FTSE Companies: Gender Balance

Lord Selkirk of Douglas Excerpts

Wednesday 8th March 2017 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, they are very good men. Of course, we have a female Leader, a female Leader of the Opposition and I am sure that there is a female clerk who comes in here sometimes, so I hope we are balanced out in that sense.

[Lord Selkirk of Douglas (Con)]

My Lords, does the Minister agree that this is a particularly appropriate time to have these Questions, because Marie Curie has just been honoured as a shining example of courage in driving back the frontiers of the unknown in supporting radiotherapy, although it cost her her life?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

I totally agree with my noble friend. As you discover when you read the story and hear about her life, she indeed sacrificed her life in the name of science, and what dividends it has paid society ever since.

Crime: Firearms

Lord Selkirk of Douglas Excerpts

Thursday 9th February 2017 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

I think that I have déjà vu here, because the noble Lord asked me that the other evening when we had a three and a half hour debate on the subject of security and policing between the UK and the EU. As I explained then, and will explain now, co-operation will be not just absolutely key going forward but one of the top priorities for this country.

[Lord Selkirk of Douglas (Con)]

Is the Minister aware that, in the past, amnesties have been used in different parts of the United Kingdom but under very strong conditions, as in the context of weapons which have been used to commit a crime? Can any possible amnesties be looked into with great care, as all the circumstances need to be taken fully into account?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My noble friend is absolutely right that amnesties have been used in the past—most recently in Northern Ireland, if I am not mistaken—and that great care needs to be taken around such an approach.

Immigration

Lord Selkirk of Douglas Excerpts

Wednesday 8th June 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

To speak of immigration is not to be xenophobic.

[Lord Selkirk of Douglas (Con)]

Does my noble and learned friend accept that a very clear distinction should always be made between economic migrants, on the one hand, and refugees, on the other?

[Lord Keen of Elie]

I entirely concur with my noble friend’s observations. It is unfortunate that these two groups are lumped together so often, when we are dealing with two very distinct issues.

Syrian Refugees

Lord Selkirk of Douglas Excerpts

Monday 20th January 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

I have got the sentiment of a number of the questions asked here this evening and I know that a number of noble Lords wish that the Government would go further. However, the Government have considered this matter very carefully and respect the views of those who favour a co-ordinated response. We maintain the view that our top priority should continue to be to provide humanitarian assistance to displaced people in the region, in partnership with the neighbouring countries, the UNHRC and other UN and non-governmental partners. That is the focus of our policy commitment. As I have said, £500 million has already been committed and another £100 million was announced only the other day. That is £600 million in total invested in that programme. That is something that this country should be proud of.

[Lord Selkirk of Douglas (Con)]

My Lords—

[Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Con)]

With great respect to my noble friend, we have reached the 10-minute limit.

Crime: Detection Rates

Lord Selkirk of Douglas Excerpts

Thursday 14th March 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

That may well be so, and my noble friend makes a very good point. The governance of the Metropolitan Police lies, of course, in the hands of the Mayor of London, and I know of no more vigorous pursuer of value for money than the Mayor of London.

[Lord Selkirk of Douglas]

Can the Minister confirm that CCTV has been extremely effective in reducing the opportunities for crime?

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

Indeed, it has. At the moment, we are evaluating a consultation that we have had on a new code of practice for CCTV and its use. It is an extremely useful tool when properly used, and it is very important that we recognise that it needs to be properly used in our communities.