Access to Nature Green Paper

Debate between Lord Leigh of Hurley and Baroness Hayman of Ullock

Wednesday 3rd June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

Yes.

[Lord Leigh of Hurley (Con)]

My Lords, I very much welcome the Government’s attempt to encourage people to go out in green spaces and walk, particularly along rivers. Is she aware that the Thames path is now broken, in that the bridges at both Temple and Henley have been out for a number of years? To pick up the point made by the noble Baroness, Lady Bull, disabled people who want to walk along the Thames path have to go through very busy roads to do so. Apparently, the Environment Agency receives no money from central government to repair bridges, and is actually relying on private donations to do so. Will the Minister have another look at this? The Thames path is central for so many people who want to enjoy the River Thames, and I declare my interest as a regular runner along it.

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

I have only recently been made aware of this and I am currently looking at it. The noble Lord raises an important point. One of the things that we need to be more aware of as a Government is how we maintain what we already have, as well as looking at new access.

Meat Labelling

Debate between Lord Leigh of Hurley and Baroness Hayman of Ullock

Tuesday 13th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

I have in the past done exactly that and we will continue to look at how we can improve animal welfare by encouraging take-up of the demonstration of life protocol. As we look to move forward in discussing labelling of food production, we will work with stakeholders, which, of course, if it was impacting on religious practice, would include religious leaders.

[Lord Leigh of Hurley (Con)]

My Lords, the noble Baroness, Lady Ludford, mentioned the American Veterinary Medical Association’s recent publication, which has been three times peer reviewed and shows a new understanding of shechita. Can the Minister confirm that shechita is within the legal definition of stunning?

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

We mentioned the demonstration of life protocol that is used in New Zealand, so there is no non-stun slaughter there, but it has an exception for shechita, which comes to the point that the noble Lord is making. As we discuss this issue further, clearly the issues surrounding shechita and halal killing need to be looked at within those religious communities’ expectations.