Speech in Lords Chamber - Wed 20 May 2026 Youth Justice
"My Lords, I welcome the publication of the youth justice system reform and delivery plan. In particular, I welcome the announcement of an expanded and clearly defined role for the Welsh Government, in recognition of the fact that the context has changed considerably in Wales since the current arrangements were …..." Baroness Smith of Llanfaes - View Speech
"My Lords, I begin by recognising an important democratic moment in Wales: 11 days ago, Plaid Cymru secured the largest number of votes that any party has ever received in Wales, leading to the formation of the first Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government. I hope the Minister responding to the debate …..." Baroness Smith of Llanfaes - View Speech
"My Lords, can the Leader of the House give an update on the progress that has been made, or not made, towards the Labour manifesto’s commitment to
“replacing the House of Lords with an alternative second chamber that is more representative of the regions and nations”?..." Baroness Smith of Llanfaes - View Speech
"My Lords, the Minister referred to evidence that has been looked at to shape this new initiative. What evidence has been taken from the scheme that has existed in Wales for the last decade—the young person’s guarantee in Wales? What lessons have been learned about what did and did not …..." Baroness Smith of Llanfaes - View Speech
"Will the noble and learned Lord clarify whether, if the Bill were to pass, the Welsh Government would be able to widen or limit eligibility for the service in Wales?..." Baroness Smith of Llanfaes - View Speech
"What is His Majesty’s Government’s approach to the legislative consent Motion process and making sure that the Sewel convention is kept to? What intergovernmental discussions have this Government had with the Welsh Government on the constitutional implications of this Bill in particular?..." Baroness Smith of Llanfaes - View Speech
"I want to clarify that that is not what I said in relation to the debate on the principle. That was a separate debate, and I do not think that it is necessarily relevant to the discussion, given that the LCM has been voted on...." Baroness Smith of Llanfaes - View Speech
"I thank the noble and learned Lord for giving way. I have one final question of clarity. If the Bill were to pass here, what would happen if the Welsh Ministers, whoever they may be, did not lay the regulations but the Senedd as a whole supported having those services …..." Baroness Smith of Llanfaes - View Speech
"My Lords, I shall speak to my Amendments 844, 903 and 905 in this group, but I first turn the Committee’s attention to the LCM debate, as the noble Baroness, Lady Coffey, just did, that took place in the Senedd on 24 February. At the beginning of the debate, Jeremy …..." Baroness Smith of Llanfaes - View Speech
"I thank the noble Baroness for her intervention. However, that is not the case in terms of the practical reason why the Senedd Members raised those points; it is also in relation to the fact that they passed an amendment to this LCM, which I was lately going to touch …..." Baroness Smith of Llanfaes - View Speech