Online Safety Act 2023: Virtual Private Networks

Debate between Lord Vaizey of Didcot and Lord Kennedy of Southwark

Monday 15th September 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Young of Acton (Con)]

My Lords, I declare my interest as the head of the Free Speech Union. As I am sure the—

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

It is the turn of the Conservative Benches. Please make up your minds about which noble Lord will ask a question.

[Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Con)]

My Lords, I was interested to read comments from Republican politicians over the weekend calling out the role of social media in polluting political discourse, particularly after the horrific events in America last week. Can we please recognise that we are pioneers in this country in terms of regulating platforms and that Ofcom is doing a terrific job? While parliamentary oversight is very important, can we please allow Ofcom the time to implement this very complex legislation and find time to applaud the effective job that it is doing?

State Schools: Creative Education

Debate between Lord Vaizey of Didcot and Lord Kennedy of Southwark

Wednesday 15th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bird (CB)]

My Lords—

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

We will hear from the Conservative Benches.

[Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Con)]

My Lords, I declare my interest as a trustee of Tate. May I say to the Minister how reassuring it is to see an Education Minister addressing this Question? To make arts education as effective as possible, close working between the Department for Education and DCMS is essential. I am afraid that money involved. For example, visiting a theatre or museum costs schools money and many of these museums have to find money from their own budgets as well. Will the Minister meet with her counterpart in DCMS and look at a strategy in the round to engage our schoolchildren in meaningful visits to theatres and museums, with some financial support to help that?