I was going to speak to the amendment from the noble Baroness, Lady Penn, but certain Members are heckling me. I will just say how important this amendment is and that I hope the House will support it.

I was going to speak to the amendment from the noble Baroness, Lady Penn, but certain Members are heckling me. I will just say how important this amendment is and that I hope the House will support it.

My Lords, a good speech is a short speech.

Like the noble Baroness, Lady Kidron, I have spent most of this debate rewriting my speech. I have tried hard to listen to what noble Lords have said. We have three options before us tonight: the Government option of a consultation; the...

My Lords, a good speech is a short speech.

Like the noble Baroness, Lady Kidron, I have spent most of this debate rewriting my speech. I have tried hard to listen to what noble Lords have said. We have three options before us tonight: the Government option of a consultation; the...

My Lords, it is clear from the debate that we have had this evening that this is an issue about which there is considerable concern. This Government recognise those concerns about the impact of screen time and about children’s online safety, particularly given some immensely troubling cases. This is a...

My Lords, it is clear from the debate that we have had this evening that this is an issue about which there is considerable concern. This Government recognise those concerns about the impact of screen time and about children’s online safety, particularly given some immensely troubling cases. This is a...

My Lords, I will be brief. My only plea to noble Lords, as we take this issue forward beyond today’s debate in the Chamber—as I have no doubt that we will—is that we keep the interests of our very youngest children in mind. If we think that companies and the...

My Lords, I will be brief. My only plea to noble Lords, as we take this issue forward beyond today’s debate in the Chamber—as I have no doubt that we will—is that we keep the interests of our very youngest children in mind. If we think that companies and the...

Moved by

Lord Nash

92: After Clause 27, insert the following new Clause—

“Action to prohibit the provision of VPN services to children in the United Kingdom

(1) Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed the Secretary of State must, for the purpose of furthering the protection and wellbeing...

Moved by

Lord Nash

92: After Clause 27, insert the following new Clause—

“Action to prohibit the provision of VPN services to children in the United Kingdom

(1) Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed the Secretary of State must, for the purpose of furthering the protection and wellbeing...

I beg to move.

I beg to move.

Moved by

Lord Nash

94A: After Clause 27, insert the following new Clause—

“Action to promote the wellbeing of children in relation to social media

(1) Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must, for the purposes of promoting the wellbeing of children—

(a) direct the...

Moved by

Lord Nash

94A: After Clause 27, insert the following new Clause—

“Action to promote the wellbeing of children in relation to social media

(1) Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must, for the purposes of promoting the wellbeing of children—

(a) direct the...

Moved by

Lord Mohammed of Tinsley

94B: In subsection (1)(b), at end insert

“subject to any exemptions under subsection (1A).

(1A) Any exemptions to regulations made under subsection (1)(b)—

(a) must be specified only by Ofcom and the Children’s Commissioner acting jointly, and

(b) can only apply where—

(i) the primary purpose of the exemption is to...

Moved by

Lord Mohammed of Tinsley

94B: In subsection (1)(b), at end insert

“subject to any exemptions under subsection (1A).

(1A) Any exemptions to regulations made under subsection (1)(b)—

(a) must be specified only by Ofcom and the Children’s Commissioner acting jointly, and

(b) can only apply where—

(i) the primary purpose of the exemption is to...

I thank all noble Lords for the debate that we have had, but I would still like to test the opinion of the House.

I thank all noble Lords for the debate that we have had, but I would still like to test the opinion of the House.

Oh!

Oh!

Lords report stage first day. Amendment 29 agreed to. Amendment 32 disagreed to on division (59 to 127). (Part 2 of 2).

Lords report stage first day. Amendment 29 agreed to. Amendment 32 disagreed to on division (59 to 127). (Part 2 of 2).

Moved by

Baroness Blake of Leeds

29: Clause 5, page 10, line 5, at end insert—

“(8) Before publishing its kinship local offer (or any updated version) a local authority must—

(a) consult relevant persons about any services that are offered, or may be offered, by the local authority which may assist to improve...

Moved by

Baroness Blake of Leeds

29: Clause 5, page 10, line 5, at end insert—

“(8) Before publishing its kinship local offer (or any updated version) a local authority must—

(a) consult relevant persons about any services that are offered, or may be offered, by the local authority which may assist to improve...

My Lords, we have heard the concerns raised by noble Lords in Committee, and in the other House, about ensuring that kinship local offers meet the needs of kinship families. Having reflected, we agree that a duty to consult and publish a report of consultation would strengthen the expectations already...

My Lords, we have heard the concerns raised by noble Lords in Committee, and in the other House, about ensuring that kinship local offers meet the needs of kinship families. Having reflected, we agree that a duty to consult and publish a report of consultation would strengthen the expectations already...

My Lords, this is obviously an important issue to us. Although we welcome the Bill’s placing on a statutory footing the extension of virtual school head support to a wider group of children in kinship care, the positive impact of this will be significantly limited due to a lack of...

My Lords, this is obviously an important issue to us. Although we welcome the Bill’s placing on a statutory footing the extension of virtual school head support to a wider group of children in kinship care, the positive impact of this will be significantly limited due to a lack of...

My Lords, on these Benches, we welcome government Amendment 29.

As the noble Lord, Lord Storey, said about his Amendment 44, there is a gap where the Government have extended the role of virtual school heads but not extended pupil premium plus to children in kinship care. As a minimum movement...

My Lords, on these Benches, we welcome government Amendment 29.

As the noble Lord, Lord Storey, said about his Amendment 44, there is a gap where the Government have extended the role of virtual school heads but not extended pupil premium plus to children in kinship care. As a minimum movement...

My Lords, I will speak very briefly to Amendment 48. As an ex-kinship carer, I know that there are times when it is incredibly stressful, such as when you are dealing with bereavements and all sorts of issues. You will be dealing children who have gone through this and might...

My Lords, I will speak very briefly to Amendment 48. As an ex-kinship carer, I know that there are times when it is incredibly stressful, such as when you are dealing with bereavements and all sorts of issues. You will be dealing children who have gone through this and might...

Moved by

Baroness Barran

31: After Clause 5, insert the following new Clause—

“Requirements for kinship care approval: disapplication

In regulation 26 of the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/581), after paragraph (9) insert—

“(10) This regulation does not apply to kinship carers.”.”

Member’s explanatory statement

This removes the requirement for kinship carers who have been...

Moved by

Baroness Barran

31: After Clause 5, insert the following new Clause—

“Requirements for kinship care approval: disapplication

In regulation 26 of the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/581), after paragraph (9) insert—

“(10) This regulation does not apply to kinship carers.”.”

Member’s explanatory statement

This removes the requirement for kinship carers who have been...

I open by thanking the Minister for those final remarks, particularly in relation to kinship leave and the school census.

The Government have acknowledged that the kinship rules need reviewing and updating. The amendments in my name and the name of the noble Lord, Lord Hampton, who brings real experience as...

I open by thanking the Minister for those final remarks, particularly in relation to kinship leave and the school census.

The Government have acknowledged that the kinship rules need reviewing and updating. The amendments in my name and the name of the noble Lord, Lord Hampton, who brings real experience as...

My Lords, I preface my remarks by noting how much support the Government have given to the whole area of carers, as indeed did the previous Government. I look at my party and Ed Davey’s experience as a carer. I do not think you can imagine what it must be...

My Lords, I preface my remarks by noting how much support the Government have given to the whole area of carers, as indeed did the previous Government. I look at my party and Ed Davey’s experience as a carer. I do not think you can imagine what it must be...

My Lords, I will speak to Amendments 31 and 32 in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Barran. I start by welcoming the commitment to kinship care. It has not always been like this. I remember that, when we started this several years ago, there was a lot of...

My Lords, I will speak to Amendments 31 and 32 in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Barran. I start by welcoming the commitment to kinship care. It has not always been like this. I remember that, when we started this several years ago, there was a lot of...

Could the Minister give us an estimate, or guesstimate, of when she thinks the review will be completed?

Could the Minister give us an estimate, or guesstimate, of when she thinks the review will be completed?

I cannot give that exact information, other than to say that the consultation is starting, which means that it is going at pace. I understand the frustration and the need to get on with this. We all want to get on with this: it is an important piece in our...

I cannot give that exact information, other than to say that the consultation is starting, which means that it is going at pace. I understand the frustration and the need to get on with this. We all want to get on with this: it is an important piece in our...

I thank the noble Lord, Lord Storey, for asking that question as it was the one I was going to start with, so that was perfect, and I thank the Minister again for her remarks. I absolutely accept her point that we need a holistic review of the kinship care...

I thank the noble Lord, Lord Storey, for asking that question as it was the one I was going to start with, so that was perfect, and I thank the Minister again for her remarks. I absolutely accept her point that we need a holistic review of the kinship care...

I have received information that we are hoping for completion by summer 2027, which is not quite a year but is not far off.

I have received information that we are hoping for completion by summer 2027, which is not quite a year but is not far off.

I appreciate that, but hoping is hoping. I seem to remember that, even when we were in government, one or two deadlines were not met, and even then we still have to find legislative time. It is important, for the reasons that I have set out, that we test the...

I appreciate that, but hoping is hoping. I seem to remember that, even when we were in government, one or two deadlines were not met, and even then we still have to find legislative time. It is important, for the reasons that I have set out, that we test the...

Moved by

Baroness Barran

32: After Clause 5, insert the following new Clause—

“Kinship care report and regulations

(1) The Secretary of State must, with 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, carry out a review assessing the effectiveness of the current pathways for approval of kinship carers.

(2) The Secretary...

Moved by

Baroness Barran

32: After Clause 5, insert the following new Clause—

“Kinship care report and regulations

(1) The Secretary of State must, with 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, carry out a review assessing the effectiveness of the current pathways for approval of kinship carers.

(2) The Secretary...

I beg to move.

I beg to move.

I rise to speak to Amendments 44, 45 and 48, tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Storey. I will pick up on some of the other issues, as they flow between the amendments. All these amendments speak to the desire, which the Government share with others in this House, to...

I rise to speak to Amendments 44, 45 and 48, tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Storey. I will pick up on some of the other issues, as they flow between the amendments. All these amendments speak to the desire, which the Government share with others in this House, to...

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a new right to kinship care leave.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a new right to kinship care leave.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to support paid leave for fertility appointments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to support paid leave for fertility appointments.

Motion lapsed. Motion made and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn. Agreed to on question.

Motion lapsed. Motion made and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn. Agreed to on question.

I am pleased to have secured this Adjournment debate on statutory support for self-employed adoptive parents. Self-employed adopters are currently excluded from any statutory parental pay. For far too long, this exclusion has been overlooked as too niche a problem, but in fact it exposes a much deeper inconsistency in...

I am pleased to have secured this Adjournment debate on statutory support for self-employed adoptive parents. Self-employed adopters are currently excluded from any statutory parental pay. For far too long, this exclusion has been overlooked as too niche a problem, but in fact it exposes a much deeper inconsistency in...

I commend the hon. Lady on securing this debate; I spoke to her beforehand to ask her permission to intervene and to very quickly give her a Northern Ireland perspective. In Northern Ireland, shared parental leave and pay—SPL and ShPP—are entitlements as financial support for adoptive parents. If one adopter...

I commend the hon. Lady on securing this debate; I spoke to her beforehand to ask her permission to intervene and to very quickly give her a Northern Ireland perspective. In Northern Ireland, shared parental leave and pay—SPL and ShPP—are entitlements as financial support for adoptive parents. If one adopter...

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his contribution and particularly for highlighting the case in Northern Ireland. Parental leave and shared parental leave for adopters was something that the previous Government fought hard to bring in, so I agree that that is something that should apply across all our isles....

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his contribution and particularly for highlighting the case in Northern Ireland. Parental leave and shared parental leave for adopters was something that the previous Government fought hard to bring in, so I agree that that is something that should apply across all our isles....

I thank the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) for securing this debate and highlighting these important issues. Having spoken to her in our first week in this place as newly elected Members of Parliament, I know she cares deeply about these issues, and I welcome her bringing...

I thank the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) for securing this debate and highlighting these important issues. Having spoken to her in our first week in this place as newly elected Members of Parliament, I know she cares deeply about these issues, and I welcome her bringing...

I am pleased that the parental leave and pay review is looking at these issues as part of its work, and I encourage Members to engage with the review as it continues.

The Department for Education’s statutory guidance is clear that where self-employed adopters do not qualify for any statutory payment,...

I am pleased that the parental leave and pay review is looking at these issues as part of its work, and I encourage Members to engage with the review as it continues.

The Department for Education’s statutory guidance is clear that where self-employed adopters do not qualify for any statutory payment,...

The Minister mentioned the review and said that it is under way. He did not mention how long it will take, and I note that the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) asked for some guidance on the timeline. I would be grateful if he could give that...

The Minister mentioned the review and said that it is under way. He did not mention how long it will take, and I note that the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) asked for some guidance on the timeline. I would be grateful if he could give that...

I thank the hon. Member for those questions. I will directly answer the questions that the hon. Member for South West Devon asked in a moment, but I take the broader point about encouraging local authorities to ensure that adopters in their area are aware of the support available to...

I thank the hon. Member for those questions. I will directly answer the questions that the hon. Member for South West Devon asked in a moment, but I take the broader point about encouraging local authorities to ensure that adopters in their area are aware of the support available to...

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the Cabinet Office Annual report and accounts 2024-2025, HC1372, 23 October 2025, page 110, (a) how many total staff days were taken as paid special leave for volunteering in 2024–25 under the Cabinet Office volunteering policy, (b) what the estimated...

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the Cabinet Office Annual report and accounts 2024-2025, HC1372, 23 October 2025, page 110, (a) how many total staff days were taken as paid special leave for volunteering in 2024–25 under the Cabinet Office volunteering policy, (b) what the estimated...

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his policy is on Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel returning from maternity leave being required to (a) return to sea-based duties within a specified timeframe and (b) take unpaid leave to cover gaps in shore-based assignments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his policy is on Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel returning from maternity leave being required to (a) return to sea-based duties within a specified timeframe and (b) take unpaid leave to cover gaps in shore-based assignments.

Ten minute rule motion for leave to bring in a Bill. Agreed to on question. Presentation and first reading (Bill 323). To be read a second time on 28 November.

Ten minute rule motion for leave to bring in a Bill. Agreed to on question. Presentation and first reading (Bill 323). To be read a second time on 28 November.

I beg to move,

That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision for a right to paid time off work for fertility treatment; and for connected purposes.

Deciding to start or grow our family should be a time of joy and happiness, and of making plans for the...

I beg to move,

That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision for a right to paid time off work for fertility treatment; and for connected purposes.

Deciding to start or grow our family should be a time of joy and happiness, and of making plans for the...

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to take steps to ensure that (a) kinship and (b) foster carers have the same employment leave rights as (i) adoptive, (ii) maternity and (iii) paternity carers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to take steps to ensure that (a) kinship and (b) foster carers have the same employment leave rights as (i) adoptive, (ii) maternity and (iii) paternity carers.

My Lords, I have already spoken to Motion M. I beg to move.

Motion M1 (as an amendment to Motion M)

My Lords, I have already spoken to Motion M. I beg to move.

Motion M1 (as an amendment to Motion M)

Moved by

Lord Sharpe of Epsom

Moved by

Lord Sharpe of Epsom

My Lords, I wish to test the opinion of the House.

My Lords, I wish to test the opinion of the House.

Moved by

Lord Leong

Moved by

Lord Leong

My Lords, I will confirm the policy in the letter sent by my noble friends Lady Smith and Lady Jones, to which the noble Baroness, Lady Barran, referred.

The purpose of the SSSNB is to ensure that school support staff are entitled to at least a statutory minimum level of pay...

My Lords, I will confirm the policy in the letter sent by my noble friends Lady Smith and Lady Jones, to which the noble Baroness, Lady Barran, referred.

The purpose of the SSSNB is to ensure that school support staff are entitled to at least a statutory minimum level of pay...

Moved by

Baroness Barran

Moved by

Baroness Barran

I thank the Minister for that clarification, but I take little reassurance from it, in particular the idea of what will happen in the next few years to the focus of the SSSNB. In this House, we make legislation beyond the next few years. With that, I would like to...

I thank the Minister for that clarification, but I take little reassurance from it, in particular the idea of what will happen in the next few years to the focus of the SSSNB. In this House, we make legislation beyond the next few years. With that, I would like to...

Lords consideration of Commons amendments and reasons. Lords amendment 1 not insisted on and amendment 1B in lieu agreed to on division (302 to 159). Lords amendments 7 and 8 not insisted on. Lords amendment 21 not insisted on and Commons amendments 21A and 21B in lieu agreed to. Commons amendments 22A and 22B to Lords amendment 22 agreed to. Lords amendments 23 and 106 to 120 insisted on and Commons amendment 106A disagreed to on division (301 to 153). Lords amendment 46 not insisted on. Lords amendment 47 not insisted on. Lords amendment 48 not insisted on and amendment 48B in lieu agreed to on division (267 to 153). Lords amendment 49 not insisted on. Lords amendment 60 not insisted on and amendments 60B and 60C in lieu agreed to. Lords amendments 61 and 72 insisted on on division (249 to 142). Lords amendment 62 insisted on on division (240 to 143). Lords amendment 121 not insisted on and amendment 121B in lieu disagreed to on division (184 to 195). Bill returned to the Commons with reasons and amendments.

Lords consideration of Commons amendments and reasons. Lords amendment 1 not insisted on and amendment 1B in lieu agreed to on division (302 to 159). Lords amendments 7 and 8 not insisted on. Lords amendment 21 not insisted on and Commons amendments 21A and 21B in lieu agreed to. Commons...

Moved by

Lord Collins of Highbury

Moved by

Lord Collins of Highbury

My Lords, I beg to move Motion A, and shall also speak to Motions B, E, E1, H and H1.

I start by thanking your Lordships’ House for the constructive contributions, debate and scrutiny that this Bill has received throughout its passage. The Bill has been strengthened in many places in...

My Lords, I beg to move Motion A, and shall also speak to Motions B, E, E1, H and H1.

I start by thanking your Lordships’ House for the constructive contributions, debate and scrutiny that this Bill has received throughout its passage. The Bill has been strengthened in many places in...

Moved by

Lord Fox

Moved by

Lord Fox

My Lords, I think I am right in welcoming the Minister, noble Lord, Lord Collins, to the Bill. I too missed all of Report and so I thank my noble friends Lord Goddard, Lord Palmer and Lady Kramer for picking up the pieces. The Minister and I find ourselves at...

My Lords, I think I am right in welcoming the Minister, noble Lord, Lord Collins, to the Bill. I too missed all of Report and so I thank my noble friends Lord Goddard, Lord Palmer and Lady Kramer for picking up the pieces. The Minister and I find ourselves at...

First, I am also very grateful to the Minister and his new colleagues for their time during the past couple of weeks. I also thank the noble Lord, Lord Fox, for his amendment. If he wishes to test the opinion of the House, we will support him.

3.45 pm

Turning to Motion...

First, I am also very grateful to the Minister and his new colleagues for their time during the past couple of weeks. I also thank the noble Lord, Lord Fox, for his amendment. If he wishes to test the opinion of the House, we will support him.

3.45 pm

Turning to Motion...

Motion E1 is the most important amendment we will be debating today. The introduction of day one unfair dismissal rights is the most damaging element in this Bill, in my opinion. While there are problems with much of the Bill, there will, I believe, be a lot of unintended consequences.

For...

Motion E1 is the most important amendment we will be debating today. The introduction of day one unfair dismissal rights is the most damaging element in this Bill, in my opinion. While there are problems with much of the Bill, there will, I believe, be a lot of unintended consequences.

For...

My Lords, I oppose Motion E1, which is unnecessary. Under the Employment Rights Bill, employers can still dismiss workers fairly—for example, as they can now if they are incompetent or there is misconduct or a redundancy situation. But without the day one protection proposed by the Government, when workers move...

My Lords, I oppose Motion E1, which is unnecessary. Under the Employment Rights Bill, employers can still dismiss workers fairly—for example, as they can now if they are incompetent or there is misconduct or a redundancy situation. But without the day one protection proposed by the Government, when workers move...