"My Lords, as an old-timer in this place, I congratulate my noble friends Lady Antrobus and Lord Walker, and the noble Baroness, Lady Teather, on their brilliant, inspiring and moving maiden speeches.
A Labour Government are about nothing if they are not about reducing poverty and inequality in our society: …..." Lord John of Southwark - View Speech
"My Lords, one of the ways in which we meet the concerns that the noble Lord has raised is by increasing the housing supply. Can my noble friend the Minister give us an update on the social and affordable housing programme that the Government are supporting?..." Lord John of Southwark - View Speech
"I thank my noble friend for her Answer. One part of the country that is not included in the current plans for local government reorganisation is London, despite it now being nearly 30 years since the current model of London governance was introduced. Given that the London model is idiosyncratic …..." Lord John of Southwark - View Speech
"My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper. In so doing, I declare my interests as a peer mentor adviser for the Local Government Association and Thurrock Council...." Lord John of Southwark - View Speech
"My Lords, one of the concerns expressed to me by colleagues in local government has been about the cost of preparing submissions and scoping work for local government reorganisation. My noble friend talked about the £63 million of additional funding that will go to local government to support it going …..." Lord John of Southwark - View Speech
"My Lords, in addition to the harms of energy drinks, the 156 cans of fizzy drink that the average child consumes in the UK each year can and do contribute to higher rates of childhood obesity and dental problems. With that in mind, will my noble friend the Minister commend …..." Lord John of Southwark - View Speech
"My Lords, this debate feels like getting the gang back together around this table. I declare my political interest as a former chair of London Councils and leader of Southwark Council. It is particularly nice to see so many colleagues from those days. I acknowledge the significance of the amendments …..." Lord John of Southwark - View Speech
"My Lords, in my maiden speech last week, I spoke about the important role that local government can and should play in creating and curating place. With that in mind, does my noble friend the Minister agree that local authorities can be good and effective champions for the hospitality and …..." Lord John of Southwark - View Speech
"My Lords, it is the greatest pleasure to rise in this debate and to give my maiden speech—the last in a quartet from the Labour local government family. I did wonder whether we look like a 1990s pop group announcing our reunion tour.