argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Lord Speaker’s Statement — House of Lords, 2017-02-07
Topic: Mixed Topics
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I would like to make a short statement following the statement in the House of Commons by the Speaker there on a possible speech to Parliament by the President of the United States. The procedure by which permission is given to speak in Parliament is long established. When the Speakers receive a request to invite a head of state to address Parliament, they both have to agree to issue an invitation, after consultation. The whole purpose is to seek consensus, ensuring that both Houses have the opportunity to consider a request. Yesterday in the Commons, Mr Bercow said that he was opposed to the President speaking. I should make it clear that I was not consulted on that decision or its timing. However, the Speaker contacted me this morning. He told me that, while he maintained his view on the issue, he was genuinely sorry for failing to consult with me. Obviously, I accepted that apology My view is that I will keep an open mind and consider any request for Mr Trump to address Parliament, if and when it is made. I do not intend to argue the case for or against Mr Trump’s visit: that is not my role as Speaker. But allow me to say that I have spent the last 30 years campaigning against prejudice and discrimination, particularly for the rights of LGBT people and those with HIV/AIDS I would, however, like to make two further comments, which I stress are entirely on process. First, there will be other leaders coming to this country who may also be controversial. The procedure as it stands means that either Mr Speaker or myself can effectively veto any proposal for a visiting leader to address Parliament, at least as far as Westminster Hall is concerned. It is for Parliament to consider whether there is a better way in which such decisions can be made. Secondly, for the time being, there may be a situation where one of the Speakers decides that he cannot agree. Before we reach that point, there should be, at the very least, some effort to reach consensus and a serious discussion on what the decision should be. I hope that we can now return to that previous practice.
Death of a Former Member and Member — House of Lords, 2017-09-05
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I regret to inform the House of the deaths of the noble and learned Lord, Lord McCluskey, on 20 July and the noble Lord, Lord Hart of Chilton, on 3 August. On behalf of the House, I extend our condolences to the noble Lords’ families and friends.
Lord Speaker’s Statement — House of Lords, 2017-03-29
Topic: Mixed Topics
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I would like to make a short Statement about Parliament’s response to the tragic events of last Wednesday As would be normal after such events, we are seeking to make sure that any lessons are learned. We will do this through two reviews. First, Mr Speaker and I are commissioning an external independent review of how the perimeter of the Parliamentary Estate, including outbuildings, is secured and protected. We plan to produce a preliminary report by the end of April Secondly, at the same time, the Clerks of both Houses are commissioning an externally led review of the lessons learned from the operation inside Parliament of the incident management framework. This is to report by the end of June. All Members will shortly receive an invitation to contribute their views and their experiences of that day to aid these reviews Members will be aware that today marks exactly a week on from the shocking events of 22 March. Once again, we send our condolences and sympathies to all those affected. Our thoughts will be, in particular, with the Metropolitan Police as they mourn their colleague, PC Keith Palmer.
Retirements of Members — House of Lords, 2017-07-03
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I should like to notify the House of the retirement, with effect from 30 June, of the noble Lord, Lord Feldman, and the noble Earl, Lord Mar and Kellie, pursuant to Section 1 of the House of Lords Reform Act 2014. On behalf of the House, I should like to thank the noble Lords for their much-valued service to the House.
London Attacks — House of Lords, 2017-03-23
Topic: Mixed Topics
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, perhaps I may add my condolences to those already expressed today to those affected by these tragic events. A book of condolence has been placed in the Royal Gallery and in Westminster Hall. The usual channels have agreed to take the Statement on yesterday’s events before Questions. Before that Statement I reassure the House that the House of Lords Commission, which I chair, and our Commons counterpart will be reviewing with the police and other stakeholders the arrangements in Parliament relating to yesterday’s incident to see whether there are any lessons for the future. Above all, I reiterate the thanks of this House to those who work to protect us, and the others who work in Parliament, for their brave actions yesterday to keep us safe.
Death of a Former Member: Lord Sandberg — House of Lords, 2017-07-10
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I regret to inform the House of the death of the noble Lord, Lord Sandberg, on 2 July. On behalf of the House, I extend our condolences to the noble Lord’s family and friends.
Retirement of a Member: Lord McCluskey — House of Lords, 2017-03-01
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I should like to notify the House of the retirement, with effect from today, of the noble and learned Lord, Lord McCluskey, pursuant to Section 1 of the House of Lords Reform Act 2014. On behalf of the House I should like to thank the noble and learned Lord for his much-valued service to the House.
Clerk of the Parliaments — House of Lords, 2017-04-24
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, in reply to the Convenor, the pronounced semaphore that he refers to was so pronounced on one occasion, with a marvellous shake of the hand, that I thought fire had broken out in the House of Lords. Indeed, I was about to adjourn the House when I found out that it was in fact something about a manuscript amendment to an amendment, which I still do not totally understand. In endorsing everything that has been said, the Question is that this Motion be agreed to.
Reading Clerk — House of Lords, 2017-04-24
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): That this House do approve the appointment by the Lord Speaker, pursuant to the Clerk of the Parliaments Act 1824, of Jake Vaughan to be Reading Clerk of the House in place of Simon Burton appointed Clerk Assistant.
Death of a Former Member: Lord Dixon — House of Lords, 2017-02-21
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I regret to inform the House of the death of the noble Lord, Lord Dixon, on 19 February. On behalf of the House, I extend our condolences to the noble Lord’s family and his friends.
Death of a Former Member: Lord Prys-Davies — House of Lords, 2017-04-03
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I regret to inform the House of the death of the noble Lord, Lord Prys-Davies, on 28 March. On behalf of the House, I extend our condolences to the noble Lord’s family and his friends.
Retirement of Member: Lord Nicholls of Birkenhead — House of Lords, 2017-04-03
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): I should like to notify the House of the retirement, with effect from today, of the noble and learned Lord, Lord Nicholls of Birkenhead, pursuant to Section 1 of the House of Lords Reform Act 2014. On behalf of the House, I thank the noble and learned Lord for his much-valued service to the House.
Death of a Former Member — House of Lords, 2017-06-21
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I regret to inform the House of the death of the noble Lord, Lord Joffe, on 18 June. On behalf of the House, I extend our condolences to the noble Lord’s family and friends.
Queen’s Speech — House of Lords, 2017-06-21
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I have to acquaint the House that Her Majesty was pleased this morning to make a most gracious Speech from the Throne to both Houses of Parliament assembled in the House of Lords. Copies of the gracious Speech are available in the Printed Paper Office. I have, for the convenience of the House, arranged for the terms of the gracious Speech to be published in the Official Report. Motion for an Humble Address
Lord Speaker’s Statement — House of Lords, 2017-06-26
Topic: Mixed Topics
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I would like to say a few words about security in Parliament. Since the shocking attack on Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament in March, we have witnessed the horror of further attacks in Manchester, further down the river here in London and at Finsbury Park. As we did following the Westminster attack, we send our prayers and condolences to all those affected. I should also inform the House that I have received countless messages of solidarity from parliamentary Chambers around the world I informed the House at the end of the last Session about Parliament’s response to the continued security threat. First, Mr Speaker and I commissioned an external, independent review on how the perimeter of the parliamentary estate, including outbuildings, is secured and protected. The final report was submitted to Mr Speaker and myself last week. Secondly, the clerks of both Houses commissioned an externally led review of the lessons learned from the operation inside Parliament of the incident management framework, and the final report from that review is expected shortly. The reports from both reviews will be considered carefully, and appropriate action will be taken swiftly and decisively. I thank all noble Lords who have contributed to the reviews and also urge all noble Lords to continue to take security seriously when they are on the parliamentary estate Finally, I will say a few words about the cybersecurity incident that occurred over the weekend. On Friday, the Parliamentary Digital Service discovered unusual activity and evidence of an attempted cyberattack on our computer network. Closer investigation confirmed that hackers were carrying out a sustained and determined attack on all parliamentary user accounts in an attempt to identify weak passwords and gain access to users’ emails. The digital service has been working closely with the National Cyber Security Centre to identify the method of the attack and has made changes to prevent the attackers gaining further access. IT systems on the parliamentary estate are now working as normal and remote access is being restored gradually. We are continuing to investigate the source of the attack and believe that fewer than 1% of the 9,000 accounts on the parliamentary network have been compromised as a result of weak passwords Those in the Parliamentary Digital Service are working extremely hard and are on hand to assist anyone experiencing difficulties as a result of the incident. They will continue to keep Members informed of developments. Our first priority has been to ensure that the business of both Houses can continue. This has been achieved, and I am sure that all noble Lords will join me in thanking all parliamentary staff who have worked so hard over the weekend to ensure that our parliamentary democracy can continue to operate freely.
Retirement of a Member: Lord Macdonald of Tradeston — House of Lords, 2017-04-27
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I should like to notify the House of the retirement, with effect from today, of the noble Lord, Lord Macdonald of Tradeston, pursuant to Section 1 of the House of Lords Reform Act 2014. On behalf of the House, I thank the noble Lord for his much valued service.
Deaths of a Member and Former Members — House of Lords, 2017-06-14
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I regret to inform the House of the deaths of the noble Lord, Lord Bagri, on 26 April, the noble Lord, Lord Thomas of Swynnerton, on 7 May, the noble Lord, Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior, on 8 May, and the noble Lord, Lord Bridges, on 27 May. On behalf of the House, I extend our condolences to the noble Lords’ families and friends.
Retirements of Members — House of Lords, 2017-06-14
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I should also like to notify the House of the retirements with effect from 2 May of the noble Lord, Lord May of Oxford; with effect from 4 May of the noble and learned Lord, Lord Millett; with effect from 18 May of the noble Baroness, Lady Lockwood; with effect from 19 May of the noble Lord, Lord Hattersley; with effect from 8 June of the noble Marquess, Lord Salisbury; with effect from 9 June of the noble Lord, Lord Simon of Highbury; and with effect from 13 June of the noble Lord, Lord Walpole, pursuant to Section 1 of the House of Lords Reform Act 2014. On behalf of the House, I should like to thank the noble Lords for the service that they gave to the House.
Cessation of Membership — House of Lords, 2017-06-14
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I also have to notify the House that the noble Baroness, Lady Turner of Camden, and the noble Lord, Lord Wolfson of Sunningdale, yesterday ceased to be Members of the House under Section 2 of the House of Lords Reform Act 2014 by virtue of not attending any proceedings of the House during the Session 2016-17. On behalf of the House, I should like to thank the noble Lords for the service that they gave to the House.
Royal Engagement — House of Lords, 2017-11-27
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I would like to make a short statement following the announcement from Clarence House today of the engagement of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales to Ms Meghan Markle. I am sure that Members from all sides of the House will join me in congratulating the couple on this most happy occasion, and wishing them all the very best for their future together.
Death of a Member: Lord Imbert — House of Lords, 2017-11-14
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I regret to inform the House of the death of the noble Lord, Lord Imbert, on 13 November. On behalf of the House, I extend our condolences to the noble Lord’s family and his friends.
Death of a Member: Lord Steyn — House of Lords, 2017-11-29
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I regret to inform the House of the death of the noble and learned Lord, Lord Steyn, on 28 November. On behalf of the House, I extend our condolences to the noble and learned Lord’s family and friends.
Retirement of a Member: Baroness Trumpington — House of Lords, 2017-10-24
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I should like to notify the House of the retirement, with effect from today, of the noble Baroness, Lady Trumpington, pursuant to Section 1 of the House of Lords Reform Act 2014. On behalf of the House, I should like to thank the noble Baroness for her much-valued service to the House.
Retirements of Members — House of Lords, 2017-11-06
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I should like to notify the House of the retirements, with effect from 3 November, of the noble Lords, Lord Plumb and Lord Tanlaw, pursuant to Section 1 of the House of Lords Reform Act 2014. On behalf of the House, I should like to thank the noble Lords for their much-valued service to the House.
Retirement of a Member: Lord Lloyd-Webber — House of Lords, 2017-10-17
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I should like to notify the House of the retirement, with effect from today, of the noble Lord, Lord Lloyd-Webber, pursuant to Section 1 of the House of Lords Reform Act 2014. On behalf of the House, I should like to thank the noble Lord for his much-valued service.
Death of a Member: Lord Quirk — House of Lords, 2017-12-21
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I regret to inform the House of the death of the noble Lord, Lord Quirk, on 20 December. On behalf of the House, I extend our condolences to the noble Lord’s family and friends.
Retirement of a Member: Lord Condon — House of Lords, 2017-12-21
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I should like to notify the House of the retirement, with effect from today, of the noble Lord, Lord Condon, pursuant to Section 1 of the House of Lords Reform Act 2014. On behalf of the House, I thank the noble Lord for his much-valued service to the House.
Black Rod — House of Lords, 2017-12-21
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I would like to mention that this is the last day of service of the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. There will be an opportunity for noble Lords to pay tribute in the new year, when his successor assumes the office. Until then, I would like to place on record my thanks and the thanks of the whole House and to wish him well for the future.
Retirement of a Member: Baroness Sharples — House of Lords, 2017-12-18
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I should like to notify the House of the retirement, with effect from today, of the noble Baroness, Lady Sharples, pursuant to Section 1 of the House of Lords Reform Act 2014. On behalf of the House, I thank the noble Baroness for her much-valued service to the House.
Retirement of a Member: Baroness Paisley of St George's — House of Lords, 2017-10-30
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I should like to notify the House of the retirement, with effect from today, of the noble Baroness, Lady Paisley of St George’s, pursuant to Section 1 of the House of Lords Reform Act 2014. On behalf of the House, I thank the noble Baroness for her much-valued service to the House.
Death of a Former Member: Lord Barber of Tewkesbury — House of Lords, 2017-11-22
Topic: Other
Peter Fowler (Independent, Unknown): My Lords, I regret to inform the House of the death of the noble Lord, Lord Barber of Tewkesbury, on 21 November. On behalf of the House, I extend our condolences to the noble Lord’s family and friends.
Nationality and Borders Bill — House of Lords, 2022-02-01
Topic: Immigration
Kenneth Clarke (Independent, Unknown): Yes, as I am having various motives attributed to me. As I said, I came here with a dilemma. I do not think we will turn British public opinion round to the views I personally would like to support if I thought we could. I wait to be persuaded that the Government’s package will actually work and make the problem any easier. I reject the simplistic solution that all we have to do is provide safe and easy routes and accept that many more people will come, because they undoubtedly will if some of the things that have been proposed are accepted. That would cause very nasty further damage to our society and the level of our political debate. I am not convinced that Clause 11 and Clause 9 are a satisfactory solution to that yet. That is what I hope to hear my right honourable and noble friend persuade me of the course of this winding-up speech.
Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme — House of Lords, 2022-03-16
Topic: Immigration
Richard Harrington (Independent, Unknown): The noble Lord, Lord Wigley, has referred again to my non-maiden maiden speech. I just say to him to wait for the maiden speech and think what he wants. The forms are in English only but there will be translation guidelines for all of them. We are not asking for translations for the documents that need to be downloaded—for example, birth certificates and the other things that would be provided in a normal situation. As far as the devolved Administrations are concerned, the first meeting I had was with Nicola Sturgeon, Mark Drakeford’s representative and the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service. As with the Syrian refugees, they have really stepped up to the plate. Although the conduit for this will be their local authorities—like any other local authority in terms of payment—the Scottish and Welsh Governments may well choose to be sponsors themselves. I am pleased with their response and have always found them an absolute pleasure to work with on the refugee front.
Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme — House of Lords, 2022-03-16
Topic: Immigration
Richard Harrington (Independent, Unknown): I thank the noble Viscount, Lord Stansgate, for his comments. For the Syrian programme we did a one or two-day induction programme before people got on aircraft to come here. We do not have the time and facilities to do that because of the scale. However, when people arrive at the airports and other ports they will be given a welcome pack in Ukrainian which will explain why they are here, how they are here and what services are available to help them. These people will be terrified, tired and exhausted and will need to know those things, and that will be in their own language. I hope to expand on that but that is what this situation is immediately.
Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme — House of Lords, 2022-03-16
Topic: Immigration
Richard Harrington (Independent, Unknown): I cannot comment on the second point that the noble Baroness made because I do not know the answer. However, I will give it some thought and drop her a line, or perhaps meet with her if she prefers to do it that way. On the first point about Ukrainians who would normally lose their right to stay here because they are on a work permit that has run out, I assure the noble Baroness that nobody will have to leave this country because of that. That permission will be extended so that they will get the same benefits as all other Ukrainian citizens. I am not sure about the actual detail, but I can assure the noble Baroness that that will be the case.
Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme — House of Lords, 2022-03-16
Topic: Immigration
Richard Harrington (Independent, Unknown): No one would disagree with the points the noble Baroness, Lady Bennett, makes. However, this is a new community sponsorship scheme for us. We have our work cut out with Ukrainians but that is in no way to disrespect people or to claim that people who are not Ukrainians and who are in a terrible situation do not deserve the support this country gives. My own grandparents were beneficiaries of this country’s attitude towards refugees. Ironically, they fled the Russians as well, in different circumstances.
Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme — House of Lords, 2022-03-16
Topic: Civil Rights
Richard Harrington (Independent, Unknown): I thank the noble Baroness for her comments on people’s names. Indeed, some days I cannot remember my own name but I seem to be good at remembering the names of people in this House. Yes, people should have a form in Ukrainian. It is not, in my opinion, best for them to have it by the side of the form that they fill in but, in the short time available, it is the best I can do. Ideally, I should like the form to be in Ukrainian. Also, although the Russian language is horrific to many Ukrainians, for many or some it is their first language.