Refugee Crisis: European Anti-migrant Parties
Debate between Earl of Courtown and Baroness Hussein-Ece
The Earl of Courtown
The right reverend Prelate draws attention to the case of unaccompanied minors, a subject which has shocked many noble Lords. The fact is, as I said earlier, that we are increasing spending, with £10 million allocated to refugee children throughout Europe. On top of the 20,000 who are being brought in over the course of this Parliament, more unaccompanied children will be added to that figure.
Baroness Hussein-Ece (LD)
My Lords, will the Minister explain why he persists in using the word “migrants” when these are Syrian refugees who are dying in their thousands?
The Earl of Courtown
I did not catch the first part of the noble Baroness’s question but I think that she was asking about my definition. I will look at what I have said and obviously take a lesson from the noble Baroness.
Restaurants: Service Charge
Debate between Earl of Courtown and Baroness Hussein-Ece
The Earl of Courtown
My Lords, somebody behind me whispered, “And be generous”. The noble Lord is quite right. However, I know only too well that the noble Lord the Chairman of Committees actually enjoys coming to the Dispatch Box, so I suggest, if I may, that the noble Lord pose the question to him.
Baroness Hussein-Ece (LD)
Is the Minister aware that in some instances staff rely on those tips for topping up their very low salaries? I have also come across occasions in some restaurants where staff receive tips and nothing else. Are any measures in place to monitor this kind of disgraceful behaviour?
The Earl of Courtown
The noble Baroness of course will be aware that everybody must be paid the national minimum wage.
Cyprus
Debate between Earl of Courtown and Baroness Hussein-Ece
The Earl of Courtown
The noble Lord, Lord Hannay, with all his experience in this area, is absolutely right. We have a situation whereby two community leaders in Cyprus are willing to talk and try to reach a settlement. All the encouragement that we can give them to make that come to fruition has to be a good thing.
Baroness Hussein-Ece (LD)
My Lords, in April, the Turkish Cypriots demonstrated that they were willing to go ahead and that they want peace. They want change from 50 years of embargoes and isolation. The talks are very much to be welcomed. Will the Minister say whether the British Government, as a guarantor country, will now, in bringing forward some confidence-building measures, address the inequality in both communities? The economic situation in the north is quite dire. If there were to be a peace agreement later this year, there would be real problems in bringing equality to both communities. What will the Government do to lift some embargoes to allow some trade and economic prosperity for the north?
The Earl of Courtown
The noble Baroness poses a number of questions. Basically, we are prepared to consider options that would help to encourage progress in these talks.