"I thank the noble and learned Lord for his amendment and his engagement with me on this matter. I understand the concerns he has raised. However, the Government believe the approach they have taken is appropriate and in keeping with the devolution settlement.
"That the draft Order laid before the House on 17 December 2025 be approved.
Relevant document: 48th Report from the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee (special attention drawn to the instrument)..." Baroness Smith of Cluny - View Speech
"I am grateful to noble Lords for their contributions to this debate. I will respond to the specific points raised, but first I mention four overarching points that are important to hold in mind in this debate.
"I am grateful to the noble Lord for raising this issue, because I can see that it is creating confusion, and I think that reflects how complicated and difficult the matter has been. The first thing to say is that it is not for the UK Government to draft any …..." Baroness Smith of Cluny - View Speech
"I would be delighted to write to the noble Baroness. It is important that we have precision on this issue and I do not have that information immediately to hand, so I will write...." Baroness Smith of Cluny - View Speech
"The noble Baroness raises a very important issue and I am grateful for the opportunity to address it. We know that men and boys experience these types of behaviours. We also know that their experiences are unique. Indeed, one in five men experience domestic abuse. That is why we have …..." Baroness Smith of Cluny - View Speech
"The noble Baroness raises an important issue. Honour-based abuse is directly addressed in the strategy, as the noble Baroness has observed. It is often hidden in nature. That means we must try harder to address the needs of victims and build trust with them. We have set out clear action …..." Baroness Smith of Cluny - View Speech
"We will deliver the strategy through a truly cross-government approach, recognising that halving VAWG within a decade requires action from every part of society. Implementation will be overseen by cross-government governance, including the VAWG ministerial group, meeting next on 27 January, and an external VAWG stakeholder advisory board. Progress is …..." Baroness Smith of Cluny - View Speech
"The key point to note is that the entire strategy is fully funded. At least £1 billion is being spent across government over the spending review, and that includes funding for education. Indeed, there are other government programmes, because it is a cross-government approach, through other departments, such as the …..." Baroness Smith of Cluny - View Speech
"I am grateful to the noble Lord for raising this prescient and important issue. I am pleased to report that the Government are taking action. That is why a consultation on this issue has been announced. The reason for announcing a consultation is that, on such a vital issue, we …..." Baroness Smith of Cluny - View Speech