EU-UK Cultural Exchange Arrangements

Debate between Lord Purvis of Tweed and Baroness Twycross

Thursday 4th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

My noble friend makes a valid and topical point, because in the past week there has been some publicity around some of the destruction wrought on Ukraine’s cultural landmarks. Recently, the UK and the European Commission each committed £250,000 to support cultural heritage protection in Ukraine, aimed at protecting and restoring Ukraine’s cultural landmarks. We have also discussed collaborating on the impact of artificial intelligence in the creative industries with Ukraine, facilitating international cultural collaboration and improving working conditions for creative and cultural professionals. I met the Ukrainian Culture Minister recently and discussed with her how we could work more closely to support them in their cultural recovery.

[Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD)]

Why are the Government opposed to a full creative industries mobility scheme with the EU?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

We are working through negotiations. I am not going to give a running commentary on negotiations from the Dispatch Box, not least as they are not ones that I am leading myself. We are continuing to engage constructively with EU member states. We are not looking, as I think we made clear in our manifesto, to re-enter a situation where we would have free movement. We committed to that in the manifesto. I am quite clear that in our manifesto we stood on clear red lines in relation to Europe, and those are ones that remain this Government’s policy.

Telegraph Media Group: Ownership

Debate between Lord Purvis of Tweed and Baroness Twycross

Thursday 16th October 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I will need to write to the noble Baroness on that matter, as it did not come up in the preparation for this Question and I do not want to give an incorrect answer.

[Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD)]

Further to my noble friend Lord Newby’s question on whether China is part of the consortium, and given what the Deputy National Security Adviser said about China being a threat, why would this not automatically trigger a referral through the provisions under the National Security and Investment Act?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

There are no specific rules relating to the media merger regime on hostile states, but the bar for intervention within the regime is low. I would like to reassure the noble Lord that any sale of the Telegraph will be subject to the regime. As I stated earlier, it could be considered under the National Security and Investment Act if the Secretary of State deems, in her considerations, that the transaction would raise national security concerns. As I said earlier, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on a live merger case; this is a quasi-judicial process, and it is for the Secretary of State to determine the matter.

European Union: Trade

Debate between Lord Purvis of Tweed and Baroness Twycross

Thursday 30th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

These two Questions I have been responding to today do have an element of similarity. I agree with the noble Lord that our relationships with Europe are related to trade but they also have to be related to security. We want to deepen co-operation within areas where the EU has unique capabilities, such as sanctions, countering disinformation, military mobilisation, and civilian crisis management and support—particularly to Ukraine. It is quite sobering to remember and recognise that, while we are talking about commemorating the Second World War, we do have war in Europe currently.

[Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD)]

My Lords, can the Minister give a couple of economic arguments for why we would not want to be in a customs arrangement with the European Union?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

We had an election, and this Government stood on not rejoining the customs union. We keep our promises as a party, and I make no apology for doing so.

Film Industry

Debate between Lord Purvis of Tweed and Baroness Twycross

Thursday 10th October 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I will take back my noble friend’s points about mental health and the role of freelancers and speak to my noble friend Lady Merron and the Minister of State about these significant issues.

[Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD)]

My Lords, I think the whole House will agree with the Minister that film production is a real driver for regional growth, including in Scotland, where I live, like the noble Baroness, Lady Fraser. However, about 45 minutes ago, the noble Baroness, Lady Anderson, answered a Question on the pausing of the Northern Ireland city deals. The Belfast city deal includes investment for Studio Ulster. The Government are to be commended for promoting investment in film production, but they are simultaneously pausing it. Why?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I understand that there is no pause to the funding for the Belfast deal.