Lords Strengthen Children’s Care as Rail, Wind Plans Unveiled

High-Level Summary

The House of Lords conducted introductions, oral questions across multiple policy areas, two major Statements, and Report stage on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Peers scrutinised the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s draft code on single‑sex spaces, the costs and handling of public inquiries, domestic abuse affecting children, UK–Japan nuclear collaboration, and proposed US tariffs linked to Greenland. The House agreed several significant amendments to the Children’s Bill (including on adoption support funding review, sibling contact, NHS involvement in regional care co‑operation, joint funding for children deprived of liberty, and notifications for children in temporary accommodation). Debates also covered Northern Powerhouse Rail and offshore wind auction results, and the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill completed its Lords stages.

Detailed Summary

Introductions: Lord Docherty of Milngavie and Lord Pitt‑Watson

Joseph Paul Docherty was introduced as Baron Docherty of Milngavie and took the oath; David James Pitt‑Watson was introduced as Baron Pitt‑Watson and made the solemn affirmation. Both signed the undertaking to abide by the Code of Conduct [ref: a1.0/1, a1.2/1].

EHRC Code of Practice on single‑sex spaces – Question

Answering for the Government, Baroness Smith of Malvern said Ministers are considering the draft updated Code of Practice and, if approved, the Secretary of State will lay it before Parliament, which will then have 40 days to consider it [ref: a1.7/1]. She stressed the need for clarity and legal defensibility: “we need a code of practice that is both clear and legally defensible” [ref: a1.9/1]. On roles, she said: “It is for the independent commission to consult on and put forward the code to the Minister … Then it is the Minister’s responsibility … to lay it before the House” [ref: a3.2/1]. Peers asked for a timetable; the Minister declined, arguing time is needed to ensure what is laid “is legally defensible” [ref: a3.4/1]. Questions covered proportionality and the For Women Scotland judgment [ref: a3.0/1], workability [ref: a3.6/1], and the legal protections for trans people, with the Minister stating: “trans people’s rights remain protected within the Equality Act 2010” [ref: a4.1/1]. She urged providers, including in the NHS, to review policies in light of the judgment [ref: a4.3/1, a5.0/1]. Outcome: no timetable; process and legal context reiterated. Next steps: Government consideration continues; possible laying before Parliament if approved.

Public inquiries: costs and conduct – Question

Baroness Anderson of Stoke‑on‑Trent cited indicative costs: approximately £31 million for the Covid Inquiry in the first two quarters of 2025‑26, £26 million for the Post Office/Horizon Inquiry in 2024‑25, and £25 million for the Government’s Covid‑19 inquiry legal response in 2024‑25 [ref: a5.3/1]. She said departments must now present a business case to a Cabinet Office Minister before proposing an inquiry, following changes to the Ministerial Code [ref: a5.5/1]. There are “currently 21 public inquiries on the statute book, of which 16 are active” [ref: a6.3/1]. Peers urged quicker conclusions; the Minister agreed that “expediting this is key” [ref: a6.5/1], and explained national security handling via public interest immunity certificates [ref: a7.1/1]. She said a Statement on the Public Office (Accountability) Bill (“Hillsborough law”) would be made in the Commons that afternoon [ref: a7.3/1], and acknowledged the case for more scrutiny of implementation: “we do appreciate that more scrutiny is required” [ref: a8.0/1]. Outcome: no aggregate total provided; reforms to initiation, oversight and implementation restated. Next steps: Commons Statement; PACAC call for evidence noted.

Domestic violence affecting children and learned behaviour – Question

Lord Hanson of Flint said tackling abuse in teenage relationships and preventing abuse before it happens is “a priority for the Government” within the violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy [ref: a8.5/1]. He confirmed a Home Office scoping review into the legal framework of domestic abuse, including reviewing the Domestic Abuse Act’s age limit, due to conclude this year [ref: a9.0/1]. He emphasised multi‑agency cooperation [ref: a9.2/1] and cited additional funding: “We have put an extra £20 million into the violence against women and girls strategy” [ref: a9.4/1], plus £13.1 million for a new National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection [ref: a10.0/1]. Other issues raised included training needs (including for girls whose bruising may be less visible on darker skin tones) [ref: a10.2/1], Ofcom’s role under the Online Safety Act [ref: a11.2/1], and action on FGM, with “checks … at the border” [ref: a11.6/1]. Outcome: policy review under way; funding and coordination measures restated. Next steps: report back on the statutory age review; continued VAWG implementation.

High‑temperature gas‑cooled reactors (HTGRs) and UK–Japan collaboration – Question

Lord Vallance of Balham said the Government will publish “very soon” an advanced nuclear framework to set a pathway for privately led projects, with an assessment process for credible UK deployment [ref: a12.2/1]. He noted two memoranda of co‑operation with Japan—2023 and 2024—covering HTGRs and fuel, with regular meetings, most recently on 3 December [ref: a12.4/1]. The framework aims to allow multiple technologies pathways in the UK [ref: a13.0/1], with siting policy under review and Great British Nuclear reporting in the autumn [ref: a13.2/1]. On industrial heat and hydrogen, the Minister said HTGR heat is “very important” and highlighted a Japanese demonstrator “ready to go in 2028, specifically focused on hydrogen” [ref: a13.4/1, a14.0/1]. On fuel supply, he said: “We have a committed ban on using any import from Russian nuclear fuel by 2028 … We have also invested £300 million” in HALEU production [ref: a14.2/1]. He added that for SMRs, “we want to ensure that 70% of the supply chain … is through British construction” [ref: a15.0/1], with strong information security [ref: a15.4/1]. Outcome: framework imminent; collaboration deepening. Next steps: publish the framework; siting review in the autumn; respond to Fingleton recommendations by end‑February [ref: a14.4/1].

Proposed US tariffs and Greenland – Private Notice Question

Baroness Chapman of Darlington said: “the use of tariffs against our allies is completely wrong” and any decision on Greenland’s future status “belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone” [ref: a15.7/1]. She warned UK sectors including cars, aerospace, life sciences and steel would be hit if tariffs proceeded [ref: a16.0/1]. On approach, she said: “It is called diplomacy. Our aim is to de‑escalate the situation” [ref: a16.2/1], citing direct engagement between the Prime Minister and President Trump [ref: a17.3/1]. She distinguished Greenlandic self‑determination from the Chagos case on legal grounds [ref: a17.1/1], and noted there are “many ways” to resolve the US’s concerns, stressing alliance “collegiately, diplomatically” [ref: a20.0/1]. Outcome: firm stance against tariffs; no WTO complaint at this stage. Next steps: continued diplomatic engagement; NATO unity stressed [ref: a19.3/1].

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Bill – Third Reading

Legislative consent was granted by Northern Ireland and Scotland [ref: a20.4/1]. Baroness Chapman said the Bill enables the UK to take the next steps to ratify the BBNJ Agreement “in the coming months” and signals UK leadership in protecting the ocean [ref: a20.7/3]. Cross‑party speakers supported swift implementation and ambition at the first conference of the parties, expected in August [ref: a21.0/1, a21.1/2]. The Bill passed and was “returned to the Commons with amendments” [ref: a22.1/2]. Next steps: further Commons consideration; UK preparation for COP and ratification timetable.

Digital ID – Answer to Commons Urgent Question (considered in the Lords)

Lord Collins of Highbury said the Government “do not recognise what the OBR reported as an accurate cost” for the programme and will consult before scope and cost are decided [ref: a23.1/1]. He stated GOV.UK One Login has “about 9 million to 10 million” users and follows National Cyber Security Centre advice [ref: a23.1/2]. Ministers confirmed digital ID will be voluntary: “it is not compulsory” and “no one will be disadvantaged as a consequence of the scheme” [ref: a24.1/1, a24.1/2]. He said the Government will lead rather than leave provision to the private sector [ref: a25.0/1], and that there will be “no … centralised database” [ref: a25.2/1]. A national consultation will shape design and inclusivity measures [ref: a25.4/1]. Outcome: voluntary, consultative approach reaffirmed; security stance outlined. Next steps: consultation and primary legislation; aim to roll out “around 2028” [ref: a24.1/1].

Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) – Statement

The Government announced up to £45 billion for NPR, proceeding in three phases, with £1.1 billion over the next four years for development [ref: a26.1/5, a26.1/9]. Phase 1 prioritises electrification and upgrades east of the Pennines, including planning a new Bradford station (subject to business case) and a redesigned York station masterplan [ref: a26.1/9, a26.1/10]. Phase 2 delivers a predominantly new Liverpool–Manchester route via a new airport station and Warrington Bank Quay, with work resuming on an adapted hybrid Bill for Manchester planning consent [ref: a26.1/11]. Phase 3, into the 2040s, adds further Pennine connectivity [ref: a26.1/12]. The Government’s “long‑term aim” is “a full new north‑south line to Birmingham from Manchester”, with land between the West Midlands and Crewe retained [ref: a26.1/13, a26.1/14]. Responding to scrutiny, Ministers said no wholly new line across the Pennines is planned, with the trans‑Pennine route upgrade to “deliver what is virtually a new railway” [ref: a30.1/5]. Some benefits should be felt in the 2030s, including the Bradford and Leeds schemes [ref: a30.1/6, a32.1/2]. The £45 billion envelope is in 2026 prices; Great British Railways will play a major role [ref: a34.2/1]. Mayors are partners in specification and may contribute, including through land‑value capture [ref: a34.4/1]. Outcome: supportive but probing scrutiny on timing, costs and HS2 legacy; programme design affirmed. Next steps: continued design and business cases; legislative steps for the Manchester route.

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill – Report (Day 2): key outcomes

Financial literacy and support in the local offer: Government amendments were agreed to require local authorities’ care leaver local offers to include “financial literacy” and “providing financial support for care leavers” [ref: a49.1/2, a49.1/3]. The Minister said this will help care leavers understand services and increase accountability [ref: a38.3/5, a38.3/6]. Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASSGF): The House agreed Amendment 46 requiring a review of per‑child funding and recommendations to increase it (Division: Ayes 235, Noes 164) [ref: a67.1/1]. Lord Storey said the fund “has helped children and their families access a wide range of interventions” and cuts caused “huge stress” [ref: a63.0/7, a62.2/9]. A subsequent amendment to mandate immediate restoration of the cut was not moved [ref: a70.2/1]. Sibling contact: Amendment 49 passed to require care plans to promote contact with all siblings not living together, including those not in care (Division: Ayes 232, Noes 160) [ref: a70.4/2, a70.7/1]. The mover said it closes a loophole so contact plans cover siblings outside care “so far as … consistent with the child’s welfare” [ref: a50.0/5]. Notifications for children in temporary accommodation: A Government amendment created a duty on housing authorities to notify a child’s GP, health visiting service and educational institution when a child is placed in temporary accommodation, with consent, and to “take reasonable steps” to notify within 14 days [ref: a73.1/2]. Peers welcomed the change [ref: a76.0/1]. Regional care co‑operation and the NHS: Amendment 51 passed, requiring regional co‑operation arrangements to include the local integrated care board in their development, delivery and governance (Division: Ayes 216, Noes 161) [ref: a78.1/1, a78.2/1]. Children deprived of liberty (DoL): Amendment 56 passed to require joint funding arrangements by specified health bodies for care under Section 25 (Division: Ayes 159, Noes 153) [ref: a87.2/2, a88.1/1]. An amendment to require an annual parliamentary review of Section 25 orders was defeated (Ayes 148, Noes 156) [ref: a90.3/2, a91.2/1]. A proposal to add an explicit education duty in DoL accommodation was withdrawn after assurances on existing duties [ref: a81.2/1, a87.0/3]. Alternative provision oversight: The Government resisted statutory registration of all non‑school alternative provision; Ministers said strengthened local frameworks and national standards will be brought forward via the forthcoming schools White Paper [ref: a57.0/17]. Outcome: multiple significant Lords amendments agreed; several Government changes accepted and promoted. Next steps: further Lords consideration as Report continues; Government guidance and related reforms to follow.

Offshore wind (Allocation Round 7) – Statement

Ministers reported a “record‑breaking” outcome securing 8.4 GW of offshore wind capacity, including fixed and floating projects [ref: a93.1/2, a93.1/4]. They highlighted costs: an average fixed offshore strike price of £90.91/MWh versus £147/MWh to build and operate new gas plant, anticipating “£22 billion in private investment” and “at least 7,000 good jobs” [ref: a93.1/7, a93.1/11]. A clean industry bonus is intended to anchor supply chains in the UK [ref: a93.1/12]. Critics raised intermittency and current generation mix; one Peer noted at that moment “nearly 60%” of power came from gas and “only 18%” from wind [ref: a96.0/3]. The Minister replied AR7 procured “8.4 gigawatts of new, clean, low‑carbon power” at a clearing price “20% below the administrative ceiling price”, contrasting renewables’ stable domestic supply with volatile gas markets [ref: a99.0/3, a99.0/4]. He pointed to forthcoming detail on floating wind and system plans, including grid and efficiency measures. Outcome: auction framed as a major step towards clean power and energy security, with debate over costs and integration. Next steps: publish remaining AR7 technology results; “warm homes plan” expected within a week [ref: a102.0/1].