Supporters say a ban would help protect children online, but others argue it could have unintended consequences.

Supporters say a ban would help protect children online, but others argue it could have unintended consequences.

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the average age at which first-time buyers purchase a home in England; and what assessment they have made of the impact of housing affordability on younger households.

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the average age at which first-time buyers purchase a home in England; and what assessment they have made of the impact of housing affordability on younger households.

The National Minimum Wage is the minimum hourly amount workers must be paid. Currently it differs between different 'age bands', although the Labour government has committed to removing them.

The National Minimum Wage is the minimum hourly amount workers must be paid. Currently it differs between different 'age bands', although the Labour government has committed to removing them.

This briefing tracks the progress of the bill to introduce votes at 16, automatic voter registration, tighten the rules on political donations and allow bank cards to be used as voter ID.

This briefing tracks the progress of the bill to introduce votes at 16, automatic voter registration, tighten the rules on political donations and allow bank cards to be used as voter ID.

May I echo the words of the Secretary of State, nine years on from the terrible fire at Grenfell? It is incredibly important that we learn the lessons from that tragedy and ensure that people are protected in their home.

Labour says that 16 and 17-year-olds are mature enough to vote, but in a written answer to me, it also says that 16 and 17-year-olds are not mature enough to serve on juries, because that is “an adult duty”. It says that 16 and 17-year-olds should vote, but should not play on their phone after the Government-defined bedtime of 8.30 in the evening. These are just two examples from the list of inconsistencies triggered by Labour’s “votes at 16” policy. The only consistent thing about that policy is the blatant party political self-interest, isn’t it? [Laughter.]

May I echo the words of the Secretary of State, nine years on from the terrible fire at Grenfell? It is incredibly important that we learn the lessons from that tragedy and ensure that people are protected in their home.

Labour says that 16 and 17-year-olds are mature enough to vote, but in a written answer to me, it also says that 16 and 17-year-olds are not mature enough to serve on juries, because that is “an adult duty”. It says that 16 and 17-year-olds should vote, but should not play on their phone after the Government-defined bedtime of 8.30 in the evening. These are just two examples from the list of inconsistencies triggered by Labour’s “votes at 16” policy. The only consistent thing about that policy is the blatant party political self-interest, isn’t it? [Laughter.]

I am not sure about the right hon. Gentleman’s last point; I think the laughter across the Chamber probably answers that one for him. Of course, 16 and 17-year-olds were able to vote in some elections in parts of the United Kingdom while he was in government. If he had really felt that 16 and 17-year-olds should not be able to vote anywhere, he would have done something about it. It is only right that we standardise the system, so that people of that age can vote in all elections across the country. I, for one, welcome the increase in the franchise, and the encouragement of more people to participate. It is their country too, and they deserve a say. I hope that young people under the age of 18 see the Conservatives who are trying to deny them the vote, and will remember that at the ballot box in the future.

I am not sure about the right hon. Gentleman’s last point; I think the laughter across the Chamber probably answers that one for him. Of course, 16 and 17-year-olds were able to vote in some elections in parts of the United Kingdom while he was in government. If he had really felt that 16 and 17-year-olds should not be able to vote anywhere, he would have done something about it. It is only right that we standardise the system, so that people of that age can vote in all elections across the country. I, for one, welcome the increase in the franchise, and the encouragement of more people to participate. It is their country too, and they deserve a say. I hope that young people under the age of 18 see the Conservatives who are trying to deny them the vote, and will remember that at the ballot box in the future.

The bill’s proposals include lowering the voting age to 16 for all elections, allowing for automated electoral registration and making changes to political donations rules.

The bill’s proposals include lowering the voting age to 16 for all elections, allowing for automated electoral registration and making changes to political donations rules.

Clause 1 agreed to on division (11 votes to 3). Clause 2, discussed with new clause 9. Clause 2 agreed to on division (13 votes to 1). Clauses 3 to 5 agreed to. Clause 6 agreed to as amended. Schedule 1 agreed to as amended. Clause 7, discussed with clauses 8 to 14 stand part, under consideration when the Committee adjourned.

Clause 1 agreed to on division (11 votes to 3). Clause 2, discussed with new clause 9. Clause 2 agreed to on division (13 votes to 1). Clauses 3 to 5 agreed to. Clause 6 agreed to as amended. Schedule 1 agreed to as amended. Clause 7, discussed with clauses...

Lords motion to consider. Agreed to on question.

Lords motion to consider. Agreed to on question.

My Lords, these regulations will lower the minimum age at which the Office of Rail and Road, ORR, can issue a train driving licence to a person to drive trains on the mainline railway in Great Britain from 20 to 18. Under the regime, applicants will continue to be required...

My Lords, these regulations will lower the minimum age at which the Office of Rail and Road, ORR, can issue a train driving licence to a person to drive trains on the mainline railway in Great Britain from 20 to 18. Under the regime, applicants will continue to be required...

My Lords, I thank the Minister for introducing these regulations so thoroughly. We on these Benches welcome the statutory instrument, which presents a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to modernising our railway workforce and opening up highly skilled and well-paid careers to the next generation.

For too long, the arbitrary age limit of...

My Lords, I thank the Minister for introducing these regulations so thoroughly. We on these Benches welcome the statutory instrument, which presents a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to modernising our railway workforce and opening up highly skilled and well-paid careers to the next generation.

For too long, the arbitrary age limit of...

My Lords, I thank the Minister for setting out so clearly his succinct response to the issues raised by the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee. It is good to have those comments on the record. It also saves me the trouble of asking all the questions that it asked and pressing...

My Lords, I thank the Minister for setting out so clearly his succinct response to the issues raised by the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee. It is good to have those comments on the record. It also saves me the trouble of asking all the questions that it asked and pressing...

My Lords, I thank noble Lords for their attention and for their comments about this instrument.

In response to the noble Baroness’s questions, I reassure her that I and my officials are working closely with all the people involved to ensure that we can capture the interests of young people and...

My Lords, I thank noble Lords for their attention and for their comments about this instrument.

In response to the noble Baroness’s questions, I reassure her that I and my officials are working closely with all the people involved to ensure that we can capture the interests of young people and...

Motion that this House believes that current legislation is falling short in preventing online harms; and calls on the Government to review whether it is necessary to introduce new legislation that is centred around harm reduction in this Parliament. Motion lapsed.

Motion that this House believes that current legislation is falling short in preventing online harms; and calls on the Government to review whether it is necessary to introduce new legislation that is centred around harm reduction in this Parliament. Motion lapsed.