Lords Signal Harder Line on Steel, Security and Social Media
High-Level Summary
The House of Lords opened with an oath and proceeded through oral questions on environment targets, online hate, overseas development assistance, child protection and AI national security. Ministers pointed to a revised Environmental Improvement Plan, Ofcom’s ongoing compliance and crisis work under the Online Safety Act, forthcoming publication of FCDO country allocations, a focus on family support rather than legal change on physical punishment, and investment in UK sovereign AI capabilities. Two Commons Urgent Question repeats covered VAT on compassionate-use medicines and the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan; a Commons Statement on a Royal Navy-led interdiction of a Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker was also repeated. The Government announced intent to ban social media for under‑16s and restrict certain features for 16–17s, the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill had its Second Reading, and an order reintroducing the supplementary vote for combined authority mayors was approved.
Detailed Summary
Oaths and Affirmations
Lord Harlech took the oath and signed the undertaking to abide by the Code of Conduct: “Lord Harlech took the oath, and signed an undertaking to abide by the Code of Conduct.” No further proceedings.
Environment Act 2021 Targets – Question
The Bishop of Norwich asked how the Government will meet Environment Act species abundance targets, citing the Office for Environmental Protection’s warning that actions remain “largely off track to meet EA21 targets”. Baroness Hayman of Ullock said Defra had published a revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) in December 2025 setting prioritised actions and responsibilities: “It includes prioritised actions to deliver our goals and ambitious Environment Act targets”. She said the OEP assessment pre‑dated the revision and that interim targets had been reset. Peers raised metrics (Baroness Willis), invasive species (Lord Gardiner), bottom trawling (Lord Walker), river health (Baroness Bakewell), habitat condition and nitrogen pollution (Lord Krebs), and private investment (Lord Roborough). The Minister stressed better data—“Unless you have accurate data, you do not know whether you have set the right targets”—and highlighted land‑sharing and land‑sparing approaches alongside work with the MMO on trawling. On rivers she warned, “if we do not get our freshwater rivers sorted out, we are not going to meet our targets”, acknowledged nitrogen pressures, and underlined the need for private finance: “government cannot pay for everything”. No decisions were sought.
Online Hate Speech – Question
Baroness Berger asked about the impact of online hate speech. Baroness Lloyd of Effra said illegal hateful content can incite violence and “The Government are clear that hatred or division, online or offline, will not be tolerated”. She noted Ofcom’s compliance programme for major platforms and commitments secured from X, adding that after disorder in Belfast Ofcom “wrote to services to remind them of the duties,” and the Government will lay updates to bring into effect Ofcom’s strengthened crisis code. Peers raised algorithmic amplification (Baroness Teather), antisemitism (Lord Pickles), platform power (Baroness Kidron) and foreign interference (Viscount Camrose). The Minister said the Government will examine the role of algorithms—“we will look at the way in which algorithms can increase the spread of harmful content”—reiterated a commitment to “stamping out antisemitism”, and confirmed the Online Safety Act makes foreign interference a priority offence requiring proactive action by services. She confirmed platforms must remove illegal content that stirs up hatred based on protected characteristics. No vote.
Official Development Assistance: Bilateral Allocations – Question
Baroness Sugg asked when bilateral ODA allocations will be published. Baroness Chapman of Darlington replied: “The Government are committed to publishing FCDO country ODA allocations in or before the FCDO annual report and accounts 2025-26. The annual report is due to be published in July.” She said posts will have three‑year certainty and plan as portfolios to fit local priorities. On HIV/AIDS she cited a strong commitment to the Global Fund, agreed on working with Defence on WPS and girls’ education, emphasised leveraging private capital to meet the SDGs, and endorsed empowering local faith actors in Ebola responses. On UNRWA, she said funding was reinstated with expectations of high standards: “it is important that we maintain our funding of UNRWA”. She confirmed continued programmes in Afghanistan focusing on women and girls and pressing multilaterals on women and girls. No decisions were taken.
Children: Physical Punishment – Question
Baroness Walmsley asked about a UCL report on physical punishment. Baroness Smith of Malvern welcomed the evidence and set the Government’s approach as prioritising support via schools and family hubs: “The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act is a key step … and will deliver new measures to support children’s behaviour, well-being and protection”. While acknowledging correlations, she cautioned the study “does not necessarily prove causality”. She argued legal change is not the most effective protection compared to system reform: “I am not sure that changes to the specifics of the law around reasonable punishment are the most important and effective way to protect children”, stressing existing law and guidance: “The law in this country gives the strong message that it is wrong to assault a child”. She highlighted Welsh implementation lessons, investment in parenting support including “£900 million” for Best Start in Life centres, and a stronger duty to report abuse. No change in the law was announced.
Artificial Intelligence: National Security Implications – Private Notice Question
Baroness Kidron asked about US restrictions on access to Anthropic’s models and UK implications. Baroness Lloyd of Effra said the UK takes AI sovereignty and security seriously, highlighting the AI Security Institute’s pre‑release testing access and investment in sovereign capability: “No Government take AI sovereignty and security more seriously than this one” and “We are investing £1.6 billion in the UK’s sovereign AI capabilities”. She confirmed Mythos and Fable are unavailable worldwide. Pressed on statutory powers to block launches, she said sector regulators are “best placed” to address AI risks in their areas. On cyber resilience, she cited joint AISI–NCSC guidance. She agreed to consider the Alan Turing Institute’s sovereign model proposal and defined sovereignty as leverage across the AI value chain with five priority areas. She noted ongoing contact with the US but declined to discuss its export controls. She undertook to share relevant correspondence with the whole House. No motion.
Private Members’ Bills: First Readings
Two Bills were introduced and ordered to be printed. Lord Balfe’s Local Elections (Proportional Representation) Bill received a First Reading: “The Bill was introduced by Lord Balfe, read a first time and ordered to be printed.” Baroness Stowell of Beeston’s Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation Bill also received a First Reading, with her declaration of external support. No debate or decisions at this stage.
Commons Urgent Question (repeat): Compassionate Use Medicine Schemes – VAT
The Government’s Commons Answer was repeated. It explained that VAT can apply to free supplies under long‑standing rules on ‘deemed supplies’ where input VAT has been recovered. Baroness Merron said, “this is not a new policy” and that companies are aware VAT can be due. She added Ministers are “working closely with pharma companies” and others to find a solution. She confirmed engagement with cancer charities and wider steps to speed access to medicines, including the joint MHRA–NICE pathway reducing timelines by “three to six … months”. On calculation, VAT is due as “taxable deemed supplies” even when medicines are free. HMRC is “using its discretion to extend deadlines” and suspend collection pending reviews. Data on patients denied treatment were not available at the despatch box. No policy change announced.
Commons Urgent Question (repeat): Defence Investment Plan
Peers questioned Lord Coaker on defence funding, timelines and priorities ahead of publication of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). He said priorities and future funding will be set out in the DIP: “The priorities, and the moneys for the future, will be laid out in the defence investment plan”. He reiterated the Prime Minister’s position that defence will be the “number one priority in every spending review,” including 2027. Points raised included operational funding and reserves, retention and well‑being, possible external financing vehicles (no current plans to join the defence, security and resilience bank), bringing forward capabilities to 2030, and procurement reform: “We have reformed and changed how procurement operates”. No decisions were taken.
Russian Shadow Fleet – Statement
A Commons Statement was repeated detailing a Royal Navy‑led interdiction of a sanctioned tanker transporting Russian oil. Royal Marine commandos boarded by fast‑rope at night and “seized control of the vessel without resistance”; the ship is now secured at Weymouth anchorage and a suspect has been arrested. The operation was “conducted in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea”. Lord Coaker said this was not a one‑off, noting deterrent effects—“Some ships were immediately rerouted”—and that the UK has sanctioned 570 ships with around 200 restrained. The Department for Transport will determine the fate of the ship and cargo: “The Department for Transport retains responsibility for these actions”. He undertook to update the House on outcomes: “I will ensure that the House is informed”. On legality, he said the vessel was falsely flagged and thereby lost protections under UNCLOS. No motion.
Social Media Ban for Under‑16s – Statement
The Government announced plans to ban social media services for under‑16s, restrict certain features for 16–17 year‑olds, and prohibit sexualised AI chatbots for under‑18s. The Secretary of State said, “we will ban social media companies from providing their services to under-16s”, will “ban livestreaming for under-16s”, and “ban chatbots that offer sexualised content to under-18s”. Regulations are intended to be laid by year‑end, with the ban coming into effect in early 2027. Baroness Lloyd of Effra cited 116,000 consultation responses, said Ofcom will be asked to ensure “robust and effective enforcement” and publish an enforcement strategy and annual updates, and asked Ofcom to set out options for highly effective age assurance for 16–17 year‑olds by October. She agreed to share draft regulations for scrutiny and confirmed the scope will mirror the Australian model. Geolocation issues will be addressed in writing. No division.
Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill – Second Reading
Lord Leong presented the Bill as a targeted, time‑limited framework to protect strategic steel capability, enabling public ownership where in the public interest, and said Ministers are “strongly minded to use these powers in relation to British Steel”. He highlighted safeguards including a two‑year sunset on principal transfer powers and independent compensation valuation. Supporters argued for sovereign capability and state intervention—“If we can bail out bankers, we can certainly support our steel-workers”—and warned against dependence on hostile actors. Sceptics questioned competitiveness, high energy costs, potential subsidy and trade risks, and the lack of financial detail—“the central issue facing the sector is competitiveness”; the impact assessment admits a possible “chilling effect on investment”; and Parliament was presented “a menu with no prices”. Others sought an exit strategy, clarity on Port Talbot, and assurance on debt classification and costs, warning “Parliament is being asked to buy a pig in a poke”. In reply, Lord Leong pledged transparency on funding, asserted trade must be fair, confirmed the push toward “green steel” via electric arc furnaces and reliefs for energy‑intensive industries, and said government action had prevented “the immediate loss of approximately 2,700 jobs”. He stated there are “no plans to acquire any other steel undertakings”, denied a chilling effect, and noted an independent valuer could determine “nil compensation” depending on circumstances. Outcome: “Bill read a second time and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.”
Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2026 – Motion to Approve
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage moved the Order to reintroduce the supplementary vote (SV) system for combined authority and combined county authority mayors, arguing SV is suitable for single executive roles requiring a broad mandate: “the voting system for mayors and police and crime commissioners should be changed to the supplementary voting system” and is “the most appropriate voting system for single executive offices”. She said the Government intended to implement SV for elections after May 2026 and acted now given a potential Greater Manchester by‑election. The Electoral Commission had “raised no objections”. Critics questioned timing and motive, with Lord Hayward calling it “an attempt to prevent Reform winning the possible Greater Manchester mayoralty by-election”. The Minister reiterated principle, noted that other relevant elections would follow via separate instruments, and agreed to provide information on costs and administration in writing. Outcome: “Motion agreed.”