Baroness Hooper Portrait

Baroness Hooper

Conservative - Life peer

Became Member: 10th June 1985


Deputy Speaker (Lords)
29th Nov 2010 - 5th Mar 2018
Deputy Chairman of Committees (Lords)
2nd Jun 2010 - 5th Mar 2018
Deputy Speaker (Lords)
16th Mar 1999 - 5th Mar 2018
Deputy Chairman of Committees (Lords)
29th Mar 1993 - 5th Mar 2018
European Union Committee
12th Jun 2014 - 30th Mar 2015
Intergovernmental Organisations Committee
19th Mar 2008 - 7th Jul 2008
Works of Art Committee (Lords)
27th Nov 1986 - 15th Nov 1988
House of Lords Offices Committee
21st Nov 1985 - 15th Nov 1988


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Baroness Hooper has voted in 458 divisions, and 9 times against the majority of their Party.

7 Dec 2020 - Trade Bill - View Vote Context
Baroness Hooper voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 16 Conservative Aye votes vs 143 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 287 Noes - 161
30 Nov 2020 - High Speed Rail (West Midlands–Crewe) Bill - View Vote Context
Baroness Hooper voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 9 Conservative Aye votes vs 198 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 57 Noes - 234
30 Nov 2020 - High Speed Rail (West Midlands–Crewe) Bill - View Vote Context
Baroness Hooper voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Conservative Aye votes vs 185 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 38 Noes - 222
15 Jun 2020 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 - View Vote Context
Baroness Hooper voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 43 Conservative Aye votes vs 125 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 112 Noes - 388
28 Apr 2021 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021 - View Vote Context
Baroness Hooper voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 36 Conservative Aye votes vs 156 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 93 Noes - 418
28 Apr 2021 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021 - View Vote Context
Baroness Hooper voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 26 Conservative Aye votes vs 151 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 63 Noes - 401
28 Apr 2021 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021 - View Vote Context
Baroness Hooper voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 34 Conservative Aye votes vs 144 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 70 Noes - 409
26 Oct 2021 - Environment Bill - View Vote Context
Baroness Hooper voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 18 Conservative Aye votes vs 59 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 213 Noes - 60
8 Dec 2021 - Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill - View Vote Context
Baroness Hooper voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Conservative Aye votes vs 131 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 125 Noes - 162
View All Baroness Hooper Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative)
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
(15 debate interactions)
Lord Callanan (Conservative)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
(6 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
View all Baroness Hooper's debates

Lords initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Baroness Hooper, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.


Baroness Hooper has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

Baroness Hooper has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 15 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
22nd Jul 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to expand their Industrial Clusters Mission to other regions; and what consideration they have given to the Liverpool City Region being a suitable cluster.

Industrial clusters account for just over half of the emissions by industry, which is why we committed in the Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy to delivering four low-carbon clusters by 2030 and at least one fully net zero cluster by 2040. The North West cluster already covers the Liverpool City region. The cluster’s decarbonisation plans will provide over £4bn in investment, delivering at least 33,000 jobs and abating 10m tonnes of carbon across the North West.

We have already invested over £45 million into the Hynet Project in the region, through the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge and BEIS Hydrogen Supply and Industrial Fuel Switching competitions, to help kickstart hydrogen and carbon capture and storage.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th Feb 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the announcement that the terms of an Enhanced Trade Partnership have been agreed with the government of India, what steps they are taking to ensure that Gibraltar can benefit from the provisions of that Partnership.

In all trade deals, HM Government is seeking trade outcomes that support British Overseas Territories' economic interests, and which reflect their unique characteristics.

Trade and investment between the United Kingdom and India was worth £48 billion in 2019 and we are developing an even more ambitious relationship. We have committed to launching an Enhanced Trade Partnership with India later this year and are in the process of cementing the terms of this. Through the Enhanced Trade Partnership both sides are working to bring down trade barriers, open up opportunities for trade and investment, and chart the roadmap towards a potential Free Trade Agreement.

20th Jan 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any aspects of their free trade agreement with the government of Turkey could (1) apply to, or (2) include, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The Territorial Application Clause of the United Kingdom-Turkey Agreement states that it will apply to their land territory, internal waters, territorial sea and airspace; and the maritime areas over which Turkey has sovereign rights or jurisdiction for the purposes of exploration, exploitation and preservation of natural resources, pursuant to international law.

The United Kingdom does not recognise the self-declared “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”.

7th Jan 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to ensure the necessary appointments of new judges are made to the World Trade Organisation Dispute Settlement Body in order to be able to enforce any rulings on international trade disputes.

The UK is a strong supporter of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute settlement system. The UK continues to support resolution of the impasse and the appointment of dispute settlement appeal-adjudicators. The UK has actively participated in discussions at the WTO since January 2019 aimed at relaunching such appointments, and the Rt Hon Conor Burns MP, Minister of State, was personally at the WTO, on the first working day of 2020, to affirm our support for the international rules-based system.

In December 2019, the Director-General of WTO announced that he would conduct more intensive consultations with WTO Members towards this goal. The UK will engage closely in these consultations.

The UK has engaged on this issue in other fora such as the World Economic Forum, G7, G20, Commonwealth, and OECD Ministerial Council meeting.

Earl of Courtown
Captain of the Queen's Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard (HM Household) (Deputy Chief Whip, House of Lords)
22nd Jul 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the levels of COVID-19 in the Galapagos Islands; and what plans they have, if any, to review its rating as a red list country for travel purposes.

Decisions to designate countries as either ‘red’, ‘amber’ or ‘green’ on the international traffic light system are taken by the Government to protect public health. They are informed by evidence including the Joint Biosecurity Centre’s risks assessment methodology alongside wider public health factors. We are unable to provide the advice and evidence which informs these decisions as it relates to the ongoing development of Government policy.

17th Mar 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how the proposed reform of procurement by the NHS in England will (1) prevent, and (2) address, conflicts of interest within integrated care systems in which providers and commissioners are working together.

NHS England is currently consulting on the proposal for a new provider selection regime. The central requirement of the proposed new regime is that arrangements for the delivery of healthcare services must be made in a transparent way, in the best interests of patients, taxpayers and the population. All other procurement will continue to be subject to Cabinet Office procurement processes.

The proposed new provider selection regime will set out overarching requirements in relation to the competitive tender exercise - for example, that it must be transparent and fair. NHS England’s consultation seeks views on the proposed key criteria to be considered when decision makers are running a competitive tender to ensure that services are arranged in the best interest of patients, taxpayers and the population. The proposal will include steps that decision-making bodies can take to manage conflicts of interest when arranging services. We will also develop a broader conflict of interest policy in relation to integrated care systems to address this issue specifically.

17th Mar 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to amend their proposals for the reform of NHS procurement in England so that, once a decision in principle to proceed to a competitive tender has been made, the procurement rules are the same as those applicable to the rest of the public sector.

NHS England is currently consulting on the proposal for a new provider selection regime. The central requirement of the proposed new regime is that arrangements for the delivery of healthcare services must be made in a transparent way, in the best interests of patients, taxpayers and the population. All other procurement will continue to be subject to Cabinet Office procurement processes.

The proposed new provider selection regime will set out overarching requirements in relation to the competitive tender exercise - for example, that it must be transparent and fair. NHS England’s consultation seeks views on the proposed key criteria to be considered when decision makers are running a competitive tender to ensure that services are arranged in the best interest of patients, taxpayers and the population. The proposal will include steps that decision-making bodies can take to manage conflicts of interest when arranging services. We will also develop a broader conflict of interest policy in relation to integrated care systems to address this issue specifically.

17th Mar 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact on the principles of (1) transparency, and (2) accountability, of their proposed changes to NHS Procurement in England.

NHS England is currently consulting on the proposal for a new provider selection regime. The central requirement of the proposed new regime is that arrangements for the delivery of healthcare services must be made in a transparent way, in the best interests of patients, taxpayers and the population. All other procurement will continue to be subject to Cabinet Office procurement processes.

The proposed new provider selection regime will set out overarching requirements in relation to the competitive tender exercise - for example, that it must be transparent and fair. NHS England’s consultation seeks views on the proposed key criteria to be considered when decision makers are running a competitive tender to ensure that services are arranged in the best interest of patients, taxpayers and the population. The proposal will include steps that decision-making bodies can take to manage conflicts of interest when arranging services. We will also develop a broader conflict of interest policy in relation to integrated care systems to address this issue specifically.

4th Feb 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government why relations with Latin America is not listed on the printed list of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ministerial responsibilities; and why relations with Latin America is not the responsibility of a Minister of State.

Latin America is an important partner for the UK's global ambitions, with many countries aligned with our values, and we maintain a strong diplomatic relationship with countries around the region. The latest list of Ministerial responsibilities was published in November 2021, and lists Wendy Morton MP as FCDO Parliamentary Undersecretary of State (Minister for Europe and the Americas). Responsibilities included the Americas, the Caribbean, and Small Island Developing States. In December 2021, Minister Ford took over responsibility for Latin America. The current page on www.Gov.uk/government/ministers lists this as FCDO Parliamentary Undersecretary of State (Minister for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean). I am already engaging with Ambassadors from the region, and plan to visit next month.

17th Mar 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they intend to take to support the economic role of UK English Language Schools accredited by the British Council following the reduction in their income during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government will continue to support the UK English Language Training (ELT) sector, working closely with English UK - which manages the Accreditation UK quality assurance scheme for UK ELT centres in partnership with the British Council - and others to co-ordinate efforts to boost UK education exports. The Government also continues to support the UK ELT sector more broadly through the global 'Education is GREAT' campaign. The Chancellor confirmed the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will be extended until 30 September 2021 in the 2021 Budget announced on 3 March 2021. A range of further measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for the business rates holiday, such as language schools, has also been made available.

The FCDO has provided significant support to the British Council to help mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic on their operations.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
11th Feb 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many, and which, countries in Latin America are subject to UK sanctions; and how such sanctions and any possible infringements are monitored, in particular in any country where there is no UK Embassy.

Currently there are 42 individuals designated under the UK's Nicaragua and Venezuela sanctions regimes, as well as three Venezuelan nationals designated under the Global Human Rights regime. These individuals are subject to asset freezes and travel bans. The Venezuela sanctions regime also includes trade restrictions on specified goods and technology, such as military goods (e.g. arms) or goods and technology which may be used to repress the civilian population of Venezuela or to intercept and monitor communications. Under UK autonomous regimes, travel ban measures apply solely in the UK, and financial sanctions are only binding on UK nationals, UK registered companies and their subsidiaries.

Various HMG departments and offices hold responsibility for monitoring sanctions compliance and enforcing action against non-compliance, and individuals and companies themselves can also report information on suspected breaches to the relevant enforcement bodies. The Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) takes civil action for breaches of financial sanctions, and can work with the National Crime Agency (NCA) if criminal action is appropriate. The Home Office implement and enforce travel bans.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
5th Jan 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement for Gibraltar.

On 31 December the UK, working side by side with the Governments of Gibraltar and Spain, reached agreement on a political framework to form the basis of a separate treaty between the UK and the EU regarding Gibraltar. This covers issues of key importance to Gibraltar and the surrounding region, and the Governments of both the UK and Gibraltar judge that it provides a firm basis to safeguard Gibraltar's interests. The UK, Gibraltar, and Spain are committed to ensuring that cross-border arrangements can continue until a new treaty enters into force. We remain steadfast in our support for Gibraltar and its sovereignty.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Nov 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current conditions for tourists in Costa Rica, in particular for eco tourists; and what plans they have to review their travel advice for that country.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all but essential travel to Costa Rica. This decision is informed by the latest COVID-19 risk assessments from Public Health England (PHE) and the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC). This assessment is based on a number of key indicators, including virus incidence rates, trends in incidence and deaths, testing capacity, test positivity rates and other international epidemic intelligence. FCDO travel advice remains under constant review to ensure it reflects our latest assessment of risks to British nationals and has the key information and advice they need to plan travel. Our top priority is to protect the safety and well-being of the British public; we want to continue?opening up?to international travel but only when we can be sure that the risks to public health are manageable.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact on religious gatherings of the provisions relating to public order offences in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

A policy equality statement for the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill was published in September 2021 which covers the public order measures introduced in the Bill. This can be found on GOV.UK.

The public order measures in the Bill will improve the police’s ability to manage highly-disruptive protests, enable the police to balance the rights of protesters and the rights of others to go about their daily business, and to dedicate their resources to keeping the public safe.

Baroness Williams of Trafford
Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms (HM Household) (Chief Whip, House of Lords)