Fundamental Rights and the Rule of Law
Debate between Lord Lexden and Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede(2 months ago)
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Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Lab)
I thank the noble Lord for that question. Hong Kong is a friend of ours, and this means we can have a frank exchange of views on human rights matters, which the Government continue to do. The noble Lord raised a specific question about Jimmy Lai and the other prisoners detained in Hong Kong. I will make sure that that is brought to the attention of my noble friend Lord Collins, who is directly responsible for these matters. If necessary, he will write to the noble Lord.
Lord Lexden (Con)
My Lords, have the Government been advised to establish whether it is compatible with the European convention to slap VAT on independent school fees? The noble Lord, Lord Pannick, does not believe it is.
Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Lab)
The advice we have received is that it is within the law, and we have every intention of carrying it out as soon as is practicable.