Debates between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Lord Faulks during the 2019 Parliament

Mon 14th Mar 2022

Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Bill

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Lord Faulks
Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)
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I am very happy to explore the cost landscape after this Bill because, as I said, I am principally not at odds with the noble Lord at all.

Lord Faulks Portrait Lord Faulks (Non-Afl)
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I was somewhat concerned by the lack of response to what the noble Lord, Lord Fox, said about UWOs being a niche activity. I hope the Minister can reassure the Committee that one of the effects of the change in the Bill will be that they will very much not be a niche activity. Certainly the original intention—I understand, having read the legislation that brought them in—was that there would be 20 per year. Can we have some reassurance that there are going to be a great deal more and it will not be a niche activity?

Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)
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I share the sentiment of my noble friend that they will not be a niche activity. The measures in this Bill, particularly in terms of costs, will make it far easier for our law enforcement agencies to not be stymied by costs in bringing these things forward.

Facial Recognition Surveillance

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Lord Faulks
Monday 27th January 2020

(4 years, 3 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait Baroness Williams of Trafford
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I agree with the noble Lord that the ICO criticised some areas. However, last Friday it acknowledged a number of improvements. LFR is used for a policing purpose; it is used to detect serious criminals and might be used to find missing people. The framework in which it operates includes common-law powers, data protection, human rights legislation and the surveillance camera code.

Lord Faulks Portrait Lord Faulks (Non-Afl)
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My Lords, is it not important to make a distinction between the use of modern technology to assist in the possible identification of an offender and its evidential status? That distinction is very important.

Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait Baroness Williams of Trafford
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My noble friend is of course absolutely right.