Data (Use and Access) Bill [HL]

Debate between Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate and Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom

Committee stage
Wednesday 18th December 2024 Grand Committee

[Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate (Con)]

My Lords, following on from what I said on earlier amendments, this is worse than what the noble Lord, Lord Clement-Jones, has just expressed. Indeed, I fully support the amendments of my noble friend Lord Holmes. However, this just demonstrates, yet again, that unless we pull ourselves together, with better smart legislation that moves faster, we will never ever catch up with developments in technology and AI. This has been demonstrated dramatically by these amendments. I express concerns that the Government move at a pace that government always moves at, but in this particular field it is not going to work. We are going to be disadvantaged and in serious trouble, unless we can move a bit faster.

[Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom (Con)]

My Lords, I rise briefly but strongly to support my noble friend Lord Holmes. The CyberUp campaign has been banging this drum for a long time now. I remember taking part in the debates in another place on the Computer Misuse Act 34 years ago. It was the time of dial-up modems, fax machines and bulletin boards. This is the time to act, and it is the opportunity to do so.