My Lords, I first acknowledge the maiden contribution of the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Portsmouth, who I welcome to the House, as well as the rare privilege of speaking in the same debate as my noble kinswoman Lady Pitkeathley.

My Lords, I first acknowledge the maiden contribution of the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Portsmouth, who I welcome to the House, as well as the rare privilege of speaking in the same debate as my noble kinswoman Lady Pitkeathley.

I could have said, “My mum”, you are right.

The headroom has pleased the markets. The currency is doing better and the Chancellor, despite noises around her, will feel that we now have a stable platform to build on. However, as I listen to today’s debate, in and outside the Chamber,...

I could have said, “My mum”, you are right.

The headroom has pleased the markets. The currency is doing better and the Chancellor, despite noises around her, will feel that we now have a stable platform to build on. However, as I listen to today’s debate, in and outside the Chamber,...

My Lords, the UK continues to lag behind many EU countries in overall productivity—something that cannot be explained solely by differences in how the French choose to measure theirs. Could the Minister outline which specific measures in yesterday’s Statement are designed to boost productivity both within the Civil Service and...

My Lords, the UK continues to lag behind many EU countries in overall productivity—something that cannot be explained solely by differences in how the French choose to measure theirs. Could the Minister outline which specific measures in yesterday’s Statement are designed to boost productivity both within the Civil Service and...