What's on in the Lords 31 March-3 April
4 April 2025
Questions
Members focussed on the privacy of Apple customers, results of the trials of e-scooters in England, effectiveness of stop and search in tackling knife crime, eligibility of free school meals, and the government of Mauritius reopening negotiations on the Chagos Islands.
Bills
The Lords made further checks to the Mental Health Bill, continued to examine the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill, and considered Commons changes to the National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill.
Debates
The impact of planning measures on farming and rural communities, NATO allies’ intended withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty on anti-personnel landmines, and the affordability of achieving the net zero emissions target by 2050 were all in the spotlight.
Committees
- The Autism Act 2009 Committee continued its inquiry into the Autism Act 2009 by hearing from leading academics.
- The Justice and Home Affairs Committee spoke to Lord Timpson, Minister of State for Prisons, as part of its inquiry on prison culture, including governance, leadership and staffing.
- For its inquiry on preparing for an ageing society, the Economic Affairs Committee heard from experts.
Read on for more.
Catch up
Monday
From 2.30pm
Questions
Members pressed the government on:
- privacy of Apple customers
- Audit, Reporting and Governance Authority
- improving outcomes for UK fishers
- increasing productivity.
Legislation
Members of the Lords considered Commons changes to the National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill and made further changes to the Mental Health Bill.
Statement
Following an Urgent Question in the Commons, Lords members debated Scunthorpe Steelworks.
Tuesday
From 2.30pm
Questions
The Lords quizzed the government on:
- trials of e-scooters in England
- roadworks around Junction 10 of the M25
- tackling knife crime
- Sussex University fine.
Legislation
Members continued to check and change the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill and considered Commons amendments to the Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill.
Statement
Following a statement in the House of Commons, members asked the government questions on Birmingham City Council.
Wednesday
From 3pm
Questions
- support for mathematical sciences
- eligibility for free school meals
- Chagos Islands deal
- Sentencing Council guidelines.
Legislation
Members continued to make further changes to the Mental Health Bill and Bus Services (No.2) Bill.
Statements
Following an Urgent Question in the Commons, members quizzed the government on the adoption and special guardianship support fund.
Lords members also debated the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme. (FIRS).
Thursday
From 11am
Questions
The House of Lords pressed the government on:
- democracy
- changes in the provision of death certificates
- profit shifting
- aid to Myanmar following the earthquake.
Debates
The impact of planning measures on farming and rural communities, NATO allies' plans to withdraw from weapon treaties, and the affordability of achieving the net zero emissions target by 2050 were in the spotlight.
Urgent questions
The Lords quizzed the government following urgent questions in the Commons on NHS pensions, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Statements
Members debated Sentencing Council guidelines, and UK-US trade and tariffs, following statements.
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Watch
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Read
All business in the House of Lords chamber and in Grand Committee is transcribed and available to read from around three hours after it happens. Read it free online in Lords Hansard.
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Image credit: House of Lords / Roger Harris
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