Autism: Parenting Support Programmes

Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Lord Bellingham

Tuesday 14th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

It is a well-recognised fact that women bear the brunt of caring responsibilities, at whatever age they are presented. Raising awareness of this, making sure that it is understood and acknowledging how unfair the lack of support has been is pivotal in making sure that we arrange the support mechanisms that are required to move us forward.

[Lord Bellingham (Con)]

My Lords, further to the question from the noble Baroness, Lady Pitkeathley, about charities, I declare an interest because I am involved with a number of autistic charities in my old constituency in King’s Lynn and across Norfolk. Is the Minister aware that one of the biggest challenges is when these children who are on the autistic spectrum come out of college and try to find their way into further training or jobs? Can she comment specifically on what the Government are doing to help that transition?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

The noble Lord touches on a particular obsession of mine. It is not just about the transition into adulthood, which is absolutely pivotal, but starts earlier than that and is about the transition through the different stages of education. We need to make sure that we completely get away from the awful situation where young people fall through the gaps and there is no information exchange. That is why cross-government working is so critical here. We need the education sector to talk to the health sector and DWP, to make sure that we have a holistic view of young people so that they can move on to the appropriate location and get the right support.

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Lord Bellingham

Thursday 12th June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bellingham (Con)]

I am very grateful for the comprehensive and courteous way that the Minister has responded to the amendments. Can she comment on the need, as I see it, for some sort of report back to Parliament?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

With all this work, I believe it is important that we focus on the job in hand through the route of accountability and the local authorities, and do not give virtual school heads yet another onerous task to do. I believe that enough safeguards are in place and enough ways that the outcomes can be reviewed, so I do not believe that this is necessary at this time.

I was going to say that I ask noble Lords not to press their amendments, based on the fact that this is work in progress. We all know the significance of this area and the contribution that so many people make to it. We are opening up an exciting new chapter to make sure that the work that happens is accountable and transparent, and that more people are aware of what needs to be done and how these young people can be helped going forward.

EU-UK Summit: Visa Waiver Agreement

Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Lord Bellingham

Thursday 8th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I thank the noble Baroness. We have discussed cabotage in this Chamber before. It is extremely complex. I do not know how it could have come about that it was not foreseen that having to stop at all the different borders of EU countries would not present an enormous problem.

This issue is certainly on the agenda generally and is the subject of discussions. I look forward to the outcome of many of these discussions, and particularly the outcome of the summit itself, which is going to be a very important and wider moment in terms of bringing politicians and officials together on a whole range of issues.

[Lord Bellingham (Con)]

My Lords, the noble Earl, Lord Clancarty, put forward a really strong point, for which there is widespread support in the House. At the summit there will obviously be requests from many other groups and organisations. Can the Minister give a firm assurance to Parliament that the price of these special waivers will not be any concessions on fisheries?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I am given some challenges at the Dispatch Box, but I have to say that that is a particular one. The point that I am trying to get across is that the discussions, particularly at the summit, have to consider the broadest range of issues that are facing us through the reset and setting up strategic partnerships. I shall certainly take back the comment about fisheries—but I am sure that other people will be making important points as well.