Youth Crime: London

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Lord Garel-Jones

Monday 22nd October 2018 Lords Chamber

[Lord Garel-Jones (Con)]

Is the Minister aware that, since 2012, about 30 youth centres in London have closed? While this might not wholly explain the worrying rise in violence, it must have been a contributory factor. Will my noble friend tell the House whether the Government have any plans to substitute that loss?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My noble friend will of course know that youth provision is a decision for local authorities and how they allocate funds.

Registration of Marriage Bill [HL]

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Lord Garel-Jones

2nd reading (Hansard): House of Lords
Friday 26th January 2018 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

Perhaps I may continue to explain. The Bill only includes provisions to introduce a schedule system and to change how marriages are registered to facilitate the changes to the marriage entry to include both parents. That is the scope of the Bill. It is very narrowly about marriage registration and not about solemnisation. It is not intended at all to include wider marriage reform.

[Lord Garel-Jones (Con)]

As the Minister will be aware, every single person who spoke in the debate supported the admirable measure being introduced by the right reverend Prelate. In future discussions, would she—and just as importantly the right reverend Prelate—at least be prepared to consider that the inclusion of humanist marriage does not damage the Bill but actually enhances it?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, the point I am making is that to amend the existing law on marriage to make provision for legally valid humanist ceremonies would involve a huge range of issues.

Banks: Immigration Act 2016

Debate between Baroness Williams of Trafford and Lord Garel-Jones

Monday 23rd October 2017 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My Lords, there were three questions there, but I will deal with the last one, which was about the information not being lost. The Home Office will rigorously check the information before it goes to the banks. The noble Lord talked about vulnerable people being caught by this. It is particularly important that these checks are gone through because many people who have managed to open these sorts of bank accounts may themselves be vulnerable.

[Lord Garel-Jones (Con)]

My Lords, apart from the effects on immigration, has compliance with the Immigration Act produced any other positive benefits for society?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

Compliance with the Immigration Act produces a benefit for society, as many immigrants contribute very well to the economy. I count myself as an immigrant; noble Lords can make a judgment about that.