Cuba: Humanitarian Situation

Debate between Baroness Meyer and Lord Collins of Highbury

Tuesday 9th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

I suspect that the noble and learned Lord knows the answer to that question. We are members of the United Nations Security Council. We are absolutely committed to international law and urge all members of the Security Council and the United Nations to follow suit.

[Baroness Meyer (Con)]

My Lords, the United States has offered $100 million in aid to be administered by the Catholic Church, which the Cuban Government have not accepted, as they insist that all aid must go through their own institution. Given that the Cuban regime has provided support to the Russian war effort, what steps will this Government take to ensure that any aid we provide is not diverted to the Cuban authorities but goes directly to the Cuban people, who have, as we know, suffered economic hardship and denial of freedom under a one-party communist regime?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

I repeat what I have said before. We continue to provide support, primarily through the multilateral system, including organisations such as the World Food Programme and UNICEF. In addition, we are among the major contributors to the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund. That is what we have been doing. Bodies such as the World Food Programme and UNICEF have established systems for monitoring distribution and ensuring accountability, which reduces the risk of diversion.

Voter Identification Regulations 2022

Debate between Baroness Meyer and Lord Collins of Highbury

Tuesday 13th December 2022 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Meyer (Con)]

My Lords, I can say the same about what is happening in Europe. In France and, as far as I know, in most European countries, you need a photo ID to vote. You have to be over 18, and I think the only instance when you do not need a photo ID is if you vote in a municipality of fewer than 1,000 people. I do not think there is a complication, and I have not seen, in France or in other European countries, people in uproar because they have to show a photo ID to prove who they are.

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

Everyone there has a national ID card.

[Baroness Meyer (Con)]

They can show an ID card, or a passport, or there is a whole list of identification with a photograph that can be used.