Lord Hay of Ballyore: My Lords, I congratulate the Government on their recent success in the election. There are many areas to be welcomed in their priorities, going forward for the future. In the gracious Speech, they are looking to strengthen the union through collaboration between the devolved institutions and hopefully, through the council of the nations and regions, there will be greater collaboration and...
Lord Hay of Ballyore: My Lords, I understand that no amendments have been set down to this Bill and that no noble Lord has indicated a wish to move a manuscript amendment or to speak in Committee. Unless, therefore, any noble Lord objects, I beg to move that the order of commitment be discharged. Motion agreed.
Lord Hay of Ballyore: My Lords, I congratulate the Government and all the political parties in this House on the spirit in which they approached this Bill. This is an issue that goes back almost 20 years. The first Private Members’ Bill on the subject was introduced in the House of Commons in 2005 by my colleague Gregory Campbell. Unfortunately, it fell out of time. I can tell your Lordships that when I heard of...
Lord Hay of Ballyore: My Lords, I thank Members for their contributions this afternoon, especially for their cross-party support for the Bill. I also congratulate my colleague the Member for Belfast East, Gavin Robinson. After nine years, he successfully secured the opportunity for a Private Member’s Bill on this issue and steered it through the other House. Sometimes it is not mentioned, but I want to place on...
Lord Hay of Ballyore: My Lords, I am delighted to move this Bill in your Lordships’ House. The Bill has a long and frustrating past. My colleague the Member for East Londonderry, Mr Campbell, a Member of the other House since 2001, introduced a Private Member’s Bill along similar lines as far back as 2005, which unfortunately ran out of time. Over the years, he has continually argued, through debates with and...
Lord Hay of Ballyore: To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to dismantle the border control posts at UK ports, following the publication of Safeguarding the Union in January (CP 1021).
Lord Hay of Ballyore: To ask His Majesty's Government how many (1) asylum seekers, and (2) other migrants are being housed in hotel-style accommodation; and how much financial support they are providing in support of these arrangements.
Lord Hay of Ballyore: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of efforts to reduce the numbers of illegal border crossings into the UK.
Lord Hay of Ballyore: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support the UK fishing industry to ensure sustainable management of UK fishing waters and the livelihoods of British fishermen.
Lord Hay of Ballyore: To ask His Majesty's Government what provisions are in place to support the families and caregivers of individuals with rare diseases.
Lord Hay of Ballyore: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support research and development of treatments for patients with haemochromatosis.
Lord Hay of Ballyore: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure equitable access to specialised care and support for patients with rare diseases across England.
Lord Hay of Ballyore: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to increase funding and support for Alzheimer's research to accelerate the development of effective treatments and improve early diagnosis techniques.
Lord Hay of Ballyore: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to address the shortage of NHS staff in rural and understaffed areas.
Lord Hay of Ballyore: To ask His Majesty's Government what measures are in place to train healthcare professionals in understanding and supporting the specific medical needs of individuals with autism.
Lord Hay of Ballyore: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve early diagnosis and intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders.
Lord Hay of Ballyore: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve mental health services and reduce waiting times for those seeking treatment.
Lord Hay of Ballyore: My Lords, I welcome the Motion moved by the Minister, the noble Lord, Lord Caine, regarding the humble Address being presented to His Majesty. The Motion deals with a number of issues: the return of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland; reaffirming the importance of upholding the Belfast agreement, even when the Government have driven a horse and cart through it on occasions; the...