Tag: 2022

Nosheena Mobarik – 2022 Tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II (Baroness Mobarik)

The tribute made by Nosheena Mobarik, Baroness Mobarik, in the House of Lords on 10 September 2022.

My Lords, I offer His Majesty King Charles and the whole of the Royal Family my deepest condolences on the passing of their mother, Her most inspiring Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As many noble Lords have said, this day was inevitable, but somehow we never expected it to happen. In recent times, knowing of Her Majesty’s ill health, I would assure myself that she would live until at least 110, so it was a tremendous shock to hear the sad news on Thursday evening that Her Majesty had indeed passed away in her beloved home in Scotland.

She was a constant presence. I remember as a little girl seeing this beautiful lady on the television and on the covers of magazines and newspapers, far more glamorous than any movie star and with such grace, elegance and dignity. Later in life, when I had the great honour of meeting Her Majesty—wonderfully, on more than one occasion—her kindness and informality made those moments very special, despite being nerve-wracking at the same time.

It was always clear that her family were uppermost in her mind. In 2006, when I was invited to Buckingham Palace by Her Majesty for an intimate lunch for 12, I remember that when she spoke with me and the other two ladies invited in the drawing room prior to lunch, she immediately told us how upset she was that her lovely granddaughter Zara had fallen from her horse and really hurt herself. It was the heart-warming concern of a grandmother, just like any other. Similarly, on my going to see Her Majesty formally before taking up the position of Government Whip in 2016 along with two other colleagues, she spoke about her uncle Fergus Bowes-Lyon, who had died in the First World War, and how it had taken 100 years until the whereabouts of his body were finally confirmed. There was no attempt to hide the deep sadness, but a willingness to share that common humanity that binds us all and to share those emotions of love, loss and grief.

On the last occasion when I met her, it became apparent to me that here was a person of infinite wisdom and kindness, the sort of wisdom and kindness that are etched on the faces of great spiritual beings. She left an impression on all who met her, even those who had only seen her from afar or on their television screens.

There was the greatest admiration for her from every part of the Commonwealth and beyond. My parents, who came to this country from the Commonwealth, had the greatest respect and affection for Her Majesty. My late father-in-law was strong and successful in his youth, but in his mid-90s, as his memory dimmed, he could not quite remember even the name of his own son. Still, when his son visited him in Pakistan, he said, “Young man, you come from London. There is a lady there, the Queen. She is a wonderful woman.” That was the one outstanding and lasting memory that he had of his time living in Britain.

Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s devotion and service to her country and people is a legacy of epic proportions. May she rest in peace, and may King Charles III have a long, happy and illustrious reign.

October 7, 2022
Richard Wilson – 2022 Tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II (Baron Wilson of Dinton)

The tribute made by Richard Wilson, Baron Wilson of Dinton, in the House of Lords on 10 September 2022.

My Lords, I am very grateful for this opportunity to pay tribute to the late Queen. I ask myself why I was so moved and so saddened when I heard the news on Thursday; there are two things that stand out for me. One is that, ever since I was a small boy in south Wales in the dark 1940s, the Royal Family has been for me a beacon of probity, leadership and something very magical; that has been through my life. President Obama once said he felt that he was a screen on which the American people projected their deep-felt longings. That is certainly true of the Queen and explains a lot of the emotion we all have.

Secondly, as head of the Civil Service, I was privileged to meet the Queen on a number of occasions. I will not say I knew her, but I have talked to her. I developed huge respect as she carried an enormous load; the new King will carry it. For me, it is about the constitution. The monarch is still, in our strange way of doing things, the source of all power. He or she dissolves and summons Parliament, approves legislation, appoints Prime Ministers and Ministers, heads the Armed Forces, the courts service and the prisons and, of course, is head of the Civil Service, both diplomatic and civil. As a civil servant, I served her for 36 years. My duty was to Ministers, but my service was to the monarch.

I think anecdotes are the best way of passing on this kind of memory. I have a few, but I will cut them short. One is that, soon after I became Cabinet Secretary, I was invited to stay at Windsor Castle and, after dinner, Her Majesty took me to the library and showed me the then Prime Minister Disraeli’s handwritten letters to Queen Victoria, recounting to her exactly what had happened in Cabinet and how he felt about it. She wanted to make the point to me that she still got—in those days, before it was all digitised—number one copy of the Cabinet minutes. She wanted to make the point that the purpose of Cabinet minutes was primarily to convey to the monarch what the Cabinet was up to, since the Prime Minister was probably too busy to write. I certainly did not promise that Mr Blair would do so.

My second anecdote is a small thing—my impression of her was about dogs and horses. On one occasion, I was sat next to her at a lunch. At some point during the meal, a footman opened a door and a tidal wave of corgis came in and settled around my feet while she fed them. I said that they were beautiful dogs; they were beautifully tended. She said, “I had to have one of them put down yesterday.” I said, “I am so sorry: that must have been very sad.” She said, “Well, he was a lovely dog, but he was getting aggressive. In fact, he bit me.”

Then she pulled back the chair and I found myself admiring the royal leg, but she had a horrible wound on it. I said, “Oh dear. I hope you have been to a doctor.” For a moment, I saw the real grief that she felt over the dog. Then she pulled herself together and said, “Of course I have been. Now, have you ever had a dog?” And we got into a different conversation; but I saw for a moment that this is what had been in her mind when she was feeding the dogs and as they moved by.

On another occasion, I had tea with her—I will not explain why—at Ascot. I was sitting on her left and the three other people at the table were all racehorse owners. I can tell you only that the conversation was hugely technical and she was absolutely up with the others, putting them on the spot and cross-examining them about their horses. My goodness me, she knew her stuff.

Beyond these trivial things, she was such a tower of strength. She led in a way that made it look effortless but, my goodness, we were lucky; we have all remarked on that. We should express deep gratitude that we had her for 70 years of peace and prosperity and wish the new King well; he is well up to the job and has himself the seeds of greatness. We should echo what the noble Lord, Lord Cormack, quoted: she was Elizabeth the Great. God save the Queen, and God save the King.

October 7, 2022
Sarah Ludford – 2022 Tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II (Baroness Ludford)

The tribute made by Sarah Ludford, Baroness Ludford, in the House of Lords on 10 September 2022.

My Lords, I hope that I will not make the Chief Whip cross. I want to share four reflections on Her late Majesty.

First, what a trouper—I hope that is not too irreverent a description of Her late Majesty’s work ethic. The column by journalist Janice Turner in today’s Times on the almost coincident death of the Queen and her own mother highlights the fortitude and stoicism as well as frugality and recycling reflex of that generation. I strongly recognise that in my own late mother, who died in 2015. The fact is that the Queen’s enduring values and habits are now coming back into fashion.

Secondly, what a sport. We had long known, of course, about how the young Princess Elizabeth joined the VE night crowds on the streets of London. Perhaps it is only in recent years, though, that we have appreciated how this evidenced a high-spirited sense of fun. On the unforgettable sketch of the James Bond Olympic parachute—before she turned around, I said to my late husband, “It can’t possibly be her, can it?” It was. This year, the Paddington Bear marmalade sandwich sketch has given us all great memories at which to grin through our tears. It shows that duty and a sense of humour are not mutually exclusive.

My third reflection is that you did not need to be a royalist to mourn the Queen. I have to admit that I hesitated 25 years ago when I was introduced in this House over whether to affirm or to swear allegiance. I chose the latter, out of respect for her and for tradition, but I did have to think about it. So, while I expected to feel sad and grateful for her service when she died, I was caught totally unawares by my own spontaneous tears. I think they were a reaction to the loss of stability and continuity that she represented as well as sheer appreciation of her as a person.

I never had the privilege of meeting Her Majesty, but my rather republican-leaning late husband met her at least twice in his capacity as a council leader—as well as now Queen Consort Camilla, in the course of charitable work. Whenever I suggested that I might try for tickets for a Buckingham Palace garden party he was rather cool but, when he got the chance to go, to represent the health trust he then chaired, I was dispatched immediately to buy a hat. Such was the personal power of Her Majesty.

My last point is to note the astonishing wave of international and European support and appreciation, not just from Presidents and Prime Ministers but from a football stadium in Italy and a town band in Nice. She was, as others have said, a great diplomat. Noting, of course, what a great friend she was to France and her excellent French, President Macron said:

“To you, she was your Queen. To us, she was The Queen.”

October 7, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Scotland can lead the green industrial revolution through independence, new report shows [October 2022]
The press release issued by SNP on 7 October 2022.

A new report into Scotland’s green energy and renewables industry has said that Scotland has the potential to become a green energy powerhouse, creating up to 385,000 jobs, boosting Scotland’s economy by up to £34billion a year by 2050 and lowering energy bills permanently.

The report, by economist Dr David Skilling, suggests that Scotland can increase its green energy output by over five times the currrent rate, increasing from Scotland’s current capacity of 12GW to over 80GW by 2050.

With estimates showing that Scotland has the potential to generate around 10% of Europe’s wave power and posses 25% of the potential European offshore wind and tidal resource, it’s clear that Scotland has the energy to lead the renewables revolution but now we need the powers to make it a reality.

For too long, Westminster has held Scotland’s energy potential back. This has had a devastating impact on our economy and jobs, as well as selling Scotland short in the current energy crisis.

Decision after decision taken by Westminster governments has lost Scotland progress in our drive towards a green, sustainable future. With the scrapping of promised investment in projects like carbon capture and storage, creating a transmission charges system that negative affects Scottish energy producers and pursuing a recklessly damaging Brexit, it’s clear Scotland is being held back by Westminster.

Scotland has a golden opportunity to lead an energy transition that secures net zero, enhances energy security and lowers energy costs for consumers. But to take that opportunity Scotland needs the powers to take action that can only be achieved through independence.

Here’s a breakdown of Scotland’s potential green industrial revolution outlined in the new report. You can read the full report here.

Scotland’s full energy potential

Scotland is an energy-rich nation, and we have the potential to achieve the green equivalent of a new oil boom. The new report illustrates how Scotland is already a green energy powerhouse across the British Isles and can expand on our potential to be a leading European producer of green and renewable energy.
- Already in Scotland we produce over 60% of the UK’s onshore wind energy capacity, leading the way on renewable energy production.
- Renewable electricity accounted for 99% of Scotland’s gross electricity consumption in 2020, up from 24% in 2010. This is one of the highest shares across advanced economies, demonstrating Scotland’s potential as a renewable energy powerhouse.
- Scotland is already a net exporter of electricity. In 2020, 31.8TWh of renewable electricity was generated in Scotland – equivalent of powering all households in Scotland for almost three and a half years.
- The report shows that Scotland has the potential to boost our renewable energy output by more than five times. Rocketing from 12GW of installed renewable capacity to over 80GW by 2050, delivering roughly £14.5billion to Scotland’s economy and 110,000 jobs.
- Scotland has the potential to generate around 10% of Europe’s wave power and posses 25% of the potential European offshore wind and tidal resource. Offshore wind costs are estimated to be lower than new nuclear generation and are already close to being competitive with other fuels like natural gas illustating the future of energy is in renewables.
By unleashing a green industrial revolution Scotland’s economy can flourish

By investing in the renewables revolution, Scotland will be able to reap the benefits across wider society and the economy. Scotland’s rich natural resources mean that we can generate enough cheap green electricity to power Scotland’s economy, and also export electricity to our neighbours. All the while, supporting jobs in Scotland and our net zero decarbonisation ambitions.
- Access to low cost, renewable energy can give Scottish businesses a competitive advantage and encourage companies to expand their operations across Scotland. Scotland’s foreign direct investment (FDI) performance is already outpacing Europe and the rest of the UK and can be further enhanced amongst energy companies looking for long-term investment in renewables.
- Leveraging our leading position in offshore wind and our pioneering reputation in tidal technology, Scotland can attract economic growth in advisory and services firms serving global markets.
- With estimates of green hydrogen exports to Europe in the region of £48 billion annually by 2050, Scotland can become a substantial green hydrogen exporter delivering thousands of jobs and boosting Scotland’s economy.
- A boom in our renewable and hydrogen potential will help in delivering Scotland’s Just Transition, ensuring that highly skilled jobs from the oil and gas sector are maintained through the transition to our growing renewables sector.
Westminster is holding Scotland back, we need to take the handbrake off our potential with independence

In an energy-rich nation like Scotland, it is simply unacceptable that almost half of households are struggling to afford energy bills when Scotland produces more electricity than it uses because of the failure of Westminster. The scandal of the current crisis is that renewable electricity is already relatively cheap and yet because the power over energy policy lies with Westminster, Scotland is forced to suffer the consquences of inaction and ideological politics from Tory government’s we never voted for. The effects of Scotland’s lack of control over energy policy are plain to see.
- After Westminster’s deeply damaging Brexit, limits on Scotland’s labour supply has led to negative impacts for Scottish businesses not faced by European counterparts. However, with independence, Scotland can position itself as an attractive location for high-skilled workers in the energy sector like it always has before.
- With limited financial and borrowing powers, Scotland is dependent on the actions of the UK government for investment to unleash our full potential in renewable energies. Yet Westminster has already proven time after time that it is not willing to invest in Scotland’s energy sector, meaning that it is only with independence that we can fully unlock Scotland’s renewables potential.
- The UK’s energy system isn’t fit for purpose. While Scotland’s offshore and onshore wind can able provide electricity at a lower cost than nuclear or gas-fired power, the UK’s wholesale energy prices are driven up because of Westminster’s decision to rely on gas – the most expensive form of energy generation. Under Westminster control, Scotland is powerless to break the link between the cost of gas and the price of renewable and low-carbon electricity meaning energy prices will continue to rise.
- Scotland’s energy producers continue to be put at a major financial disadvantage by Westminster’s the disastrous transmission pricing system, with Scottish Renewables noting the that alone the Westminster system “makes Scottish offshore wind farms 20% more expensive than those in English waters”.
For too long, Westminster has held energy-rich Scotland back and our communities are now facing the devastating consequences. We cannot allow Westminster to squander Scotland’s renewable energy potential, just as it squandered our oil wealth.

Scotland has a golden opportunity to lead an energy transition that secures net zero, enhances energy security and lowers energy costs for consumers. It is now time to grasp that opportunity and time to choose that independent green future.
October 7, 2022
Liz Truss – 2022 Statement on Energy

The statement made by Liz Truss, the Prime Minister, on Twitter on 7 October 2022.

We have taken decisive action to support households and businesses with their energy costs – and we’re working to make sure the United Kingdom is never in this position again by tackling the root cause of the energy crisis.

That means producing more energy here at home.

To secure our long-term energy supply and reduce reliance on authoritarian regimes, we’re accelerating our domestic energy production, including launching a new North Sea Oil & Gas licensing round.

We’re also speeding up deployment of renewables including hydrogen, solar & wind.

Yesterday I held discussions with our allies on progressing Sizewell C and building more nuclear power stations.

We’re also working to get better prices for people now – our Energy Supply Taskforce is negotiating new long-term agreements with gas suppliers.

Together, we will get through this winter, grow our economy and secure our energy independence for the future.

October 7, 2022
Conor Burns – 2022 Statement After Dismissal as Government Minister

The statement made by Conor Burns, the Conservative MP for Bournemouth West, on Twitter on 7 October 2022.

Earlier I received a call from the Chief Whip Wendy Morton. Ms Morton informed me that a complaint had been received about me and she had passed it to Conservative Campaign Headquarters to investigate. I was not given any information about the complaint nor was I asked to provide any information. On the basis of this complaint Ms Morton told me that the Whip was being withdrawn and that I was standing down as Trade Minister. I will fully cooperate with the Party’s enquiry and look forward to clearing my name. I hope the party will be as quick to conduct their enquiry as they were to rush to judgement.

October 7, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UN Human Rights Council 51 – UK position on nuclear legacy resolution [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 October 2022.

Ambassador Simon Manley explained the UK’s position on the resolution entitled ‘Technical assistance and capacity building to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands’.

Thank you, Mr President.

Let me start by thanking the core group for presenting the resolution before us to this Council. We commend the core group and particularly the Republic of the Marshall Islands itself, for the constructive approach they have taken during the negotiations on this text. I am sure all of us in this room were moved by what the Chargé d’Affairs from the Marshall Islands said just a moment ago. And I am sure we are not alone in expressing our condolences to him and his Permanent Representative for her loss.

Mr President,

The UK would like to stress that we fully recognise the seriousness of the challenges that the Republic of the Marshall Islands has faced following nuclear testing between 1946 and 1958. We commend the efforts made by both the Government of the Marshall Islands and the Government of the United States to address these challenges and welcome the ongoing bilateral discussions between the two governments on these issues.

It is with deep regret, however, that the UK must disassociate itself from Operative Paragraphs 4, 5 and 11 of this Draft Resolution. As set out in our Explanation of Vote in respect of Human Rights Council Resolution 48/13 last year, and our Explanation of Vote in respect of UN General Assembly Resolution A/76/L.75 this year, we don’t consider that there is international consensus on the legal basis of the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. By extension, we do not accept the connection made in the Resolution before us to the testing of nuclear weapons and its impact on such a right. Joining consensus on this text should therefore not be misinterpreted as the UK agreeing to any expansion of the recognition of this right. Furthermore, we are not persuaded that the OHCHR is the appropriate body to advise the National Nuclear Commission on these matters, as set out in Operative Paragraph 11 of this resolution.

Notwithstanding those concerns, we do however join consensus on this initiative.

Thank you.

October 7, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : High Court rules on state failure over South Down loyalist murders and attacks – Hazzard [October 2022]

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 7 October 2022.

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed a High Court ruling on loyalist murders and attacks across South Down which found the state failed to properly investigate and is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Speaking from the court in Belfast today, the South Down MP said:

“I welcome today’s ruling by the High Court that found the British state has breached Article 2 & 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights on a number of loyalist murders and other attacks.

“The court highlighted flaws in the original investigation, including the failure of the RUC, and latterly the PSNI to properly investigate and share new evidence.

“This is a watershed decision for families in South Down, and further exposes damning levels of collusion between the state and loyalist paramilitaries.

“All of these murders and attacks must now be properly investigated and those responsible brought before the courts.

“I want to commend all the families impacted by this case and their steadfast campaign to access truth and justice.

“They are entitled to justice and proper investigation. This must now proceed without any delay.”

October 7, 2022
Pat Sheehan – 2022 Comments on Securing Holiday Hunger Payments

The comments made by Pat Sheehan, the Sinn Fein West Belfast MLA, on 7 October 2022.

The Halloween break is fast approaching and without an Executive, thousands of families face uncertainty over whether they will receive payments in place of free school meals.

People are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and these payments are a lifeline to many children and their families, and it is cruel and unacceptable that the DUP would cause such uncertainty.

The Finance Minister set aside funding to tackle holiday hunger for over 100,000 children and young people over the next three years, but this cannot be signed off without an Executive.

The easiest way of getting that money out the door is forming an Executive today. And I would urge the DUP to end its boycott and work with the rest of us to support hard-pressed workers and families now.

October 7, 2022
Conor Murphy – 2022 Comments on Restoring the Northern Ireland Executive

The comments made by Conor Murphy, the Sinn Fein Minister of Finance, on 7 October 2022.

Top of the to-do list of the Irish and British governments must be getting the Executive and Assembly up and running now.

They have a responsibility to deliver a joint approach that prioritises the restoration of power-sharing and the political institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.

We need an Executive formed now to help workers and families who are struggling with the cost-of-living emergency and people suffering on chronic hospital waiting lists.

People need help now. They need ministers around the table and working together to invest £1 billion in the health service and to put money in people’s pockets.

October 7, 2022