Electric Vehicles: Transition

Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Lord Harris of Haringey

Wednesday 11th February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

The most important thing we have to do is work with the manufacturers in this country. The decision under the previous Government to change the target sent a wave of uncertainty through manufacturers. It is absolutely critical that we keep that certainty and have clarity. We are fully committed to the manufacturing industry and base in this country. Of course, we are having conversations with China, as per the Prime Minister’s recent visit, and there are so many positives to come from these conversations. We look forward to the industry moving forward to full strength.

[Lord Harris of Haringey (Lab)]

My Lords, the Question refers to electric vehicles, and anyone in our cities and towns will have seen the increasing prevalence of electric-powered cycles and scooters, often driven extremely dangerously by people who are not wearing helmets, and in many cases dumped, where they are available for hire, all over the place. Can my noble friend the Minister enlighten us as to what consideration has been given to requiring that all vehicles of this nature be properly labelled and identified so that, if people break the law, it is possible to trace them? If it is a hired vehicle, you would presumably have a credit card connection that you could follow up in order to apply a penalty.

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

My noble friend raises some crucial points. When I go home, I have to tell people that, in going around London, one of the most dangerous exercises is crossing the road because of the fear of unregulated cycles coming through. We have had many debates on this. I do not have a definite direction for my noble friend, but I know that he will maintain a strong interest in this area and will make sure that, as we move forward, we take everyone with us to achieve better results.

NHS Industrial Action

Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Lord Harris of Haringey

Tuesday 2nd December 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

We beg to differ completely with the noble Lord. We believe our Employment Rights Bill is the way forward. It will improve industrial relations and make sure that we have workplaces that are fit for purpose as we move forward through this century.

[Lord Harris of Haringey (Lab)]

My Lords, will my noble friend tell us what proportion of resident doctors are taking action and what are the consequences for individuals when they do? You hear stories of individuals deciding to take a long weekend and in practice it is leave rather than anything else.

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I have the figures in front of me. The data we have received reported an average of 17,200 resident doctors absent from work in each of the November rounds, which is slightly higher than the 16,200 average during the last set of strikes in July. Resident doctors make up about 50% of the workforce of around 150,000 NHS doctors in England. I think that gives a pretty clear sense. Of course, our sympathies go to all the other doctors, medical staff and other staff in hospitals who performed so admirably during those strikes. We will continue to support them and make sure that they can deliver for the patients in their care.