"My Lords, does the Minister agree that much of our legitimacy in the eyes of the public flows from our effectiveness as a scrutinising Chamber? Indeed, many regard this House as the finest scrutinising Chamber in the world. Does she agree that proposed changes should always be motivated by a …..." Baroness Finn - View Speech
"My Lords, on 24 October, it was reported that a 93 year-old woman from Abercynon who had suffered a fall had to wait 10 and a half hours for an ambulance to arrive. This is just the latest in a series of horror stories about Welsh ambulance waiting times, which …..." Baroness Finn - View Speech
"My Lords, it is a pleasure to speak to this Bill, which has invited a broad debate on the future of your Lordships’ House. The noble Baroness, Lady Smith of Llanfaes, has a principled opposition to the House of Lords, and it is that principled conviction that underpins the Bill. …..." Baroness Finn - View Speech
"My Lords, the Government have committed to prioritise national security in our procurement processes. How will that policy affect the Government’s flagship gimmick, Great British Energy? Might it mean an end to our reliance on Chinese solar panels?..." Baroness Finn - View Speech
"My Lords, between 2010 and 2016, under the coalition and Conservative Governments, the Civil Service headcount fell by 21%. We simultaneously set up the award-winning Government Digital Service in 2011. Despite this Government’s repeated pledges to reduce headcount, the numbers have risen by 2% since they took office in 2024. …..." Baroness Finn - View Speech
"My Lords, I too begin by congratulating the noble Baroness, Lady Falkner, on securing this important debate and on her informative, impressive speech.
This was the view of the Constitution Committee of your Lordships’ House—I was a member of it at the time—in its 2023 report on Permanent Secretaries:
"My Lords, can the Minister confirm whether any investigation, information notice, recovery action or other statutory power has been exercised by DWP Ministers or officials since responsibility for the PSFA was transferred, and whether the Government have taken legal advice on the susceptibility of any such decision to judicial review, …..." Baroness Finn - View Speech
"My Lords, the Government accepted a number of recommendations from the Statutory Inquiries Committee’s report, Public Inquiries:Enhancing PublicTrust, including on the format of future inquiries, proper consultation of victims and survivors and stronger Cabinet Office capability. When will the Government implement those commitments, and will …..." Baroness Finn - View Speech
"My Lords, this has been a long and thoughtful debate. I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Macintosh of Eastwood, not only on being a long-standing friend of the noble Lord, Lord Foulkes, but on a witty and erudite maiden speech. I wish the right reverend Prelate a long and healthy …..." Baroness Finn - View Speech
"My Lords, I too welcome the Minister to her place—again. Having worked in No. 10 and having had the enjoyable task of managing a Prime Minister’s diary, I know that time is the most precious commodity. There are sudden, unexpected events and logistical pressures. Can the Minister explain how practical …..." Baroness Finn - View Speech