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Written Question
Artificial Intelligence
Wednesday 17th December 2025

Asked by: Lord Robathan (Conservative - Life peer)

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risks posed by the development of superintelligent AI.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

There is considerable debate and uncertainty around Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), but the possibility of their development must be taken seriously. The increasing capabilities of AI may exacerbate existing risks and present new risks, for which the UK need to be prepared.

The role of the AI Security Institute (AISI) is to build an evidence base on these risks, so the government is equipped to understand them. AISI focuses on emerging AI risks with serious security implications, including the potential for AI to help users develop chemical and biological weapons, and the potential for loss of control presented by autonomous systems.

Written Question
Pensions Increase (Pension Scheme for Keir Starmer QC) Regulations 2013
Tuesday 16th December 2025

Asked by: Lord Robathan (Conservative - Life peer)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to repeal the Pensions Increase (Pension Scheme for Keir Starmer QC) Regulations 2013.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The 2013 regulations were introduced by the Conservative-led Coalition government to ensure the Director of Public Prosecutions’ pension scheme is uprated in line with other public service pension schemes.

Speech in Grand Committee - Wed 26 Nov 2025
Tobacco and Vapes Bill

"My Lords, I rise briefly to support my noble friend Lord Kamall on the Front Bench. I have not taken part in these debates before, but I have to say that I find it quite disturbing that we should be making laws because perhaps we do not like walking down …..."
Lord Robathan - View Speech

View all Lord Robathan (Con - Life peer) contributions to the debate on: Tobacco and Vapes Bill
Speech in Lords Chamber - Tue 25 Nov 2025
Russian Ship “Yantar”

"My Lords, I understand the difficulty of the Minister; I am not trying to stir things up, I assure him. But supposing a laser had brought down the aircraft by disabling the pilot, what would we consider that? Would we consider it an act of war?..."
Lord Robathan - View Speech

View all Lord Robathan (Con - Life peer) contributions to the debate on: Russian Ship “Yantar”
Division Vote (Lords)
24 Nov 2025 - Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Robathan (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 184 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 200 Noes - 244
Speech in Lords Chamber - Tue 18 Nov 2025
Ministry of Defence Procurement: UK-manufactured Products

"My Lords, those who know about defence procurement—as the Minister does; I am encouraged by much of what he says—know that it is incredibly bureaucratic. That slows down any decisions —I do not know whether it has affected this decision—for UK-made kit rather than buying stuff off the shelf. Can …..."
Lord Robathan - View Speech

View all Lord Robathan (Con - Life peer) contributions to the debate on: Ministry of Defence Procurement: UK-manufactured Products
Division Vote (Lords)
17 Nov 2025 - Employment Rights Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Robathan (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 193 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 296 Noes - 147
Division Vote (Lords)
17 Nov 2025 - Employment Rights Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Robathan (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 195 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 302 Noes - 135
Division Vote (Lords)
17 Nov 2025 - Employment Rights Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Robathan (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 198 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 298 Noes - 157
Division Vote (Lords)
17 Nov 2025 - Employment Rights Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Robathan (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 198 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 295 Noes - 150