(10 years, 2 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, I think we should go to the Labour Benches.
My Lords, is this not a two-way affair? I recently chaired a committee on student radicalism in our universities and I was saddened and appalled at how the Islamic societies there form themselves into self-created ghettos. I would like to discuss this with the Minister, and perhaps the noble Lord, Lord Bates, as well. They isolated themselves from, and in many ways were hostile to, the outside student community, not to mention sexual minorities and women groups. Muslims should not be attacked, obviously, but should they not also make their own positive commitment to community integration?
(10 years, 2 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, I suggest that it is the turn of one of the minor parties. I propose that the noble Baronesses from the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party decide between themselves who would like to give way.
(10 years, 2 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, I have only just arrived. It is the turn of the Cross Benches.
I thank the Leader of the House. I do not see why we should not try identity cards. Those of us who drive have to carry a driving licence around with us, otherwise there are always difficulties with the police if you get stopped. I really do not know why we should not see whether it actually works. It works in other countries and why, as the noble Lord, Lord Deben, said, should we not learn from other countries and try it here?
(10 years, 2 months ago)
Lords ChamberOrder! It is the turn of the Lib Dems. Could I urge noble Lords to allow the Minister to sit down before they stand up and try to ask questions?
(10 years, 2 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, I think we are going to move on to the next Question, but it was the turn of the Cross Benches.
(10 years, 3 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, if we are going round in order, it is the turn of the Liberal Democrat Benches, which have not yet asked a question.
My Lords, last night on BBC’s “Newsnight” the head of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Sara Thornton, predicted that the cuts that the Government are about to make will mean the end of routine police patrols. The Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police said that he was anticipating losing 8,000 police officer posts in London—25% of its current establishment. Can the Minister please explain how the police can maintain relationships with communities, from which counterintelligence comes, in the face of such cuts?
(10 years, 5 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, we have time. I suggest that we go first to the Cross Benches, if we go round in order, and then to my noble friend Lord Higgins.
My Lords, is there any awareness of cause and effect in this process as to why all these people are coming out? Which countries have contributed to this problem? Is there a moral duty to think about what has caused this process? The people who come are the best, and they serve the countries to which they go to the best of their ability. I have done so and I am sure that many others might do so also.
(10 years, 5 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, it is not necessary for the noble Lord, Lord Clinton-Davis, to sit down because it is the turn of the Labour Benches.
Lord Clinton-Davis
My Lords, people of many faiths and none have sought refuge from oppression not only in Syria but elsewhere. Accordingly, are they not entitled to expect to be regarded in a much more benign and civilised way than this Government have exhibited so far?
My Lords, the House is calling for my noble friend Lady Berridge. I suggest that we hear from her, and if we are brief we can get to the noble Lord.
(10 years, 5 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, I wonder if the Minister would make an educated guess—
Order. It is actually the turn of the Liberal Democrat Benches.
(10 years, 8 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, you are testing me today. This is a difficult one. I think the best thing to do is to move on to the next Question.