RMT Strikes: Impact on Businesses
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Baroness Deech(2 days, 13 hours ago)
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Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
It is a very interesting dispute. ASLEF is on record saying that it finds the dispute bizarre because of its nature in terms of proposing a voluntary scheme that is not going to be enforced. I hope the discussions will get underneath the issues that the noble Lord mentions. Of course, our sympathies go out to people who are particularly affected, as he mentioned, by such action. That is why it is so important that we get industrial relations on the right footing in this country, and I am delighted to say that we are in the process of doing that.
Baroness Deech (CB)
The immediate mitigation of a tube strike is that people take the bus, or they try to take the bus, but the Mayor of London is going to remove all the buses from the most famous high street of all, namely Oxford Street, to the great detriment of shoppers and tourists with a knock-on effect throughout the London bus network. If it is not too late, can the Government call in this decision? If there is any further attempt to extend it, will the Government call it in to stop further pedestrianisation and the blocking of Oxford Street in the interests of business and visitors?
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
To relate a small story to the noble Baroness, when I first became an elected councillor, there were proposals to pedestrianise the centre of Leeds, where I am from, and people were predicting that the sky would fall in and there would be queues right back to the M1. It has led to the city absolutely thriving. People will find other ways of getting where they need to go. I think putting pedestrians first is a very interesting and encouraging step forward, and I am sure, when it is successfully implemented, the shops will be very grateful that he has taken the initiative.
Plan 2 Student Loans: Repayment Terms
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Baroness Deech
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
In our manifesto we committed to raising teacher standards in higher education. Every student deserves the best possible quality from their investment. I am pleased to say that we are working closely with the education sector and providers to make sure that that quality is, first, across the board but also maintained.
Baroness Deech (CB)
Does the Minister agree that the situation has gone too far for tinkering? We need a fresh start. As I said yesterday, we need a Select Committee in this House on education. But does she agree that it is time for something radical, such as a graduate tax or complete exemption for those who repay their debt to society immediately—the students of medicine, teaching and nursing?
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I always listen to the noble Baroness’s questions with interest. I do not think it would be right for me to pre-empt the ongoing discussions. I think there is a general recognition that something needs to change, but it has to be done in the spirit of fairness while maintaining access for all students and making sure, as I said at the outset, that it is fiscally responsible in a complex financial situation.
Student Loan System
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Baroness Deech
Baroness Deech (CB)
My Lords, is the Minister aware that over £5 billion of student debt is owed by European Union students who went back and did not repay? What steps will the Government take to prevent this debt growing if we rejoin Erasmus, which is, after all, one-way traffic?
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I am sure those considerations are being taken into account as we move forward with this. I do not have an answer for the noble Baroness at this moment, but oversight of all the implications of change of policy is critical.