Speech in Lords Chamber - Tue 22 Oct 2019 Queen’s Speech
"My Lords, given that the Queen’s Speech was little more than a poorly disguised election gimmick, it is surprising that there were no new proposals for legislation or policy on education, never mind higher education. To recap: the Government have failed to respond to the Augar review, published in May …..." Lord Bassam of Brighton - View Speech
"I am conscious of that and I am coming to a close. Does the Minister share our concerns and those raised by academics about the creation of a new and different process running alongside the current one?
"To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will commit to putting before both Houses any proposals to amend the United Kingdom’s food standards regulations in the event of a “no deal” scenario when the United Kingdom leaves the European Union...." Lord Bassam of Brighton - View Speech
"My Lords, I ought to be reassured by the Minister’s reply but I am not. In light of his refusal to rule out suspending the UK’s food standards regulations if there is no deal, is this measure being considered seriously? Will the Government publish an impact analysis of such a …..." Lord Bassam of Brighton - View Speech
"To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) the risks to the National Health Service, and (2) the implications for access to medical supplies, of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union without a withdrawal agreement...." Lord Bassam of Brighton - View Speech
"My Lords, I congratulate the noble Lord on his stamina this morning—more Fleetwood Mac than Iron Maiden. Given that the Government seem a long way off getting any sort of Brexit deal on goods and services, will the Minister tell the House whether there is a plan B to ensure …..." Lord Bassam of Brighton - View Speech
"My Lords, yesterday evening I went home and turned on my local news to find that the Royal Sussex County Hospital was calling on people who might otherwise use its services to keep away. The hospital has some 900 vacancies. How can the noble Lord come to the Dispatch Box …..." Lord Bassam of Brighton - View Speech
"My Lords, in a written reply to me, HL 5459, the Minister said that vacancy data was not available for doctors, nurses and consultants in hospital trusts in Sussex, Surrey and Kent, whereas local recruitment advisers suggest that there is a real crisis. Why cannot the human resources element of …..." Lord Bassam of Brighton - View Speech
"My Lords, the Minister says there are billions extra for the health service, but the East Sussex Healthcare Trust has just announced a £21 million increase in its deficit, making it £57 million for the rest of this financial year. This is now 14% of its total budget. The finance …..." Lord Bassam of Brighton - View Speech
"My Lords, I promised recently when I spoke in a debate on House procedures that I would not, as Labour Chief Whip, make a habit of speaking, so I owe noble Lords an apology for this reappearance so soon. I am looking over there at “The Judgment of Daniel” with …..." Lord Bassam of Brighton - View Speech