It is a pleasure to take part in this debate; I have had a very enjoyable tour of the historic pubs of England this afternoon. I thank the hon. Member for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire (Mike Wood) for introducing the Bill. It is an important moment that has given us...

It is a pleasure to take part in this debate; I have had a very enjoyable tour of the historic pubs of England this afternoon. I thank the hon. Member for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire (Mike Wood) for introducing the Bill. It is an important moment that has given us...

Has my hon. Friend succeeded in that task?

Has my hon. Friend succeeded in that task?

I do not know if that is possible, but I assure my hon. Friend that I am putting my shoulder to the wheel and doing my best.

While I support pubs as a patron, I am afraid I cannot claim to have supported them behind the bar. As a young man,...

I do not know if that is possible, but I assure my hon. Friend that I am putting my shoulder to the wheel and doing my best.

While I support pubs as a patron, I am afraid I cannot claim to have supported them behind the bar. As a young man,...

As a former Crown prosecutor, I cannot resist the opportunity to talk about the law or prisons whenever they are mentioned, but on this occasion I wanted to ask my hon. Friend if he would like to join me at some point in the future for a cocktail at the...

As a former Crown prosecutor, I cannot resist the opportunity to talk about the law or prisons whenever they are mentioned, but on this occasion I wanted to ask my hon. Friend if he would like to join me at some point in the future for a cocktail at the...

I would very much enjoy visiting that pub with my hon. Friend, but only on condition that she comes with me to another pub in my constituency connected with the criminal justice system: the White Hart inn on the Grassmarket, where I spent Saturday night. That pub was founded in...

I would very much enjoy visiting that pub with my hon. Friend, but only on condition that she comes with me to another pub in my constituency connected with the criminal justice system: the White Hart inn on the Grassmarket, where I spent Saturday night. That pub was founded in...

Bannerman’s bar in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency is well frequented, especially during the Edinburgh fringe. We have heard the most wonderful arguments and expositions about pubs from Members from right across the House, but I wonder if the hon. Member is convinced that the Bill should pass?

Bannerman’s bar in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency is well frequented, especially during the Edinburgh fringe. We have heard the most wonderful arguments and expositions about pubs from Members from right across the House, but I wonder if the hon. Member is convinced that the Bill should pass?

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that Bannerman’s is a fantastic Edinburgh pub. I support the principles of protecting historic pubs, and in my remarks I am underlining my support for historic pubs in my constituency. We have pubs like Bennets in Tollcross, which is a beautiful pub with dark...

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that Bannerman’s is a fantastic Edinburgh pub. I support the principles of protecting historic pubs, and in my remarks I am underlining my support for historic pubs in my constituency. We have pubs like Bennets in Tollcross, which is a beautiful pub with dark...

I am troubled by what my hon. Friend is saying. I am not familiar with Scotland in great detail; clearly, he is an expert in the area. I visited and had a lovely time there last summer, although I am not sure it counted as summer if the weather is...

I am troubled by what my hon. Friend is saying. I am not familiar with Scotland in great detail; clearly, he is an expert in the area. I visited and had a lovely time there last summer, although I am not sure it counted as summer if the weather is...

My hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. Scotland is the world capital of whisky. On the one hand, the spirits industry and the whisky industry are a crucial part of keeping pubs open. In my constituency, we often go into pubs and see people drinking a dram; it is...

My hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. Scotland is the world capital of whisky. On the one hand, the spirits industry and the whisky industry are a crucial part of keeping pubs open. In my constituency, we often go into pubs and see people drinking a dram; it is...

I am delighted to speak in this debate, and I thank the hon. Member for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire (Mike Wood) for bringing the Bill forward. I do not think any of us in the House would question his motivation. We heard the passion with which he spoke of the...

I am delighted to speak in this debate, and I thank the hon. Member for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire (Mike Wood) for bringing the Bill forward. I do not think any of us in the House would question his motivation. We heard the passion with which he spoke of the...

claimed to move the closure (Standing Order No. 36).

Question put forthwith, That the Question be now put.

claimed to move the closure (Standing Order No. 36).

Question put forthwith, That the Question be now put.

Information on the safeguarding duties of English schools, governing bodies and staff, including during recruitment, and in dealing with allegations

Information on the safeguarding duties of English schools, governing bodies and staff, including during recruitment, and in dealing with allegations

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what legislative enforcement action her Department plans to take against major technology companies following the expiry of the Government deadline for tech firms to introduce device-level nudity-blocking technology on children's smartphones and tablets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what legislative enforcement action her Department plans to take against major technology companies following the expiry of the Government deadline for tech firms to introduce device-level nudity-blocking technology on children's smartphones and tablets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what legislative steps her Department plans to take against major technology companies following the expiry of the deadline for tech firms to introduce device-level nudity-blocking technology on children's smartphones and tablets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what legislative steps her Department plans to take against major technology companies following the expiry of the deadline for tech firms to introduce device-level nudity-blocking technology on children's smartphones and tablets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Answer of 18 March 2026 to Question 119943 on Journalism: Protection, what assessment her Department has been made of the potential impact of private investigators intimidating journalists on the level of press freedom.

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Answer of 18 March 2026 to Question 119943 on Journalism: Protection, what assessment her Department has been made of the potential impact of private investigators intimidating journalists on the level of press freedom.

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extent to which section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 provides sufficient protection for police officers in the execution of their duty.

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extent to which section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 provides sufficient protection for police officers in the execution of their duty.

Clause 17 debated with amendments. Committee adjourned.

Clause 17 debated with amendments. Committee adjourned.

I know all too well the devastating impact that rogue traders can have on constituents, having had similar discussions in my own constituency and with many colleagues across the House too. That is why my Department supported the independent furniture and home improvement ombudsman’s new approved code and payment protection scheme, backed by independent dispute resolution, to help hard-working families identify trusted traders and ensure that people can spend their money with greater confidence and security.

We remain committed to supporting the Competition and Markets Authority and local trading standards in their ability to impose penalties via the courts. This Labour Government are delivering everyday fixes to protect families and give them room to breathe.

I know all too well the devastating impact that rogue traders can have on constituents, having had similar discussions in my own constituency and with many colleagues across the House too. That is why my Department supported the independent furniture and home improvement ombudsman’s new approved code and payment protection scheme, backed by independent dispute resolution, to help hard-working families identify trusted traders and ensure that people can spend their money with greater confidence and security.

We remain committed to supporting the Competition and Markets Authority and local trading standards in their ability to impose penalties via the courts. This Labour Government are delivering everyday fixes to protect families and give them room to breathe.

My constituent Joanne paid £11,000 for a new kitchen. Her house was left in a terrible state and she was unable to get the builder to return to rectify the substandard work. It also turned out that he was associated with 21 other companies mostly in the building trade, many of which have been dissolved. The Minister mentioned quite rightly the new code for the home improvement sector, which will give confidence to consumers and support to reputable traders. Is more not needed to go after the cowboy builders to ensure that constituents such as Joanne can get the remedy that they so need?

My constituent Joanne paid £11,000 for a new kitchen. Her house was left in a terrible state and she was unable to get the builder to return to rectify the substandard work. It also turned out that he was associated with 21 other companies mostly in the building trade, many of which have been dissolved. The Minister mentioned quite rightly the new code for the home improvement sector, which will give confidence to consumers and support to reputable traders. Is more not needed to go after the cowboy builders to ensure that constituents such as Joanne can get the remedy that they so need?

I am sorry about that incident with my hon. Friend’s constituent. The damaging impact that that can have, making people who have saved their entire lives for home improvements feel robbed and unsafe in their homes, is dreadful. That is why we are taking action, starting with the backing of the furniture and home improvement ombudsman scheme. I am not complacent in this space: we are determined to ensure that customers know what protections are available and that they can use them with confidence. I look forward to working further in this area.

I am sorry about that incident with my hon. Friend’s constituent. The damaging impact that that can have, making people who have saved their entire lives for home improvements feel robbed and unsafe in their homes, is dreadful. That is why we are taking action, starting with the backing of the furniture and home improvement ombudsman scheme. I am not complacent in this space: we are determined to ensure that customers know what protections are available and that they can use them with confidence. I look forward to working further in this area.

Rogue traders operate with impunity in the park homes sector, yet the Government have refused to supply sufficient money to National Trading Standards to enable it to carry out a national investigation and bring those rogues to book. What is the Minister going to do about it?

Rogue traders operate with impunity in the park homes sector, yet the Government have refused to supply sufficient money to National Trading Standards to enable it to carry out a national investigation and bring those rogues to book. What is the Minister going to do about it?

Regrettably, trading standards has faced a real-terms funding cut of more than 50% since 2010, under the previous Government. The system is therefore under severe strain. I back the incredible work that it does across the country and know how much support it needs. That is why we are committed to backing it and those longer-terms plans to overhaul the wider consumer protection landscape and particularly trading standards to help it continue cracking on with its brilliant job.

Regrettably, trading standards has faced a real-terms funding cut of more than 50% since 2010, under the previous Government. The system is therefore under severe strain. I back the incredible work that it does across the country and know how much support it needs. That is why we are committed to backing it and those longer-terms plans to overhaul the wider consumer protection landscape and particularly trading standards to help it continue cracking on with its brilliant job.

What steps he is taking to help protect consumers from rogue traders.

What steps he is taking to help protect consumers from rogue traders.

Lords motion to take note of the Agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union regarding Cooperation on the Application of their Respective Competition Laws. Agreed to on question.

Lords motion to take note of the Agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union regarding Cooperation on the Application of their Respective Competition Laws. Agreed to on question.

My Lords, I am grateful to have this opportunity to bring forward a debate on the co-operation between the United Kingdom and the European Union in the application of our respective competition laws, the subject of the agreement that we are noting today.

Our competition regime is based on rules established...

My Lords, I am grateful to have this opportunity to bring forward a debate on the co-operation between the United Kingdom and the European Union in the application of our respective competition laws, the subject of the agreement that we are noting today.

Our competition regime is based on rules established...

My Lords, it is a real pleasure to follow the noble Lord, Lord Lansley, who is expert, experienced and rightly much admired for his distinction. He has opened this debate showing that expertise, experience and distinction. I declare a past interest: for eight years, I was one of the part-time...

My Lords, it is a real pleasure to follow the noble Lord, Lord Lansley, who is expert, experienced and rightly much admired for his distinction. He has opened this debate showing that expertise, experience and distinction. I declare a past interest: for eight years, I was one of the part-time...

My Lords, I am genuinely grateful to both noble Lords for their technical knowledge and for introducing this debate. I freely admit that I am not an expert in this area, much as I believe strongly in effective competition law, but the report from the European Affairs Committee suggests that...

My Lords, I am genuinely grateful to both noble Lords for their technical knowledge and for introducing this debate. I freely admit that I am not an expert in this area, much as I believe strongly in effective competition law, but the report from the European Affairs Committee suggests that...

My Lords, we are all very grateful to my noble friend Lord Lansley not only for securing this debate but for delivering what I found to be one of the most impressive speeches I have heard on this subject, displaying a wide knowledge of not only the background, but the...

My Lords, we are all very grateful to my noble friend Lord Lansley not only for securing this debate but for delivering what I found to be one of the most impressive speeches I have heard on this subject, displaying a wide knowledge of not only the background, but the...

My Lords, I am very pleased to respond for the Government. I thank the noble Lord, Lord Lansley, for securing this debate and all noble Lords who have contributed today on such an important topic. I was trying to list each of their experiences, expertise and knowledge, which are highly...

My Lords, I am very pleased to respond for the Government. I thank the noble Lord, Lord Lansley, for securing this debate and all noble Lords who have contributed today on such an important topic. I was trying to list each of their experiences, expertise and knowledge, which are highly...

If I may say so, it would be a great relief to us all if the Minister could tell us when the competition reform Bill is going to be laid before Parliament. Can she give us a rough idea? Also, are the Government still committed to the commitments put forward...

If I may say so, it would be a great relief to us all if the Minister could tell us when the competition reform Bill is going to be laid before Parliament. Can she give us a rough idea? Also, are the Government still committed to the commitments put forward...

The Prime Minister has been clear that he will honour the manifesto. It is simply a matter of parliamentary time. I do have any more detailed information to provide at this moment, but I am aware that the department is pressing to ensure that there is parliamentary time available; that...

The Prime Minister has been clear that he will honour the manifesto. It is simply a matter of parliamentary time. I do have any more detailed information to provide at this moment, but I am aware that the department is pressing to ensure that there is parliamentary time available; that...

Picking up on the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Hunt, can the Minister pass on this message through her officials: there will be deep frustration if, when such a Bill appears, it does not resolve what is known as the PACCAR problem, which she and her officials will...

Picking up on the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Hunt, can the Minister pass on this message through her officials: there will be deep frustration if, when such a Bill appears, it does not resolve what is known as the PACCAR problem, which she and her officials will...

I thank the noble Lord, Lord Carlile. I am aware of the issues that he mentions. Again, those are absolutely in the minds of both officials and Ministers; we are on it, if I can say that.

I will remark once again on the privilege I have felt in listening to...

I thank the noble Lord, Lord Carlile. I am aware of the issues that he mentions. Again, those are absolutely in the minds of both officials and Ministers; we are on it, if I can say that.

I will remark once again on the privilege I have felt in listening to...

My Lords, this has been only a short debate but one that was full of content and interesting—indeed, entertaining—contributions. I am most grateful to those noble Lords who have taken part for their support in discussing these issues. When we are not contemplating legislation, we rarely have an opportunity to...

My Lords, this has been only a short debate but one that was full of content and interesting—indeed, entertaining—contributions. I am most grateful to those noble Lords who have taken part for their support in discussing these issues. When we are not contemplating legislation, we rarely have an opportunity to...

They have responded.

They have responded.

Have they?

Have they?

Yes, yesterday.

Yes, yesterday.

Oh, the noble Lord is ahead of me. That is a very good basis on which we can bring these issues back.

Frankly, the European Union is in balk. The Commission has withdrawn its proposals, and the European Parliament is challenging that in the European court, so the EU cannot make...

Oh, the noble Lord is ahead of me. That is a very good basis on which we can bring these issues back.

Frankly, the European Union is in balk. The Commission has withdrawn its proposals, and the European Parliament is challenging that in the European court, so the EU cannot make...

I am sorry to ask the noble Lord to give way for a moment, but I need to make a correction for the record. The competition reform Bill was mentioned in the King’s Speech, not in the manifesto.

I am sorry to ask the noble Lord to give way for a moment, but I need to make a correction for the record. The competition reform Bill was mentioned in the King’s Speech, not in the manifesto.

I thank the Minister very much for that and thank all noble Lords who have taken part in this short debate. I hope we will have the opportunity in future to take forward some of these important issues.

I thank the Minister very much for that and thank all noble Lords who have taken part in this short debate. I hope we will have the opportunity in future to take forward some of these important issues.

Look at them! The appalling behaviour from the Conservatives on sensitive issues such as this and the language that they have used today is an absolute and utter disgrace. No wonder communities up and down this country are concerned about their very safety, given the language that these Conservatives use.

The...

Look at them! The appalling behaviour from the Conservatives on sensitive issues such as this and the language that they have used today is an absolute and utter disgrace. No wonder communities up and down this country are concerned about their very safety, given the language that these Conservatives use.

The...

A friend of mine recently told me about her mother, who is British born but is a person of colour, who now feels unsafe on the streets of Britain. Does the hon. Member agree that despicable rhetoric like this contributes to making certain individuals feel unsafe?

A friend of mine recently told me about her mother, who is British born but is a person of colour, who now feels unsafe on the streets of Britain. Does the hon. Member agree that despicable rhetoric like this contributes to making certain individuals feel unsafe?

Absolutely. Whole communities across the United Kingdom are now concerned about their safety. They are very anxious about the type of culture that is evolving and developing in every constituency and community. They are right to be concerned, because I hear it in my constituency myself.

On the subject of the...

Absolutely. Whole communities across the United Kingdom are now concerned about their safety. They are very anxious about the type of culture that is evolving and developing in every constituency and community. They are right to be concerned, because I hear it in my constituency myself.

On the subject of the...

We all understand that the protection of women and girls is a matter that transcends party politics. Today’s debate is not about point scoring, but it is an important conversation that we need to have. The current direction of this Government’s immigration policy is harming our women and girls. In...

We all understand that the protection of women and girls is a matter that transcends party politics. Today’s debate is not about point scoring, but it is an important conversation that we need to have. The current direction of this Government’s immigration policy is harming our women and girls. In...

Although the MOD Bicester site is outside my constituency, it is approximately 11 km from my nearest settlement. I wrote to the Home Secretary on 1 September on behalf of not only female constituents, but Piddington women, who I am so pleased to see in the Gallery today. They contacted...

Although the MOD Bicester site is outside my constituency, it is approximately 11 km from my nearest settlement. I wrote to the Home Secretary on 1 September on behalf of not only female constituents, but Piddington women, who I am so pleased to see in the Gallery today. They contacted...

Will the hon. Lady give way?

Will the hon. Lady give way?

I will make progress, because we are very close to the end of the debate.

I will make progress, because we are very close to the end of the debate.

Can the hon. Lady tell us which of those countries are considering leaving the ECHR?

Can the hon. Lady tell us which of those countries are considering leaving the ECHR?

All those countries have looked at reforming the ECHR.

The European Court of Human Rights has expanded the interpretation of human rights. For as long as the Court regards the ECHR as a living instrument such that its decisions—and, in consequence, the decisions of domestic courts—are not constrained by the actual...

All those countries have looked at reforming the ECHR.

The European Court of Human Rights has expanded the interpretation of human rights. For as long as the Court regards the ECHR as a living instrument such that its decisions—and, in consequence, the decisions of domestic courts—are not constrained by the actual...

The growth in population in this country has been fuelled by mass migration. When I was a boy, the population was regularly cited as being about 57 million or 58 million people; the ONS now estimates that by 2035, the figure is likely to be 72.5 million people. Leaving aside...

The growth in population in this country has been fuelled by mass migration. When I was a boy, the population was regularly cited as being about 57 million or 58 million people; the ONS now estimates that by 2035, the figure is likely to be 72.5 million people. Leaving aside...

My right hon. Friend will have noticed that some Liberal Democrat Members seem to think that there is no such thing as a bogus or illegal asylum seeker, but recently there have been a number of attempted terrorist attacks, including one against a Manchester synagogue, which was fortunately foiled, but...

My right hon. Friend will have noticed that some Liberal Democrat Members seem to think that there is no such thing as a bogus or illegal asylum seeker, but recently there have been a number of attempted terrorist attacks, including one against a Manchester synagogue, which was fortunately foiled, but...

My right hon. Friend—a former chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee, on which I am proud to serve—will know that this is a national security issue, as well as an issue of profound concern to our constituents. The Government should see it through that prism as well as through...

My right hon. Friend—a former chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee, on which I am proud to serve—will know that this is a national security issue, as well as an issue of profound concern to our constituents. The Government should see it through that prism as well as through...

Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?

I will not, because I am coming to the end of my speech.

I will not, because I am coming to the end of my speech.

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

This is an urgent matter, because the failure of successive Governments to deal with it has created a belief among the population that Governments do not care and Parliament does not understand. Until we address that, we will undermine the very character of our democracy.

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

This is an urgent matter, because the failure of successive Governments to deal with it has created a belief among the population that Governments do not care and Parliament does not understand. Until we address that, we will undermine the very character of our democracy.

No case more powerfully illustrates the gravity of this matter than that of Rhiannon Whyte. I met Rhiannon’s mum Siobhan a few weeks ago and heard her story. Rhiannon was 27 years old. She worked in an asylum hotel, and one night after leaving work, she was followed by a...

No case more powerfully illustrates the gravity of this matter than that of Rhiannon Whyte. I met Rhiannon’s mum Siobhan a few weeks ago and heard her story. Rhiannon was 27 years old. She worked in an asylum hotel, and one night after leaving work, she was followed by a...

Of course, Madam Deputy Speaker. The fact that they have been charged is a matter of public record; I will not say anything beyond that.

In another case, an illegal small boat migrant who entered the country is fighting extradition back to Germany, where he is wanted for rape. He is...

Of course, Madam Deputy Speaker. The fact that they have been charged is a matter of public record; I will not say anything beyond that.

In another case, an illegal small boat migrant who entered the country is fighting extradition back to Germany, where he is wanted for rape. He is...

I am repeating what has been publicly reported today, but I will of course take account of your advice, Madam Deputy Speaker.

In case after case, we have seen women and girls attacked by illegal small boat migrants. The data, I am afraid, is very clear: two of the three most...

I am repeating what has been publicly reported today, but I will of course take account of your advice, Madam Deputy Speaker.

In case after case, we have seen women and girls attacked by illegal small boat migrants. The data, I am afraid, is very clear: two of the three most...

Will my right hon. Friend give way?

Will my right hon. Friend give way?

I am just going to just finish. I know that Ministers are trying hard with their Bill, but they are essentially tinkering at the edges. That was tried by the last Government and to be honest it did not work, because these legal structures prevent robust action to defend our...

I am just going to just finish. I know that Ministers are trying hard with their Bill, but they are essentially tinkering at the edges. That was tried by the last Government and to be honest it did not work, because these legal structures prevent robust action to defend our...

This has been an important debate on one of the defining challenges of our time. Our constituents rightly expect immigration to be fair, controlled and free from abuse. For too long, it has been none of those. When this Government entered office, we inherited an asylum system in chaos, with...

This has been an important debate on one of the defining challenges of our time. Our constituents rightly expect immigration to be fair, controlled and free from abuse. For too long, it has been none of those. When this Government entered office, we inherited an asylum system in chaos, with...