Profile

Former Liberal Democrat Peer

Entered the House of Lords on 14 June 2005

Previously MP for Roxburgh and Berwickshire until 11 April 2005 — did not stand for re-election

Left the House of Lords on 2 September 2020

Positions held at time of appointment: Member of Parliament for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, 1983-2005. Liberal Democrat convenor and spokesman on welfare, 1988-1992; on social security, 1992-1994 and from 1997-2001; on community care, 1994-1997; Liberal Democrat Chief Whip, 1992-1997. (from Number 10 press release)

Entered the House of Commons on 9 June 1983 — General election

Also represented Roxburgh and Berwickshire

• Wikipedia page

Expenses

• Expenses from 2004 to 2009

Other offices held in the past

• Member, SLSC Sub-Committee B ( 4 Sep 2018 to 30 Apr 2019)
• Member, Draft Health Service Safety Investigations Bill (Joint Committee) (15 May 2018 to 27 Jul 2018)
• Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Work and Pensions) (12 Oct 2017 to 2 Sep 2020)
• Member, Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee (27 Jun 2017 to 19 May 2020)
• Member, Services Committee ( 1 Sep 2016 to 2 Jul 2020)
• Member, Financial Exclusion Committee (25 May 2016 to 25 Mar 2017)
• Member, Digital Skills Committee (12 Jun 2014 to 4 Feb 2015)
• Chair, Information Committee (Lords) (22 Jun 2010 to 14 May 2014)
• Chair, Information Committee (Lords) (22 Jun 2010 to 14 May 2014)
• Member, Information Committee (Lords) (25 Nov 2009 to 22 Jun 2010)
• Spokesperson for Work and Pensions ( 8 Jan 2009 to 11 May 2010)
• Member, EU Sub-Committee G - Social Policies and Consumer Protection (13 Nov 2007 to 17 Oct 2011)
• Spokesperson in the Lords, Work & Pensions (27 Jul 2007 to 8 Jan 2009)
• Member, Court of Referees Committee (28 May 2004 to 11 Apr 2005)
• Member, Liaison Committee (28 May 2004 to 11 Apr 2005)
• Chairman, Work and Pensions Committee (28 May 2004 to 11 Apr 2005)
• Chair, Work and Pensions Committee (16 Jul 2001 to 11 Apr 2005)
• Chair, Work and Pensions Committee (16 Jul 2001 to 11 Apr 2005)
• Chair, Social Security Committee (14 Jul 1997 to 11 May 2001)
• Chair, Social Security Committee (14 Jul 1997 to 11 May 2001)
• Member, Liaison Committee (Commons) (27 Apr 1992 to 5 May 2005)
• Member, Committee of Selection (27 Apr 1992 to 21 Mar 1997)
• Member, Finance and Services Committee (27 Apr 1992 to 21 Mar 1997)
• Liberal Democrat Chief Whip ( 1 Jan 1992 to 31 Dec 1997)
• Member, Court of Referees (17 Jun 1987 to 5 May 2005)

Recent appearances

• Written Answers — Department for Work and Pensions: Housing Benefit: Coronavirus 29 Jul 2020

  To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Housing Benefit claimants who (1) are currently self-isolating or shielding from COVID-19, and (2) are temporarily absent from their main dwelling within the UK and who intend to return when medically safe to do so, (a) have been granted extensions for a temporary absence from home for 52 weeks, and (b) have had applications for extension on medical...

• Written Answers — Department for Work and Pensions: Housing Benefit: Coronavirus 29 Jul 2020

  To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance is given to those making decisions on applications by Universal Credit claimants for a temporary absence from home on medical grounds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Written Answers — Department for Work and Pensions: Housing Benefit: Coronavirus 29 Jul 2020

  To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to review the effectiveness of (1) the process for applying for, and (2) the application of the policy for, temporary absences from home on medical grounds for (a) Housing Benefit, and (b) Universal Credit, claimants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More of Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope’s recent appearances