"My Lords, there is nothing easy about confronting mortality or dealing with suffering. The number of us who have chosen to speak at this Second Reading is a reflection of the importance of these issues and how universally relevant they are. Every one of us in this place has been …..." Baroness Porter of Fulwood - View Speech
"My Lords, one area where the UK has a unique specialism is demining. We are home to the world’s two largest demining organisations: the Halo Trust and the Mines Advisory Group. It is important that we continue to build on this world-leading expertise, as the unprecedented rise in global conflict …..." Baroness Porter of Fulwood - View Speech
"My Lords, 80 years ago, my grandparents, Bert and Winnie Firmin, were at the theatre when the show was interrupted with the announcement that the war was over. Bert, stationed for the duration of the war on Malta as an RAF electrician working on Spitfires, had managed to get a …..." Baroness Porter of Fulwood - View Speech
"My Lords, I also start by welcoming the noble Baroness, Lady Longfield, and thanking her for an important maiden speech. The issues of sentencing, prisons and the court system simply cannot be separated. The backlogs that have triggered this debate must be looked at in that wider context. The recent …..." Baroness Porter of Fulwood - View Speech
"My Lords, as we have now heard numerous times this evening, the changes within this Bill will have a devastating impact on charities, the most vulnerable people in our society and the social fabric of this country.
"My Lords, there is now clear evidence that social cohesion is important for a plethora of outcomes, from life expectancy and health to fostering a sense of belonging and improving people’s well-being and mental health. This is a timely debate. The most reverend Primate the Archbishop of York is right …..." Baroness Porter of Fulwood - View Speech
"My Lords, at a time when our country is facing challenges on so many fronts, the unique role of your Lordships’ House is more important than ever. It is a privilege to be joining at such a critical time.