Electrocardiogram Screening
Debate between Lord Polak and Baroness Twycross
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
There are differences between different bodies as to the exact number, but every death of a young person from sudden cardiac death is clearly a tragedy which takes them too early. The Government are supporting greater understanding in this area by listening to the UK National Screening Committee when it comes up with its suggestions, and ensuring that, through bodies such as Sport England, which has guidance for sports clubs, and through funding for defibrillators, there is greater awareness of the risks of this.
Lord Polak (Con)
My Lords, “If there is anything I can do to save anyone else’s life, I really want to fight for that”—those are the brave words of Hilary Nicholls just weeks after her daughter, Clarissa, passed away aged 20. Hilary is in the Chamber today. Together with Hilary, Ambassador Lambertini of Italy and I put on a symposium for Italian and UK cardiologists on 28 January, where we learned that, since the introduction in 1982 of Italy’s pre-participation screening programme of anyone engaged in organised sport, there has been a reduction of 89% in sudden cardiac arrests. I ask the Minister whether, irrespective of screening committees, she will undertake to sit with the Italian Sports Minister and learn what they have done to implement a similar programme of testing to help avoid another parent like Hilary grieving for their fit and young children.
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
I pay tribute to Hilary and all parents who, at the worst moment in their lives, campaign to ensure that nobody has to go through a similar situation. Obviously, I, or another more relevant Minister, would be happy to sit down with Italian counterparts to discuss what more we can do. I will say, however, that we are awaiting the findings of the UK National Screening Committee, and it is right that we go through these proper processes.
Museums and Galleries: Admission Charges for Non-UK Residents
Debate between Lord Polak and Baroness Twycross
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
I find myself having to defend giving good news to your Lordships’ House. I will have to write to the noble Lord on the specific VAT rule that he referred to.
Lord Polak (Con)
The previous Government committed to giving free entry to the national Holocaust memorial next door in Victoria Tower Gardens. Will the Minister commit to the same?
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
As the noble Lord is aware, this Government are very supportive of the memorial. It is an MHCLG scheme, and I will have to write to the noble Lord following Questions. He will note that this Government are currently taking the legislation through this House.
Cultural Sector: Freedom of Speech
Debate between Lord Polak and Baroness Twycross
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
Like a number of noble Lords across your Lordships’ House, I had the pleasure and privilege of being an assembly member while the former Prime Minister was Mayor of London. I am going to say absolutely nothing about my noble friend’s point.
Lord Polak (Con)
My Lords, since 7 October 2023 the atmosphere in the cultural sector towards Jewish artists, writers and performers has been chilling. The Tate has been threatened with a boycott unless it ends sponsorship from trusts deemed to be close to Israel. Michael Etherton, the head of the UK Jewish Film Festival, has stated that cinemas have now made it almost impossible to make film bookings. What action are His Majesty’s Government taking to protect Jewish people, who contribute so much to the country’s cultural sector?
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
I thank the noble Lord for bringing us back to a specific example that is adversely affecting a significant portion of our society. Anti-Semitism has absolutely no place in our society, which is why this Government are taking, and will take, a strong lead in tackling it in all forms. Making sure that all British Jews are not only safe but feel safe and able to express their views, cultural identity and religious views is really important. It is unacceptable that, in 2025, this could ever be called into question.