Friendly Wifi Certification

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd September 2025 Lords Chamber

[The Senior Deputy Speaker]

My Lords, I think the noble Lord has dealt with why the Parliamentary Digital Service believes that we have the highest level possible, both in this area and in cyber defence. Parliament has a guest network that can be accessed by visitors and members of staff on their personal devices; there is a separate wifi for parliamentary devices. Visitors logging on to the guest wifi have to agree to the terms and conditions of use, which clearly state that inappropriate material is blocked.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab Co-op)]

My Lords, now that another George has asked a terrifically funny question, may I ask a serious one for a change? When any of these changes, ideas and alterations around the House are introduced, the last people to find out about them are the Members. Will the Senior Deputy Speaker give an assurance that he and all his colleagues will make sure that there is first a full consultation with Members before there are any changes made to the arrangements around the House?

[The Senior Deputy Speaker]

My Lords, clearly in general terms, and particularly as this is so much a self-regulating House, we do need to ensure that the authorities are working with Members. I can think of a number of recent issues that have drawn great concern, not only from those involved in governance but from the House more generally. I take the noble Lord’s question very seriously, because we all have a duty to work together to make sure that we get the best results for the best working of this very important House of Lords.