NHS Industrial Action

Debate between Lord Harper and Baroness Blake of Leeds

Tuesday 2nd December 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I am very sorry to hear of the noble Baroness’s unfortunate experience and pleased to see her back on the Benches, fighting her corner. This is absolutely the backbone of what this Government intend to do. We knew when we came into government that standards had slipped. The pressures on medical staff have been enormous and it is our job to transform the service. That is what we have put in place.

[Lord Harper (Con)]

My Lords, I listened very carefully to the excellent question from the noble Lord, Lord Spellar, but I was astounded by the Minister’s answer. I think I heard correctly that she talked about modernising the trade union regime. In the Employment Rights Bill, the Government are going to make it easier—less difficult—for trade unions to call strikes on a lower turnout. That is going to make the situation worse, not better.

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

We beg to differ completely with the noble Lord. We believe our Employment Rights Bill is the way forward. It will improve industrial relations and make sure that we have workplaces that are fit for purpose as we move forward through this century.

Independent Commission on Adult Social Care

Debate between Lord Harper and Baroness Blake of Leeds

Wednesday 17th September 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Harper]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care gives due consideration to the needs of working-age adults to live as independently as possible.

[Baroness in Waiting/Government Whip (Baroness Blake of Leeds) (Lab)]

My Lords, we have made it clear in the independent commission’s terms of reference that its chair, the noble Baroness, Lady Casey, must consider older people’s care and support for working-age disabled adults separately, recognising that services meet different needs. It is, of course, for her and her team to independently consider how to build a social care system fit for the future. The commission will first report in 2026, with phase 2 to follow by 2028.

[Lord Harper (Con)]

I am grateful to the Minister for her Answer. The reason I ask the Question is because, understandably, when this debate on social care takes place it almost inevitably focuses entirely on the needs of older people, whereas almost half of public expenditure on long-term care is on those of working age. I want a system where social care works well with the employment support system and personal independence payments to make sure that people who can work are able to do so. When the Government engage with the commission, whether through Ministers or officials, can they reiterate the importance of focusing on the needs of working-age adults so that they can live independently and work where they are able to, and that we end up with a system that is fit for purpose?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

The noble Lord raises an incredibly important point; I would expect as much from his background in this area. It is fair to say that local authorities spend more than 50% on the working-age demographic, but he is absolutely right that the main focus—the news interest—tends to be on older adults. I reassure him that our Government will look at all the issues, and enabling people to get back into the workplace and stay there is absolutely critical. The most important thing about the review of the noble Baroness, Lady Casey, is that it will be inclusive. She has already held a cross-party meeting, and there will be ample opportunity for all Members to ensure that their voice is heard.