost tourism in that way and keep free entry to museums and other cultural visitor attractions in this country?

New Homes Target

Debate between Lord Kennedy of Southwark and Baroness Winterton of Doncaster

Wednesday 11th February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)]

We will hear from the Labour Benches, then the Conservative Benches.

[Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Lab)]

My Lords, my noble friend the Minister has outlined very clearly what a great opportunity this target is, for not only local jobs but local training schemes and use of local materials in building the houses. She mentioned local authorities, but what discussions are being held with developers and housebuilders to ensure that they commit to using local labour, putting on proper training schemes and using local materials whenever they can?

British Council

Debate between Lord Kennedy of Southwark and Baroness Winterton of Doncaster

Tuesday 11th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

We will hear from the Labour Benches next and then the Lib Dem Benches.

[Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Lab)]

My Lords, as the trade envoy to Bangladesh, I hosted here in Parliament, attended by the noble Baroness, Lady Alexander, the signing of a higher education partnership between the British Council and the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, which will improve not only higher education links but trade links. Will my noble friend the Minister recognise the power of those kinds of partnerships, not only to improve trade but to provide the soft power that she has referred to, when considering the granting of money to the British Council?