Lords Back Civility, Tackle Steel Tariffs and Poverty

High-Level Summary

The House of Lords conducted oral questions on access to face-to-face banking, transnational marriage abandonment, the use of AI in prostate cancer screening, and livestock grazing on Dartmoor. Peers also examined the Government’s steel tariff measures due to begin on 1 July, and debated the Jo Cox Civility Commission’s recommendations, severe ME services and research, and the Government’s child poverty strategy. Two Bills received first readings. The House agreed the Jo Cox civility motion, and ministers set out actions on social cohesion, electoral protections and support for elected representatives.

Detailed Summary

Introduction of Baroness Grainger

Dame Katherine Jane Grainger, DBE, was introduced as Baroness Grainger, took the oath and signed the undertaking to abide by the Code of Conduct, supported by Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws and Baroness Grey-Thompson.

Face-to-face Banking Services – Oral Question

Responding for the Government, Lord Wilson of Sedgefield said: “The Government are committed to ensuring that people who need face-to-face banking can continue to access essential services,” adding that an independent review had been commissioned and that powers in financial services legislation could be used if needed. He noted “93% of adults now use online banking,” but confirmed a target of 350 banking hubs this Parliament, with 239 already operational, including seven in Northern Ireland, and said the consultation “ends in July”. Peers raised concerns about customer service, small business needs, tech companies’ roles, and competition. Ministers highlighted alternatives such as post offices—“99% of the population are within three miles of a post office”—and plans to expand credit unions to help financial inclusion: “This supports the Government’s ambition to double the size of the mutual sector”. No immediate policy changes were announced pending the review’s recommendations.

Transnational Marriage Abandonment – Oral Question

Lord Hanson of Flint said the Government monitor applications under the transnational marriage abandonment route, with “82 applications in 2024 and 69 in 2025” recorded so far. He confirmed that, from January 2024, the victim of domestic abuse category was expanded to include transnational marriage abandonment so individuals can apply “without a fee,” adding that the usual fee of “around £3,200” is waived for victims. On prosecutions for passport-related offences in these cases, he acknowledged data gaps: “I cannot give him figures now” and suspected they might not be available in writing. He agreed to meet external experts named in the debate and said the Government are “keeping all matters under review,” focusing on prevention through existing legislation rather than proposing new offences at this stage.

Prostate Cancer Screening and AI – Oral Question

Baroness Merron said the Government have invested £113 million in the AI in Health and Care Award, but AI “will not be used in the targeted prostate cancer screening programme when this is introduced,” while maintaining the underlying evidence model so AI can be adopted rapidly if justified. She confirmed the first targeted screening “will roll out next year and will focus on those at the highest risk,” and that pilots will test AI support for MRI interpretation via the cancer programme innovation open call. On regulation and equity, she said safety and fairness come first, with an MHRA-established commission reviewing the framework. She gave a clear assurance on bias: “Yes, I can give that commitment” that AI tools will not widen inequalities, including for Black men. A workforce plan will be published “fairly soon”.

Livestock Grazing on Dartmoor National Park – Oral Question

Lord Katz said Natural England “has not announced plans to reduce livestock grazing on Dartmoor by 75%,” and stressed collaborative, adaptive grazing to address ecological decline. He categorically rejected any consideration of a pony cull: “Natural England has not recommended a cull of Dartmoor ponies … The Dartmoor hill ponies are part of that solution, not the problem”. He underlined stakeholder working through the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group, and clarified that the ELM moorland offer includes “supplements for grazing with ponies, cattle and native breeds,” recognising the need for the right stock mix. On scheme delivery, he said the Rural Payments Agency “has been tasked to work on a solution” for commons applications to SFI/ELM and will communicate its approach once complete.

Short-term Leases (Disclosure of Information) Bill [HL] – First Reading

A Bill to confer powers on local authorities to require information from short‑term rental property owners was introduced by Lord Bailey of Paddington, read a first time and ordered to be printed. Next steps on scheduling a Second Reading were not stated in the transcript.

National Security (State Threats) Bill – First Reading

The National Security (State Threats) Bill was brought from the Commons, read a first time and ordered to be printed. Next steps on scheduling a Second Reading were not stated in the transcript.

Steel Tariffs – Commons Urgent Question (answered in the Lords)

Ministers restated the plan from 1 July to limit tariff‑free steel imports, with any excess facing a 50% tariff, to counter global overcapacity. Protecting primary steel production was described as “crucial”. Transitional arrangements were outlined for goods under contract before 14 March and imported between 1 July and 30 September 2026, with quarterly quotas, carry‑over and a 12‑month review. Lord Leong said the Government are consulting and “will continue engaging with industry and finalise the measures ahead of implementation on 1 July”. On EU talks, he said the UK is “engaging closely” to protect vital trade but would not comment on live discussions. Calls to delay were resisted: “Delaying implementation would leave the UK exposed to damaging global overcapacity”.

Jo Cox Civility Commission – Motion to Take Note

Baroness Royall honoured Jo Cox’s legacy and set out current challenges of abuse, intimidation and loneliness. She highlighted the Civility Commission’s practical wins, including “expanded police support and security co-ordination for elected representatives … making security costs exempt … [and] ending the requirement for councillors to publish their addresses”. For the Government, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage cited their social cohesion action plan, Protecting What Matters, actions to counter extremism and online harms, funding for Operation Ford to support elected officials, and legal changes so those who intimidate electoral staff can be disqualified and face “tougher sentences”. She added the Government is “committed to commencing Section 106 of the Equality Act 2010” on candidate diversity data. The motion was agreed: “Motion agreed”.

Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) – Question for Short Debate

Peers pressed for faster progress on services for severe and very severe ME and for stronger biomedical research. Baroness Merron said the final delivery plan, published in July last year, is being implemented, with “three-quarters of the plan’s actions” completed or commenced and an “update … will be communicated next month”. She highlighted £4.75 million for SequenceME to create a genetic map, NHS e‑learning for clinicians, and a forthcoming service specification that will include severe ME. She said interim measures are being considered ahead of April next year, and that an expert advisory panel is not currently planned. She undertook to write regarding implementation of NICE guidance and reasonable adjustments in the single patient record.

Child Poverty – Motion to Take Note

Baroness Lister welcomed the abolition of the two‑child limit in universal credit, citing the official estimate that its abolition “will reduce the number of children in poverty by 550,000 by 2030,” while urging action on the benefit cap, local housing allowance and local anti‑poverty strategies. Replying, Baroness Sherlock said the Government’s child poverty strategy aims to lift “550,000 children out of poverty” this Parliament, with transparent monitoring and oversight via a cross‑government unit now in DWP. She highlighted the extension of free school meals to all families on universal credit, which “will lift around 100,000 children out of poverty”, investment through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, and confirmed the benefit cap must be reviewed by November 2027. She added that the socioeconomic duty will be commenced “soon”. The motion was agreed.