BBC Under Spotlight as Lords Extend End-of-Life Scrutiny

High-Level Summary

The House of Lords sat for a full day covering introductions, four oral question sessions (on net zero engagement with civil society and faith groups; bus safety and cyber risks; housing delivery; and US objectives regarding Greenland), and several substantive debates. Peers discharged the order of commitment for the Licensing Hours Extensions Bill, held a wide-ranging debate on broadcasting (including the BBC, public service broadcasting and media regulation), examined mining pollution legacies with a focus on Kabwe in Zambia, and discussed sustaining modern language learning and teacher supply. The House agreed, without division, a procedural motion to provide further time to complete scrutiny of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, with next steps to be discussed through the usual channels. No divisions occurred; motions on the Licensing Hours Extensions Bill and the End of Life Bill timing were agreed without a vote.

Detailed Summary

Introductions

Two new Members were introduced. “Peter Charles John, OBE, having been created Baron John of Southwark… was introduced and took the oath” [ref: a1307.0/1]. “Brenda Vanessa Dacres, OBE, having been created Baroness Dacres of Lewisham… was introduced and took the oath” [ref: a1307.2/1].

Net Zero: Civil Society and Faith-based Organisations – Oral Question

The Government highlighted its Energising Britain plan to work with communities, including an annual event and a Youth for Climate and Nature panel: “Our recently published Energising Britain plan sets out how we will work with communities” [ref: a1307.6/1]. Lord Whitehead said faith groups can provide “moral and practical leadership” [ref: a1308.0/1], rejected climate scepticism—“It is absolutely clear that the science says that we have a severe problem” [ref: a1308.2/1]—and stressed a just transition and opportunities for UK industry [ref: a1308.4/1]. On poverty, he linked net zero to lower energy bills [ref: a1308.6/1]; on youth, he cited the Youth for Climate and Nature panel [ref: a1309.1/1]. He said new energy infrastructure must involve communities and that undergrounding cables “clearly needs to be considered” [ref: a1309.3/1]. On small modular reactors, no component location decisions have been made, but there is a commitment to maximise UK content [ref: a1310.0/1].

Buses: Safety and Security – Oral Question

The Minister said the Government is committed to safe and secure buses, referencing the Bus Services Act 2025 and the new Road Safety Strategy: “This Government are committed to ensuring that buses are safe and secure” [ref: a1310.3/1]. On reports of remote interference risks in certain electric buses, he said departments are assessing media reports and will update the Transport Select Committee, noting remote software updates are commonplace [ref: a1310.5/1; a1312.0/1]. He pointed to practical winter safety measures—“I have never heard of any mandate for winter tyres” [ref: a1311.3/1]—and to the published Road Safety Strategy [ref: a1311.1/1]. Post‑Covid ridership recovery would be supported by multi‑year funding and local empowerment [ref: a1311.5/1]. He said the Government is supporting UK manufacturing and social‑value procurement, and embedding the “safe system” (Vision Zero) approach [ref: a1312.2/1]. On passenger safety, driver training is mandated and “96% of buses in Britain now have CCTV” [ref: a1312.4/1].

New Homes: Target – Oral Question

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage said the 1.5 million homes target is ambitious, requiring delivery at a rate “not seen for more than 50 years”, and cited planning reforms, the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and £39 billion for social and affordable housing [ref: a1313.4/1]. She said she is examining the buying and selling process with developers [ref: a1314.0/1], and backed councils on tackling empty homes and setting completion dates through planning [ref: a1314.2/1]. She outlined funding to reduce families’ use of B&Bs and support children in temporary accommodation [ref: a1314.4/1], confirmed that 60% of the £39 billion affordable housing fund would be for social housing [ref: a1315.0/1], pressed councils to progress local plans despite reorganisation [ref: a1315.2/1], and described measures to improve build‑out rates, including refusal powers and potential delayed homes penalties [ref: a1315.4/1]. She endorsed community‑led housing and modern methods of construction [ref: a1316.1/1; a1316.3/1], and highlighted the role of heritage buildings, with the NPPF under consultation [ref: a1316.5/1].

Greenland – Oral Question

Baroness Chapman restated that “Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and that the future of its constitutional arrangements is a matter for the people and Government of Greenland” [ref: a1317.2/1]. She declined to engage in hypotheticals about US actions but noted ongoing US‑UK contacts and a call between the Prime Minister and President Trump [ref: a1318.0/1]. She stressed choices should be made by Greenland and Denmark [ref: a1318.2/1], warned that disputes between NATO allies would be “very pleasing for Vladimir Putin” [ref: a1318.4/1], and pointed to new contracts for patrol vessels and increased defence spending [ref: a1319.6/1; a1320.0/1].

Licensing Hours Extensions Bill – Order of Commitment Discharged

With no amendments tabled and no wish to speak in Committee, Lord Watson moved to discharge the order of commitment: “no amendments have been set down… I beg to move that the order of commitment be discharged” [ref: a1320.5/1]. The motion was agreed: “Motion agreed” [ref: a1320.5/2].

Broadcasting: Recent Developments – Motion to Take Note

Opening the debate, Lord Fowler emphasised the need for impartial reporting and perspective on errors, noting the BBC’s global reach: “The BBC is an organisation whose reports are relied on around the world” [ref: a1320.8/8]. He urged defending British broadcasting values [ref: a1320.8/13]. Peers discussed trust and impartiality, charter and licence fee reform, PSB prominence and consolidation, soft power, local news plurality, and future distribution. Baroness Stowell argued that “its strongest supporters must demand that it changes” [ref: a1324.0/5]. Lord Hall cited the Green Paper—“It is not just a broadcaster—it is a national institution” [ref: a1327.0/3]—and a 30% real‑terms fall in licence fee income since 2010 [ref: a1327.0/18]. Viscount Colville urged the BBC to lead in new digital technologies [ref: a1332.0/3‑4]. Lord Black warned that, per Ofcom, “Time is running out to save this pillar of UK culture” if PSBs are not protected [ref: a1337.0/4], while Lord Dodds pressed for clarity on the future of digital terrestrial TV, arguing that forcing broadband‑only delivery “is wrong” [ref: a1339.0/2]. Regulator Lord Grade said the priority question is “what do we want from the BBC” [ref: a1347.0/3]. Responding, Lord Parkinson noted falling trust in BBC News and rising licence fee evasion [ref: a1351.0/3; a1351.0/5], and asked about PSB consolidation and DTT beyond 2034 [ref: a1351.0/11‑12; a1353.1/3]. Minister Baroness Twycross affirmed the BBC’s importance—“one of the two most important institutions in our country” [ref: a1354.0/9]—outlined implementation of the Media Act 2024 on PSB prominence [ref: a1354.0/5], stressed independence, and confirmed a £32.6 million uplift for the World Service this year [ref: a1354.0/21].

Mining: Pollution – Question for Short Debate (Kabwe, Zambia)

Lord Oates described Kabwe’s extreme lead contamination and health impacts, citing historical ownership and unheeded 1970 advice as “far too expensive” [ref: a1360.3/4]. He reported soil contamination “as high as 60,000 milligrams” per kg and widespread paediatric poisoning [ref: a1360.3/9‑10], and urged moral responsibility, corporate engagement and remediation [ref: a1360.3/13]. Lord Hain queried an FCDO grant partnering with the Anglo American Foundation and asked about due diligence given Kabwe and silicosis claims [ref: a1362.0/3‑8]. The Bishop of Norwich proposed investor‑backed national initiatives and a UN‑supported global legacy fund, and sought a ministerial meeting [ref: a1363.0/7‑8]. Lord Callanan cautioned that colonial‑era impacts are hard to quantify and said it is for independent states to regulate companies now, while supporting UK help on regulation and Africa’s energy transition [ref: a1369.0/6‑9]. Closing, Baroness Chapman said the High Commission is following Kabwe litigation [ref: a1371.0/3], confirmed due diligence for the FCDO partnership [ref: a1371.0/4], and stressed responsible mining standards and governance (UN/OECD principles; EITI) [ref: a1371.0/16‑17].

Schools and Universities: Language Learning – Motion to Take Note

Baroness Coussins warned of a teacher supply “vicious circle” through the GCSE–A‑level–university pipeline and said only 43% of recruitment targets were met in 2024 [ref: a1375.2/8‑9]. She proposed a visa waiver for qualified MFL teachers, restoring bursaries/relocation support, an Advanced Modern Languages Premium to boost A‑level take‑up—estimated at £3 million annually [ref: a1375.2/17]—and OfS strategic (C1) funding for language degrees [ref: a1375.2/19]. Peers backed visa flexibilities and earlier language teaching; several criticised the 2004 decision to end compulsory languages at 14/GCSE [ref: a1380.1/5; a1382.0/4]. Replying, Minister Baroness Smith of Malvern reported more trainees this year with £20,000 tax‑free bursaries and £22,000 scholarships [ref: a1406.0/5‑7], said overseas teachers can secure QTS and skilled worker visas at lower salary thresholds than most occupations [ref: a1406.0/8], confirmed the international relocation payment has ended [ref: a1406.0/11], and announced rejoining Erasmus+ on discounted, reviewed terms [ref: a1406.0/12]. She outlined strengthening primary languages in the national curriculum and exploring a flexible new qualification to recognise progress [ref: a1406.0/16‑18].

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – Motion to Resolve (Time for Further Scrutiny)

Lord Falconer proposed providing further time so the House can complete scrutiny and return the Bill to the Commons this Session, warning that otherwise “we will fail in our responsibility to scrutinise the Bill” [ref: a1411.3/5]. He said the motion “does not preclude the possibility of a negative vote at Third Reading” [ref: a1411.3/8]. The Leader, Baroness Smith, emphasised the debate should focus on time allocation and said any extra time would be discussed via the usual channels, without using government time [ref: a1413.1/2; a1413.1/4]. After debate, the Motion was agreed without division—“Motion agreed” [ref: a1426.1/2]. The Government Chief Whip said he would seek to adjourn the House around 3 pm the next day and hold urgent discussions on a way forward [ref: a1426.4/2].