"My Lords, first I declare an interest as a recipient of a local government pension. I also congratulate my noble friend; having been a Local Government Minister for four years, I know how difficult any local government legislation is, as is anything that talks about devolution of any sort.
"I think the noble Lord needs to hear my arguments first and then, when he comes to speak and in Committee, he can challenge them. The reality is that in the north-east we have really suffered. The then chair of the PAC called the newly elected mayors to advise them …..." Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top - View Speech
"My Lords, as chair of the Digital Inclusion Action Committee, I wonder whether I can intervene. I have just spent the last hour talking with two sub-committee chairs, the Minister may want to know, precisely about easier accessibility but also about a recent report about people with learning difficulties. We …..." Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top - View Speech
"My Lords, we have already demonstrated today just how complex this issue is. We began talking about it on the last day in Committee and, as I said last week, it affects children and young people in ways we never imagined; nor did we imagine years ago that this would …..." Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top - View Speech
"My Lords, I thank everyone for their contributions to this debate and to the previous one.
This is complex and we all want to have good outcomes. I appreciate that the Minister is saying that we need more discussion and to make sure that we address this issue in a …..." Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top - View Speech
"My Lords, we discussed criminal exploitation of children last night. I know from my experience that a young woman was denied any compensation because of the way the trial was conducted. She was in the position where, when the third barrister had been appointed by the defendant, she was told …..." Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top - View Speech
"My Lords, I chair the Digital Inclusion Action Committee. I do that not because I am a digital expert like the two Front-Bench people opposite and my noble friend, but because I know and have worked throughout my life on social exclusion. I know that we can do this. If …..." Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top - View Speech
"My Lords, following the grooming gang trial in the north-east, in Newcastle, the safeguarding committee said that one of the institutions that needed to be looked at was how the court undertook the trial, and that cross-examination had been used as another weapon against the young women. I met and …..." Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top - View Speech
"My Lords, I have five amendments in this group, all of which come from my knowledge and understanding of evidence-based work. I declare my interest as a trustee of the Foundations What Works Centre for Children and Families.