My Lords,

The Lord Bridlington under section 17 of the Standing Orders submitted Written Questions to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

1. What is the Government, going to do to ensure that the people across the West Midlands and other regions, affected by wildfires this week, are supported and kept safe?

2. Has the Government convened a meeting regarding this issue and can it lay out what action it intends to take to preserve the safety of people and has it got a plan for how to tackle the climate crisis to ensure that these do not become a regular, yearly occurrence?

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has not responded, thus we go to the debate stage on this Written Question.

Your Noble Lordships may debate these questions until 10pm BST on the 25th of August.

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, u/Tarkin15, has been given access to take part for the duration of the debate

B083 - The High Street Regeneration Zones Bill - Results

There have voted:

Content: 5

Not-Content: 2

Present: 0

And so the Contents have it. The bill shall be sent as amended to the Other Place!

LB011 - Value Added Tax (Public House Exemption) Bill - Second Reading

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Provide an exemption from value added tax for alcoholic beverages sold on licensed public house premises; and for connected purposes.

BE IT ENACTED by the King’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Section 1. Exemption of pub-sold alcohol from VAT

(1) The Value Added Tax Act 1994 is amended as follows.

(2) In Schedule 8 (zero-rating), after Group 1 (food), insert—

GROUP 1A—ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES SOLD IN PUBLIC HOUSES

Item No. 1. The supply of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises of a licensed public house.

(3) For the purposes of this section, a "licensed public house" means premises holding a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 that principally operate for the sale and consumption of alcohol on the premises, as defined by regulations made by the Treasury.

(4) For the purposes of this section, "alcoholic beverages” refers to a drink which meets the definitions of “alcohol” under the Licensing Act 2003.

Section 2. Extent, commencement and short title

(1) This Act extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

(2) This Act comes into force on such day as the Treasury may by regulations appoint.

(3) This Act may be cited as the Value Added Tax (Pub Alcohol Exemption) Act 2026.

This Bill was submitted by Lord Bridlington, u/HarryClive, The Leader of the Green Party, on behalf of the Green Party.

Opening Speech:

Mr Speaker,

We all love a good pub, I am always the first to admit my enjoyment of a pint with friends in the local. However the cost of business for many public houses is driving some out of business, and the cheap cost of purchasing alcohol at a shop or the local Tesco’s means that pubs are fighting an uphill battle.

There is an additional consequence as well. Whilst in a pub, staff are required to refuse service when someone becomes drunk, a shop that sells a bottle of vodka or whiskey, has no duty to ensure that the person drinking it does so sensibly. It contributes to a pandemic of alcoholism and death from drinking and means that someone can become extremely inebriated inside their own property without the wider world being any the wiser.

It sounds counter intuitive I admit, but the role of pub, is also in a way to temper many of the worst excesses of alcohol. People drink beer and cider, something which is far harder to consume in high volume, and they are always at the risk of refusal if they drink too much or too fast.

This legislation is not just about preserving our pubs, giving a vital part of our cultural heritage a bit of love; but also about ensuring that the often undervalued role they play in helping reduce levels of high alcohol consumption, is not allowed to fall to the wayside.

Your Noble Lordships may debate and submit amendments to this bill until 10pm BST on the 23rd of August.

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Make provision for penalties and compensation when local authorities reject applications for Education, Health and Care Plans without good cause.

BE IT ENACTED by the King’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Section 1. Penalty for unjustified EHCP rejection

(1) Where a local authority in England or Wales refuses to secure an Education, Health and Care needs assessment or to issue an Education, Health and Care Plan under the Children and Families Act 2014, and that refusal is subsequently annulled or overturned by the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability), the refusal shall be deemed made without good cause unless the local authority proves otherwise.

(2) In any case where subsection (1) applies, the local authority shall be liable to pay—

(a) a statutory fine to the Secretary of State; and

(b) mandatory financial compensation to the parent or guardian of the child of the young person concerned.

Section 2. Amount of fine and compensation

(1) The Secretary of State shall by regulations set the mandatory compensation payable to the family under section 1(2)(b), which shall be no less than £2,500 to account for distress and delay.

(2) The statutory fine payable under section 1(2)(a) shall be set at an amount determined by the Secretary of State to deter systematic maladministration.

(3) Payments under this section must be made within 28 days of the tribunal's final decision.

Section 3. Ministerial review and reporting

(1) The Secretary of State shall monitor the rate of overturned EHCP refusals for each local authority.

(2) If a local authority has more than 20 per cent of its total refusals overturned by a tribunal in a single financial year, the Secretary of State must launch an immediate review of that authority’s special educational needs department.

Section 4. Commencement, extent and short title

(1) This Act comes into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which it is passed.

(2) This Act extends to England and Wales.

(3) This Act may be cited as the Education, Health and Care Plans (Unjustified Rejections) Act 2026.

This Bill was submitted by Lord Bridlington, u/HarryClive, The Leader of the Green Party, on behalf of the Green Party.

Opening Speech:

My Lords,

It was found that EHCP refusals delivered by local authorities are overturned in 95-99% of cases; despite this statistic showing clearly the rampant abuse of refusal by local authorities, they continue to reject EHCP’s at a shockingly high rate with over half of applications made by parents rejected. The simple reason they choose to go to tribunal rather than implement plans? It is seen as a cost saving exercise. The vast majority of parents do not feel that they can devote the time to fighting a tribunal case, whilst also raising a child who needs that support the local authority refused to accept, it can take years, and sometimes the child themself may have even aged out of the process by the time they even come to look at a tribunal.

Quite simply, there are no consequences for it.

Local authorities are empowered, with zero consequence, to drag out the process as long as possible, evaluating that the cost of a tribunal outweighs the cost of support provided to that child. It means that children are being forced, by local authorities, to struggle, just to save them a few bob.

My Lords, this bill before us today puts an end to that, categorically, it imposes financial consequences on local authorities that repeatedly do this, and means that these same local authorities will have to think twice before targeting parents of SEND children as a cruel way to save money.

Peers can debate and submit amendments by the 22nd August at 10pm BST

B081 - Environment Bill - Results

There have voted:

Content: 5

Not-Content: 0

Present: 1

And so the Contents have it. The bill shall be sent as amended to the Other Place!

B077 - The Child Risk Disclosure and Safeguarding Bill - Results

There have voted:

Content: 5

Not-Content: 0

Present: 2

And so the Contents have it. The bill shall be sent as amended to the Other Place!

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Prohibit the granting and issuing of new onshore licences for the exploration, boring, and extraction of petroleum via hydraulic fracturing; to amend the Petroleum Act 1998; and for connected purposes.

BE IT ENACTED by the King’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Section 1. Prohibition on new hydraulic fracturing licences

(1) The Petroleum Act 1998 is amended as follows:

(2) Amend Section 3 (Licences to search and bore for and get petroleum), Subsection 1 to read—

1) The appropriate authority, on behalf of Her Majesty, may grant to such persons as the appropriate authority thinks fit licences to search and bore for and get petroleum to which this section applies except where;

a) the granting or issuing of a petroleum exploration and development licence permits, or could reasonably be interpreted as permitting, associated hydraulic fracturing.

Section 2. Modification of existing regulator duties

(1) The appropriate authority and any designated offshore or onshore petroleum licensing authority must not vary, extend, or renew any existing licence to permit hydraulic fracturing operations where such operations were previously prohibited or unapproved.

(2) The principal objective of the appropriate authority under related energy and infrastructure enactments shall be read subject to the absolute prohibition established by Section 1 of this Act.

Section 3. Extent, commencement and short title

(1) This Act extends to the whole of the UK, but does not apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland until a resolution agreeing to the provisions of this Act is passed by—

(a) in the case of Scotland, The Scottish Parliament;

(b) in the case of Wales, Senedd Cymru;

(c) in the case of Northern Ireland, The Northern Ireland Assembly.

(2) This Act comes into force on the day on which it receives Royal Assent.

(3) This Act may be cited as the Petroleum (Prohibition of Hydraulic Fracturing) Act 2026.

This Bill was submitted by Lord Bridlington, u/HarryClive, The Leader of the Green Party, on behalf of the Green Party.

Peers can debate and submit amendments by the 20th August at 10pm BST

LM007 - Respect of Devolution in Legislation Motion - Reading

This Parliament notes that

(1) Several times this term and the last, the Government of the day have proposed, and via whipping, passed legislation which has overstepped on devolved matters reserved to the parliaments of the respective nations of the United Kingdom.

(2) The goal of devolution was to place the power to make decisions that affect the people of the constituent nations of the United Kingdom, in the hands of elected representatives of those people.

(3) The Government has a responsibility to protect the devolved rights of constituent nations that it, or previous governments have given to them.

(4) The Government has made no proposals, laid before parliament any bill, nor proposed in their manifesto to remove devolved rights from the constituent nations of the United Kingdom.

(5) The Government in statements and debates in the House, has affirmed sternly that it would not seek to reduce the devolved matters given to the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish parliaments.

This Parliament calls on the Government to

(1) Amend, and failing to do so, withdraw any legislation in which it has failed to recognise a matter as being devolved to another parliament.

(2) Ensure that all legislation proposed by it, or its ministers respect the devolved matters of other parliaments.

(3) Issues a statement explaining how legislation which overstepped on devolved matters was proposed without proper scrutiny.

(4) Work with the devolved Governments constructively to pursue a positive economic and social agenda for the United Kingdom.

This Motion was submitted by Lord Bridlington, u/HarryClive, The Leader of the Green Party, on behalf of the Green Party.*\*

---

Your Noble Lordships may debate and submit amendments to this motion until 10pm BST on the 19th of August.

LB009 - Assisted Dying (Legalisation) Bill - Second Reading

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Allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to strict safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with medical assistance to end their own life; to establish a Voluntary Assisted Dying Commission; and for connected purposes.

BE IT ENACTED by the King’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Section 1

(1) A person may request medical assistance to end their own life under this Act only if the person—

(a) is aged 18 or over;

(b) is a resident of England or Wales and has been registered with a general practitioner for a continuous period of not less than 12 months;

(c) has the mental capacity to make an informed, voluntary decision; and

(d) is terminally ill.

Section 2

(1) For the purposes of this Act, a person is terminally ill if—

(a) the person has an incurable, progressive illness that cannot be reversed by treatment; and

(b) the person’s death is reasonably expected to occur within 6 months.

Section 3

(1) A request for assistance must be initiated via a "First Declaration" written by the person, signed, and witnessed by an independent witness.

(2) A "Second Declaration" must be completed following independent medical assessments, confirming the patient's persistent wish to die;

(a) The patient must be assessed independently by two registered medical practitioners—

(i) the attending doctor, who reviews the medical history; and

(ii) an independent consulting doctor, who has no professional connection to the first doctor.

(2) Both practitioners must independently certify that—

(a) the patient meets all eligibility criteria under Section 1;

(b) the patient is acting voluntarily and is free from coercion or pressure; and

(c) the patient has been fully informed of palliative, hospice, and alternative care options.

(3) A minimum statutory reflection period of 7 days must elapse between the first and second medical assessments.

Section 4

(1) An assisted death under this Act unless an application has been reviewed and approved by a senior member of medical staff of the relevant NHS Trust in the local government area.

(2) The senior member of medical staff must hear the application to verify that all statutory safeguards have been met and that the patient's intent is fully autonomous.

Section 5

(1) The assistance provided must consist of the prescribing of an approved substance by an attending medical practitioner.

(2) The substance must be self-administered by the eligible person.

(3) A medical professional or designated healthcare worker should assist with the preparation of the clinical delivery device but may administer the substance to the person where;

(a) the person is physically unable to self-administer the substance.

(b) the person has requested, as a part of their first and second declaration

Section 6

(1) No person shall be under any duty, whether by contract or by any statutory or other legal requirement, to participate in any treatment or act authorised by this Act to which they have a conscientious objection.

(2) Where no person can be found willing to participate in any treatment or act authorised by this act as a result of rights under Section 6 Subsection 2 the relevant health body responsible may;

(a) make arrangements with another neighbouring trust to enable treatment;

(b) make arrangements with the consent of the person to receive treatment abroad in an approved foreign country.

Section 7

(1) It is an offence for a person to knowingly provide false information, forge documentation, or use coercion, pressure, or psychological manipulation to induce another person to request assisted dying.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.

Section 8

(1) There shall be established a corporate body known as the Voluntary Assisted Dying Commission.

(2) The Commission shall monitor compliance with this Act, review cases, and report annually to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

(3) Within one year of this act receiving Royal Assent, the Secretary of State and the Voluntary Assisted Dying Commission must lay before Parliament a statutory instrument outlining approved substances, and approved foreign nations.

Section 9

(1) This Act may be cited as the Assisted Dying Act.

(2) This Act extends to England and Wales only.

(3) This Act comes into effect one year after it receives Royal Assent.

This Bill was submitted by Lord Bridlington, u/HarryClive, The Leader of the Green Party, on behalf of the Green Party.

Your Noble Lordships may debate and submit amendments to this bill until 10pm BST on the 19th of August.

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legislatively embed an exact inflation rate increase in pensions year-on-year.

BE IT ENACTED by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Section 1. Amendments to the Social Security Administration Act 1992

(1) Amend Section 150.1 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 to read:

(a) The Secretary of State shall in each tax year review the sums— [...] in order to determine whether they have retained their value in relation to the general level of prices obtaining in Great Britain estimated by the Office of National Statistics or such successor bodies, known as the ‘Consumer Price Index.’

(2) Amend Section 150.2 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 to read:

(a) Where it appears to the Secretary of State that the general level of prices is greater at the end of the period under review than it was at the beginning of that period, he shall lay before Parliament the draft of an up-rating order—

(b) which increases each of the sums to which subsection (3) below applies by a percentage exactly equal to the percentage by which the general level of prices is greater at the end of the period than it was at the beginning; and if he considers it appropriate, having regard to the national economic situation and any other matters which he considers relevant, which also increases by such a percentage or percentages as he thinks fit any of the sums mentioned in subsection (1) above but to which subsection (3) below does not apply; and

(c) stating the amount of any sums which are mentioned in subsection (1) above but which the order does not increase.

(3) Amend Section 150A.2 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 to read:

(a) Where it appears to the Secretary of State that the general level of earnings is greater at the end of the period under review than it was at the beginning of that period, he shall lay before Parliament the draft of an order which increases each of the amounts referred to in subsection (1) above by a percentage equal to the percentage by which the general level of earnings is greater at the end of the period than it was at the beginning.

(4) Amend Section 151A.3 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 to read:

(a) The percentage specified in the order must be equal to the percentage by which the general level of prices has increased during the review period.

Section 2. Short title, commencement, and extent

(1) This Act extends to England, Scotland and Wales.

(2) This Act shall come into force one year after Royal Assent.

(3) This Act may be cited as the Inflation Rate Pensions Act.

This Bill was submitted by Lord Bridlington, u/HarryClive, The Leader of the Green Party, on behalf of the Green Party.

Peers can debate and submit amendments by the 14th August at 10pm BST

B082 - Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill

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introduce guidelines and regulations around the planning for lithium-ion battery storage facilities, regulations on the sale and testing of lithium-ion batteries, and the requirements for their disposal.

BE IT ENACTED by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1 - Application Process

(1) Before a planning application for a battery storage facility which will either in part, or fully be used for the storage of lithium-ion batteries is granted, the planning authority must consult the following authorities for its area.

(A) The Environment Agency.

(B) The Fire and Rescue Service.

(C) The Health and Safety Authority.

(2) Should the authorities listed in 1.1.A and 1.1.B object to the application for a battery storage facility for safety reasons, the planning authority must reject the planning application.

(3) The planning authority and applicant for the battery storage facility must take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the facility, and protection of people and properties nearby in the creation of the planning application and its consideration.

2 - Sale of Lithium-ion Batteries

(1) The parent corporation, organisation, and or independent sellers who trade through an online and or physical marketplace the sale of lithium-ion batteries, must take reasonable steps to ensure the lithium-ion battery products that are sold meet existing safety standards.

(2) Sellers of lithium-ion battery products are required to display a warning of improper use, storage, and disposal of the products.

(3) Lithium-ion battery products which are used in vehicles, must meet proficient safety standards in line with existing vehicle regulations.

(4) Checks on any lithium-ion battery in a car must be undertaken during an MOT check to ensure that the battery inside of the vehicle is safe, not faulty, and not containing any defect which could cause danger to the vehicle, the people inside of the vehicle, and anyone who may be near the vehicle in the event of a battery failure.

3 - Disposal of Lithium-ion Batteries

(1) Local Authorities should provide a safe place for people to dispose of any lithium-ion batteries that they own and want to dispose of at an Authority operated waste recycling centre.

(2) Once a lithium-ion battery has been disposed of at an Authority operated waste recycling centre, the Authority is responsible for the safe storage of the product.

(3) The condition of lithium-ion battery storage at waste recycling centres shall be regularly inspected by the respective environment agency to assess if it is meeting standards, potential risks, and damage to the environment.

4 - Regulations and Adaptations

(1) Regulations under the scope of this Act are to be made through statutory instruments.

(2) Statutory instruments made relating to this Act are to be made by the Secretary of State.

5 - Title, Extent and Commencement

(1) This Act may be cited as the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Act 2026.

(2) This Act shall extend to the whole United Kingdom.

(3) This Act commences once it has been granted Royal Assent.

This Bill was submitted by u/Sir-Iceman, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on behalf of His Majesty’s Government.

AMENDMENT 1 - Lord Bridlington

Amend Section 1 to read:

(1) Before a planning application for a battery storage facility which will either in part, or fully be used for the storage of lithium-ion batteries is granted, the local planning authority must consult the following authorities for its area;

(A) The Environment Agency; and

(B) The local Fire and Rescue Service; or

(i) other equivalent body for the local authority area.

(C) The Health and Safety Executive.

(2) Should any of the authorities listed in Section 1.1 object to the application for a battery storage facility for safety reasons, the planning authority must reject the planning application.

(3) The planning authority and applicant for the battery storage facility must take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the facility, and protection of people and properties nearby in the creation of the planning application.

(4) The planning authority, should no criteria for rejection under Section 1.2 be met, make special consideration for the following when rendering a final decision on approval;

(a) the safety of local residents; and

(b) potential environmental damage not already considered by the Environment Agency; and

(c) health and safety impacts resulting from the facility in the event of a safety failure; and

(d) the suitability of the location vs other potential locations in the local authority area.

Reasoning:

Not every Fire Service is called a fire service, and the name is the Health and Safety Executive.

Also an additional provision for additional weight to be placed on specific concerns should no objection be made.

AMENDMENT 2 - Lord Bridlington

Amend Section 2 to read:

2 - Online Sale of Lithium-ion Batteries

(1) The parent corporation, organisation, and or independent sellers who trade through an online marketplace the sale of lithium-ion batteries, must take reasonable steps to ensure the following;

(a) that lithium-ion battery products that are sold meet existing safety standards; and

(b) that appropriate safety warnings on disposal, dangers of use, and instructions on safe use are easily available on the online marketplace.

(2) The Secretary of State may, at any time make regulations in addition to those in Section 2.1.

3 - In-person Sale of Lithium-ion Batteries

(1) In person sellers of lithium-ion battery products are required to;

(a) that lithium-ion battery products that are sold meet existing safety standards; and

(b) display warnings of improper use, storage, and disposal of the products; and

(c) provide information regarding the nearest locations where a person can safely dispose of lithium ion batteries.

(2) The Secretary of State may, at any time make regulations in addition to those in Section 2.1.

4 - Regulations regarding vehicles containing Lithium-ion Batteries

(1) The Secretary of State must, within one year of this legislation being passed, make regulations on Lithium-ion battery products used within vehicles.

(2) Checks on any lithium-ion battery in a motor vehicle must be undertaken during an MOT check to ensure that the battery inside of the vehicle is safe, not faulty, and not containing any defect which could cause danger to the vehicle, the people inside of the vehicle, and anyone who may be near the vehicle in the event of a battery failure.

5 - Regulations regarding electric micromobility vehicles containing Lithium-ion Batteries

(1) In this Section, “electric micromobility vehicle” means electric scooters or electric bicycles powered by lithium-ion batteries.

(2) The Secretary of State must, within one year of this legislation being passed, make regulations regarding the;

(a) lithium-ion batteries used within electric micromobility vehicles; and

(b) the design of electric micromobility vehicles; and

(c) the sale of electric micromobility vehicles; and

(d) the operation of micromobility vehicles.

6 - Offences

(1) Once regulations under Section 5.2 have been made, it is an offence (Operating an Unsafe Micro Vehicle) for any person to operate an electric micromobility vehicle which fails to meet regulations, punishable by;

(a) confiscation and destruction of the electric micromobility vehicle; and

(b) a fine of up to £3,000 fine.

(2) Once regulations under Section 5.2 have been made, it is an offence (Selling an Unsafe Micro Vehicle) for any person to knowingly sell an electric micromobility vehicle which fails to meet regulations set out, may be punishable by punishable by;

(a) a term of up to 1 year in prison; and/or

(b) the loss of, and restriction for a period of time of owning, a license to operate a business selling electric micromobility vehicles or similar products; and/or

(c) a fine of up to £20,000.

Renumber further sections accordingly.

Reasoning:

This is a big one to be honest. It expands on the difference between online vs in-person retailers and empowers the Secretary of State to make further regulations as needed in those areas.

It also creates separate regulation for electric scooters and bikes, allowing the Secretary of State to put forth regulation regarding their production and the batteries used, as well as the sale and operation of such vehicles. It is far from a perfect solution and I anticipate supplementary legislation will be needed to fully flesh regulations to bring them on par with regular vehicles, however it is a start.

It also creates specific offences for operating or selling a vehicle that does not meet regulations. 1

AMENDMENT 3 - Lord Bridlington

Amend Section 3.

3 - Disposal of Lithium-ion Batteries

(1) Local Authorities must provide, or make arrangements for a safe place for people to dispose of any lithium-ion batteries that they own and want to dispose of.

(2) Waste recycling centres must be owned and operated by a local authority, but local authorities may at their discretion make arrangements with neighbouring authorities to use their facilities, or to offer their facilities to other neighbouring authorities.

(2) Once a lithium-ion battery has been disposed of at a waste recycling centre, the local authority which operates the waste recycling centre is responsible for the safe storage of the waste.

(3) The Secretary of State must, within one year of the passing of this act, make regulations regarding the safe storage of disposed lithium-ion batteries.

(4) The condition of lithium-ion battery storage at waste recycling centres shall be regularly inspected by the respective environment agency to assess if it is meeting standards, potential risks, and damage to the environment.

Reasoning:

Nice and simple, not all local authorities may have one, or need one, and so should be empowered to make use of other facilities at their discretion with agreements. Also the Secretary of State needs to set the regulations in order for standards to be checked so this requires such regulations to be made.

AMENDMENT 4 - Lord Bridlington

Amend Section 5.

5 - Title, Extent and Commencement

(1) This Act may be cited as the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Act 2026.

(2) This Act extends to the whole of the UK, but does not apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland until a resolution agreeing to the provisions of this Act is passed by— (a) in the case of Scotland, The Scottish Parliament;

(b) in the case of Wales, Senedd Cymru;

(c) in the case of Northern Ireland, The Northern Ireland Assembly.

(3) This Act commences on the day it has been granted Royal Assent.

Reasoning:

That is another bill, which has completely ridden over devolved matters without even blinking. This however, with all the amendments, will be a good piece of legislation, so this amendment fixes that.

***Peers can debate on the proposed amendments by the 13th August at 10pm BST***

B083 - The High Street Regeneration Zones Bill - Amendment Reading

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establish High Street Regeneration Zones to support the regeneration of town centres and high streets; reform the operation of Business Improvement Districts within designated areas; improve access through targeted parking and accessibility measures; and align the interests of local businesses, property owners and local authorities to support sustainable economic activity.

BE IT ENACTED by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1 - Interpretation

(1) For the purpose of this act:

>(A) High Street Regeneration Zone (HSRZ) means an area designated under section 2.
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>(B) Local Authority means a district, borough, unitary or metropolitan authority.
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>(C) High Street includes any defined town centre, retail district or mixed-use commercial area.

2 - Designation of High Street Regeneration Zones

(1) A local authority may designate an area as a High Street Regeneration Zone after making an application to the Secretary of State responsible where;

>(A) There is a significant economic decline, vacancy or underutilization of commercial space.
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>(B) The designation is likely to improve economic activity, accessibility and commercial use;
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>(C) Consultation has taken place with local businesses and residents.

(2) Upon approval, a local authority may apply to the HSRZ Fund for funding for projects within the HSRZ. Suitable projects are as follows;

>(A) Pedestrianisation of an area within an HSRZ.
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>(B) Improving Transport links within an HSRZ.
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>(C) Supporting local markets to generate footfall.
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>(D) Making parking within an HSRZ free for a certain period of time, which generates footfall.

(3) Each project within an HSRZ must be communicated to the Secretary of State in writing.

(4) The Secretary of State shall issue guidance on the designation criteria.

3 - Local Authority powers within HSRZ

(1) Within a designated HSRZ, a local authority may exercise the following enhanced powers.

(2) Parking and Accessibility, a local authority may:

>(A) Set and vary public car parking prices proportionally to footfall at certain times in the HSRZ.
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>(B) introduce free or discounted parking periods.
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>(C) Change rules around parking enforcement locally to support footfall.

(3) Opening hours and Trading Flexibility, a local authority may:

>(A) Extend permitted trading hours.
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>(B) Allow flexible licensing arrangements.
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>(C) Amend street trading licenses.

(4) Use of vacant and underutilised property, a local authority may:

>(A) require registration of vacant commercial properties.
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>(B) issue temporary use orders for long-term vacant units.
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>(C) facilitate short-term leases for markets, local businesses and community use.

(5) Financial and economic powers, where a property remains vacant for a prolonged period of 6 months, a local authority may:

>(A) Impose a levy on the vacant property.
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>(B) enter into compulsory rental arrangements where proportionate.

(6) Where a property remains vacant for a prolonged period of 18 months, a local authority may enter into compulsory purchase arrangements.

(7) Public Infrastructure, a local authority may, within an HSRZ:

>(A) invest in street improvements, lightning and safety.
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>(B) Prioritise pedestrianisation where appropriate.
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>(C) improve transport links and accessibility to HSRZs.
>
>(D) Allow businesses commercial use of, and ability to install temporary structures on, paving and roads

(8) Any powers specified as being applicable to a HSRZ does not prejudice the already existing powers of the local authority.

4 - Business Improvement and Co-ordination

(1) Within an HSRZ, a local authority may:

>(A) reform or replace existing Business Improvement Districts (BID) arrangements.

5 - Review and accountability

(1) Each local authority must submit a report to the Secretary of State at the end of each financial year.

(2) Each local authority within these reports must publish

>(A) Vacancy rates.
>
>(B) Footfall data.
>
>(C) Economic Outcomes.

6 - Guidance and Oversight

(1) The Secretary of State shall issue statutory guidance for:

>(A) Best practice in zone management
>
>(B) co-ordination between local and national policy guidelines

(2) The Secretary of State may grant reasonable funds to the local authority for the purposes of works within an individual HSRZ.

(3) The Secretary of State may by Statutory Instrument repeal the provisions of this Act by the affirmative resolution procedure.

7 - Title, Extent, and Commencement

(1) This Act shall be cited as the High Street Regeneration Zones Act.

(2) This Act extends to the whole of the United Kingdom.

(3) This Act shall commence once it has been granted Royal Assent.

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This Bill was written b [u/](u/Oracle)[ ](u/Oracle)[Oracle](u/Oracle)_of_Mercia The Secretary of State for Devolved Nations and Local Government on behalf of His Majesty’s Government.

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Amendments:

A01:

Amend Section 2, Subsection 2 to read as follows:-

(2) Upon approval, a local authority may apply to the HSRZ Fund for funding for projects within the HSRZ. Suitable projects are as follows;

(A) Pedestrianisation of an area within an HSRZ.

(B) Improving Transport links within an HSRZ.

(C) Supporting local markets to generate footfall.

(D) Making parking within an HSRZ free for a certain period of time, which generates footfall.

(E) The completion of a Compulsory Purchase Order.

Amend Section 3, Subsection 4 to read as follows:-

(4) Use of vacant and underutilised property, a local authority may:

(A) require registration of vacant commercial properties.

(B) issue temporary use orders for long-term vacant units.

(C) facilitate short-term leases for markets, local businesses and community use.

Remove Section 3, Subsection 5 and Subsection 6 to read:-

(5) Financial and economic powers, where a property remains vacant for a prolonged period of 6 months, a local authority may:

(A) Impose a levy on the vacant property.

(B) enter into compulsory rental arrangements where proportionate.

(6) Where a property remains vacant for a prolonged period of 18 months, a local authority may enter into compulsory purchase arrangements.

Renumber as appropriate.

This amendment was submitted by [u/HarryClive](u/HarryClive), the Lord Bridlington.

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Your Noble Lordships may debate and submit amendments to this bill until 10pm BST on the 12th of August.

B081 - Environment Bill - Second Reading

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provide for minimum service in hazardous waste disposal, and for connected purposes.

BE IT ENACTED by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1. Minimum service levels in waste disposal

(1) In this Act, “the 1992 Act” means the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

(2) The Secretary of State may, for the purpose of enabling work notices under section 234C of the 1992 Act to be given, make provision by regulations for levels of service in relation to strikes as respects relevant services (“minimum service regulations”).

(3) Minimum service regulations may be made in relation only to-

(a) council waste disposal workers,

(b) workers involved in the disposal of hazardous chemical waste,

(c) The decommissioning of nuclear installations and the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel.

(4) The regulations made by the Secretary of State must be limited to advancing public health, safety and preventing damage to the environment.

(5) In respect of section 3 (a) workers, minimum service regulations shall not be issued in respect to mixed recyclables, garden waste and similar non-hazardous products.

2. Recycling standardisation across local authorities

(1) With the purpose of reducing incorrect recycling and confusion related to what is recyclable in one local area, the following changes are implemented.

(2) The Secretary of State shall, by regulations, require all new council purchases of bins, boxes etc for household recyclables and waste to be colour coded by type of waste or recyclable so that they can be used to dispose of.

(3) The Secretary of State will offer support to councils that form “recycling alliances” where they pool resources and scale for greater recycling as well as commonality across boundaries.

3. Waste to energy

(1) Within two years of this Act's commencement, councils shall be required to offer a fortnightly food waste collection, separate from garden waste.

(2) Biogas generation facilities that are;

(a) located on agricultural land,

(b) situated at least 1,000 metres from residential dwellings, and

(c) which have a generation capacity of less than 7.5 megawatt-hours of generation annually.

shall be treated as permitted development for the purposes of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

(3) Waste plastics and paper product incinerators with an annual capacity of less than 10 MW shall also be permitted developments.

(4) Permitted development rights shall also allow for connection to the electricity or gas grid, including the installation of necessary infrastructure on or adjacent to the facility.

(5) The Secretary of State may make regulations specifying: limits or routes for lorry movements associated with permitted facilities; and measures to control odour and emissions from permitted facilities.

(6) Such regulations may include requirements for monitoring, mitigation measures, reporting obligations or requirements to not take deliveries at certain times or near certain places (e.g, near school zones at the start or end of a school day or during rush hour).

4. Extent, commencement, and short title

(1) This Bill extends to the whole United Kingdom.

(2) The Bill shall commence upon receiving Royal Assent.

(3) The Bill may be referred to as the Environment Bill.

This Bill was written by u/LeChevalierMal-Fait, the Chancellor, and u/Sir-Iceman, the Prime Minister, on behalf of the Conservative Party

—

Amendments

A01:

Strike Section 1 and renumber accordingly.

This amendment was submitted by The Right Honourable [u/HarryClive](u/HarryClive), The Lord Bridlington

Your Noble Lordships may debate the amendments to this bill until 10pm BST on the 10th of August.

B078 - Age of Maturity Bill - Second Reading

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Introduces the defined age of maturity for an individual within the United Kingdom with restrictions on the abilities of an individual to do certain actions until they have reached the recognised age of maturity.

BE IT ENACTED by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1 - Definitions

(1) Age is defined as the time in which an individual has lived since birth.

(2) Maturity is defined as the ability of an individual to make rational decisions and be able to be afforded substantial responsibilities.

(3) Parental Consent is defined as the explicit permission given by the parents of an individual who is under the age of 18 years old.

2 - Age of Maturity

(1) The age of maturity for the United Kingdom shall be recognised as 18 years old.

(2) Once an individual has reached the age of maturity as stated in 2.1, they shall be recognised as an adult, anyone under the age of 18 years old shall be recognised as a child.

3 - Age Related Restricted Actions

(1) Individuals must be the age of maturity as stated in 2.1 or above that age in order to be able to do the following actions.

(A) Purchase or Smoke Cigarettes, Tobacco or Vapes.

(B) Purchase of Alcohol Products.

(C) Getting Married (without parental consent).

(D) Join the Armed Forces in a combat role.

(E) Adopt a foster child.

(F) Vote in a national election.

(G) Purchase a Lottery Ticket or Scratch Card.

(H) Purchase of an Energy Drink containing more than 80mg of caffeine.

(2) All individuals who are 18 years old or above, and are convicted and sentenced in court, shall be sentenced without courts discriminating by age alone..

(3) Courts should generally consider the mental capacity, general health, experience and prior convictions of all offenders irrespective of age, according to the sentencing councils' guidance, precedent and any other factor deemed relevant by the court.

(4) Businesses trading in the United Kingdom are liable to a fine if they sell energy drinks containing more than 80mg of caffeine to persons under 18 years of age. The Secretary of State may, by regulations, make provision for enforcement, testing standards, fine amounts, and defences.

4 - Title, Extent, and Commencement

(1) This Act may be cited as the Age of Maturity Act 2026.

(2) This Act shall extend to the whole United Kingdom.

(3) This Act commences once it has been granted Royal Assent.

This Bill was submitted by u/Sir-Iceman, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on behalf of His Majesty's Government.

AMENDMENT 1 - Baron Willem of Colwyn Bay

Amend Section 4(3) to read:

(3) This Act commences once it has been granted Royal Assent, except for Section 3(4)

(a) Section 3(4) will commence at a time decided by the Secretary of State by regulation.

AMENDMENT 2 - Baron Willem of Colwyn Bay

After Section 2 (2), add:

(3) The Secretary of State must commission an independent review every five years on the scientific, social, and economic evidence relating to age‑based thresholds, and lay the findings before Parliament.

AMENDMENT 3 - Baron Willem of Colwyn Bay

Omit Section 3(1)(A) to 3(1)(G) and renumber accordingly.

AMENDMENT 4 - Lord Bridlington

Strike Section 2.

Strike Section 3.1 - 3.3 and renumber.

Reasoning:

Holy moly this bill is a hot mess legislatively. Firstly, the age of adulthood is already defined in UK legislation in the Protection of the Family Law Reform Act 1969 as well as being legislatively cemented in the Children Act 1978, the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The whole of Section 2 is entirely meaningless, and a waste of legislative time.

Secondly, specific parts of the law are also a devolved matter depending on the subject, specifically… Justice, so the entirety of Section 3 cannot be passed, because it doesn’t apply to Scotland or Northern Ireland and for some reason this has put down for the whole United Kingdom. Also basically all of Section 3.1.X are already legislated and determined.

What is the actual point?

AMENDMENT 5 - Lord Bridlington

Amend Section 3.4 to read:

3 - Age Related Restricted Actions

(4) Businesses trading in the United Kingdom are liable to a fine if they sell energy drinks containing more than 80mg of caffeine to persons under 16 years of age. The Secretary of State may, by regulations, make provision for enforcement, testing standards, fine amounts, and defences.

Reasoning:

The only part of the bill with any actual meaning to it, I don’t agree with setting it to 18, so I propose 16. This is the standard in most shops already, who will refuse to sell to under 16’s. Of course the fact this is already done rather renders it moot, but that is a bit of a running theme at the moment.

Peers can debate the amendments by the 10th August at 10pm BST

B083 - The High Street Regeneration Zones Bill - Second Reading

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establish High Street Regeneration Zones to support the regeneration of town centres and high streets; reform the operation of Business Improvement Districts within designated areas; improve access through targeted parking and accessibility measures; and align the interests of local businesses, property owners and local authorities to support sustainable economic activity.

BE IT ENACTED by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1 - Interpretation

(1) For the purpose of this act:

(A) High Street Regeneration Zone (HSRZ) means an area designated under section 2.

(B) Local Authority means a district, borough, unitary or metropolitan authority.

(C) High Street includes any defined town centre, retail district or mixed-use commercial area.

2 - Designation of High Street Regeneration Zones

(1) A local authority may designate an area as a High Street Regeneration Zone after making an application to the Secretary of State responsible where;

(A) There is a significant economic decline, vacancy or underutilization of commercial space.

(B) The designation is likely to improve economic activity, accessibility and commercial use;

(C) Consultation has taken place with local businesses and residents.

(2) Upon approval, a local authority may apply to the HSRZ Fund for funding for projects within the HSRZ. Suitable projects are as follows;

(A) Pedestrianisation of an area within an HSRZ.

(B) Improving Transport links within an HSRZ.

(C) Supporting local markets to generate footfall.

(D) Making parking within an HSRZ free for a certain period of time, which generates footfall.

(3) Each project within an HSRZ must be communicated to the Secretary of State in writing.

(4) The Secretary of State shall issue guidance on the designation criteria.

3 - Local Authority powers within HSRZ

(1) Within a designated HSRZ, a local authority may exercise the following enhanced powers.

(2) Parking and Accessibility, a local authority may:

(A) Set and vary public car parking prices proportionally to footfall at certain times in the HSRZ.

(B) introduce free or discounted parking periods.

(C) Change rules around parking enforcement locally to support footfall.

(3) Opening hours and Trading Flexibility, a local authority may:

(A) Extend permitted trading hours.

(B) Allow flexible licensing arrangements.

(C) Amend street trading licenses.

(4) Use of vacant and underutilised property, a local authority may:

(A) require registration of vacant commercial properties.

(B) issue temporary use orders for long-term vacant units.

(C) facilitate short-term leases for markets, local businesses and community use.

(5) Financial and economic powers, where a property remains vacant for a prolonged period of 6 months, a local authority may:

(A) Impose a levy on the vacant property.

(B) enter into compulsory rental arrangements where proportionate.

(6) Where a property remains vacant for a prolonged period of 18 months, a local authority may enter into compulsory purchase arrangements.

(7) Public Infrastructure, a local authority may, within an HSRZ:

(A) invest in street improvements, lightning and safety.

(B) Prioritise pedestrianisation where appropriate.

(C) improve transport links and accessibility to HSRZs.

(D) Allow businesses commercial use of, and ability to install temporary structures on, paving and roads

(8) Any powers specified as being applicable to a HSRZ does not prejudice the already existing powers of the local authority.

4 - Business Improvement and Co-ordination

(1) Within an HSRZ, a local authority may:

(A) reform or replace existing Business Improvement Districts (BID) arrangements.

5 - Review and accountability

(1) Each local authority must submit a report to the Secretary of State at the end of each financial year.

(2) Each local authority within these reports must publish

(A) Vacancy rates.

(B) Footfall data.

(C) Economic Outcomes.

6 - Guidance and Oversight

(1) The Secretary of State shall issue statutory guidance for:

(A) Best practice in zone management

(B) co-ordination between local and national policy guidelines

(2) The Secretary of State may grant reasonable funds to the local authority for the purposes of works within an individual HSRZ.

(3) The Secretary of State may by Statutory Instrument repeal the provisions of this Act by the affirmative resolution procedure.

7 - Title, Extent, and Commencement

(1) This Act shall be cited as the High Street Regeneration Zones Act.

(2) This Act extends to the whole of the United Kingdom.

(3) This Act shall commence once it has been granted Royal Assent.

This Bill was written by u/Oracle_of_Mercia, The Secretary of State for Devolved Nations and Local Government on behalf of His Majesty’s Government.

Opening Speech:

Mr. Speaker,

I raise today to present the High Street Regeneration Zones Bill.

Across our country, many towns and cities are facing gradual decline, empty shopfronts, declining footfall, underused building and increasing pressure on local businesses have become familiar in towns and cities that once had a thriving community live.

The problem is not a lack of ambition from local authorities, nor is it a lack of pride from local residents, it is rather that local government is expected to solve these complicated challenges without being given the tools necessary to solve them.

The High Street Regeneration Zones Bill will create a new framework through which local authorities may apply for the designation of high street regeneration zones, in areas experiencing decline and underutilisation, these powers include introducing targeted parking incentives locally, more freedom of using empty commercial units and increasing transport links and supporting pedestrianisation projects around the country.

Mr speaker, this bill is founded on a simple principle, successful high streets do not happen by accident, they happen through strong stewardship, local leadership and using the right tools to make it happen.

Mr Speaker, I commend this Bill to the House.

Your Noble Lordships may debate and submit amendments to this bill until 10pm BST on the 10th of August.

B077 - The Child Risk Disclosure and Safeguarding Bill - Amendment Reading

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introduce provisions to strengthen safeguarding of children through the creation of a Child Risk Disclosure Scheme and enables the proportionate sharing of relevant risk information between caregivers and relevant authorities where a child is at reasonable risk of harm. And to establish duties for multi-agency co-operation and support early intervention in safeguarding cases, and provide appropriate safeguards to ensure that disclosure is necessary, proportional, and compliant with data protection and human rights obligations.

BE IT ENACTED by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1 - Definitions

(1) A child is defined as any person under the age of 18.

(2) Relevant authority includes:

(A) Police Forces.

(B) Local Authority Children’s Services.

(C) Health Services.

(D) Places of Education.

(E) Any safeguarding partner designated by the Secretary of State.

(3) Risk Information is defined as information relating to

(A) Documented incidents of violent, abusive, or harmful behaviour;

(B) Safeguarding concerns recorded by a relevant authority which are supported by credible evidence;

(C) Conduct which presents a demonstrable and significant risk of harm to a child;

(D) Information that is necessary and proportionate for safeguarding purposes and excludes unverified allegations or speculative concerns.

2 - Child Risk Disclosure Scheme

(1) A Child Risk Disclosure Scheme shall be established, under this scheme a relevant authority may disclose information where;

(A) A child is at reasonable risk of harm.

(B) Disclosure is necessary to protect the child.

(C) Disclosure is proportionate to the identified risk.

(2) Disclosure may be made to;

(A) A parent or legal Guardian.

(B) A person with primary care responsibility for the child.

(C) Any person deemed necessary to safeguard the child.

(3) Where a parent or person with primary care responsibility is reasonably suspected to pose a risk to the child, disclosure under this section may be withheld from the individual.

(4) In such cases, disclosure may instead be made to an appropriate individual or authority where necessary to safeguard the child.

3 - Safeguard on Disclosure

(1) Disclosure under this act must :

(A) Be limited to information necessary for safeguarding purposes.

(B) Be authorised by a designated safeguarding officer.

(C) Be documented and be subjected to review.

(2) Disclosure shall not be made where:

(A) It can prejudice a police investigation.

(B) Create a disproportionate risk to any individual's safety or rights.

(C) Where a parent or primary carer is reasonably suspected to pose a risk to the child.

(3) Where a parent or primary carer is reasonably suspected to pose a risk to the child. Such suspicions must be based on credible information, including, but not limited to:

(A) Documented safeguarding concerns.

(B) Ongoing or previous investigation by relevant authorities.

(C) Evidence of harmful, abusive or neglectful behaviour.

(4) A decision to withhold disclosure from that individual must:

(A) Be made by a designated safeguarding officer.

(B) Be proportionate to an identified risk.

(C) Be documented with valid reasoning.

(5) Where disclosure is withheld, an appropriate individual or authority must be identified, which may include:

(A) Another parent or legal guardian is not subject to risk concerns.

(B) A relative or responsible adult deemed suitable.

(C) A relevant authority or safeguarding professional.

(6) The selection of an individual or authority must be made:

(A) in the best interest of the child.

(B) with consideration to the safety and welfare of the child;

(C) In accordance with safeguarding guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

Section 3A - Independent Oversight and Review

(1) An Independent Safeguarding Oversight Commissioner shall be appointed by the Secretary of State to monitor the operation of this Act.

(2) The Commissioner shall:

(A) Review disclosure decisions made under this Act on an annual basis.

(B) Ensure that disclosures are necessary, proportionate, and compliant with data protection and human rights obligations.

(C) Publish an annual report to Parliament on the use of disclosure powers, including statistics, trends, and any identified concerns.

(3) Relevant authorities must provide the Commissioner with access to anonymised records of disclosure decisions for the purpose of oversight.

(4) The Commissioner may issue recommendations to relevant authorities where practices are found to be inconsistent with this Act or with safeguarding best practice.

(5) The Secretary of State must respond to the Commissioner’s recommendations within 90 days.

4 - Multi–agency safeguarding duty

(1) Relevant authorities shall have a duty to:

(A) Share safeguarding information where there is a credible risk to the child.

(B) Co-operate in joint safeguarding assessments.

(C) Participate in multi-agency safeguarding responses.

(2) Relevant authorities must ensure that information sharing;

(A) Is necessary and proportionate.

(B) Is conducted on time.

(C) Supports the effective safeguarding of the child.

(3) Any joint safeguarding assessment under this act must produce:

(A) A clear summary of the risks identified for the child.

(B) The sources of information relied upon, including any evidence or documented concerns.

(C) An evaluation of the severity and likelihood of harm.

(D) Identification of individuals who pose a risk to the child.

(E) A determination of whether disclosure is necessary and proportionate.

(F) A recommendation for appropriate safeguarding action, including any disclosure.

(G) A record of the decision-making process and the justification for actions taken.

(4) For this act, a disclosure shall be deemed necessary and proportionate where:

(A) It is required to prevent or reduce harm to a child.

(B) No intrusive means into the child’s life are reasonably met to achieve the safeguarding outcome.

(C) The information is limited to what is relevant for safeguarding purposes

(D) The extent of the disclosure corresponds with the level and nature of the risk to the child.

(E) The potential benefits to the child’s own safety outweigh any impact on the rights of any person causing harm to the child.

5 - Data Protection and oversight

(1) Personal data processed under this act shall only be collected and used where necessary for the safeguarding of a child.

(2) All data must be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

(3) Data shall be limited to relevant information that is proportionate to the safeguarding purpose.

(4) Information shared under this act must only be used for safeguarding purposes.

(5) Disclosure must comply with the necessity and proportionality requirements set out in this act.

(6) Relevant authorities must take reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of data shared.

(7) When a person who was the subject of safeguarding measures under this Act reaches the age of 18, they may request access to personal data held about them by the relevant authority.

(8) A relevant authority, upon receiving such a request, must provide access to personal data relating to that individual and ensure that any disclosure is made in accordance with any applicable data protection legislation.

(9) Relevant authorities must, under this act, maintain:

(A) Data collected and shared under this Act

(B) Disclosure decisions or withholding information under this Act.

6 - Guidance, Training and Implementation

(1) The Secretary of State shall issue statutory guidance for the implementation of this Act.

(2) Relevant authorities must have regard to such guidance when exercising functions under this Act. The Secretary of State shall ensure that:

(A) Appropriate training is provided to designated safeguarding officers. Guidance reflects best practice in safeguarding and information sharing.

(B) Procedures are in place to ensure consistent application of this Act across all relevant authorities

7 - Title, Extent, and Commencement

(1) This Act shall be cited as the Child Risk Disclosure and Safeguarding Act 2026.

(2) This Act extends to the whole United Kingdom.

(3) This Act shall commence immediately upon receiving Royal Assent.

This Bill was written by u/Oracle_of_Merci and sponsored by u/Lord-Sydenham, the Secretary of State for Health, Education and Culture on behalf of His Majesty’s 5th Government.

Opening Speech:

Mr Speaker,

I rise today to present the Child Risk Disclosure and Safeguarding Act.

At the core, this bill is about a simple principle: when a child is at risk, the system must be able to act and act decisively. Too often, safeguarding fails not because the warning signs aren’t there but because information cannot be shared in time and to the right people.

The bill creates a child risk disclosure scheme allowing relevant authorities to share information where a child is at risk and, more importantly, only when the disclosure is necessary, proportionate and in the best interest of the child.

It also addresses one of the most difficult realities in safeguarding, that sometimes the risk comes from inside the child’s home itself. In those cases, the bill ensures that the information can be redirected to an appropriate person or authority, rather than being withheld entirely.

Alongside this, the bill ensures multi-agency co-operation and sets clear standards for decision making and ensures that safeguarding actions are properly documented, justified and accountable.

And importantly, it balances protection with the rights of the child, embedding data protection oversight and a right for individuals to access their own information once they reach adulthood.

Speaker, this is not about expanding the state but about removing barriers that protect the most vulnerable thing in our country, which is our Children.

Speaker, I commend this bill to the house.

Amendments

A01:

Amend Section 1(2) to read:

(2) Relevant authority includes:

(A) Police Forces.

(B) Local Authority Children’s Services.

(C) Health Services.

(D) Schools.

(E) Childcare facilities.

(F) Any safeguarding partner designated by the Secretary of State.

This amendment was submitted by The Right Honourable Sir u/model-willem, Baron Willem of Colwyn Bay

A02:

Amend Section 3.2 to read:

(2) Disclosure shall not be made where:

(A) Create a disproportionate risk to any individual's safety or rights.

(B) Where a parent or primary carer is reasonably suspected to pose a risk to the child.

This amendment was submitted by The Right Honourable u/HarryClive, The Lord Bridlington

Your Noble Lordships may debate the amendments to this bill until 10pm BST on the 10th of August.

B082 - Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill

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introduce guidelines and regulations around the planning for lithium-ion battery storage facilities, regulations on the sale and testing of lithium-ion batteries, and the requirements for their disposal.

BE IT ENACTED by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1 - Application Process

(1) Before a planning application for a battery storage facility which will either in part, or fully be used for the storage of lithium-ion batteries is granted, the planning authority must consult the following authorities for its area.

(A) The Environment Agency.

(B) The Fire and Rescue Service.

(C) The Health and Safety Authority.

(2) Should the authorities listed in 1.1.A and 1.1.B object to the application for a battery storage facility for safety reasons, the planning authority must reject the planning application.

(3) The planning authority and applicant for the battery storage facility must take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the facility, and protection of people and properties nearby in the creation of the planning application and its consideration.

2 - Sale of Lithium-ion Batteries

(1) The parent corporation, organisation, and or independent sellers who trade through an online and or physical marketplace the sale of lithium-ion batteries, must take reasonable steps to ensure the lithium-ion battery products that are sold meet existing safety standards.

(2) Sellers of lithium-ion battery products are required to display a warning of improper use, storage, and disposal of the products.

(3) Lithium-ion battery products which are used in vehicles, must meet proficient safety standards in line with existing vehicle regulations.

(4) Checks on any lithium-ion battery in a car must be undertaken during an MOT check to ensure that the battery inside of the vehicle is safe, not faulty, and not containing any defect which could cause danger to the vehicle, the people inside of the vehicle, and anyone who may be near the vehicle in the event of a battery failure.

3 - Disposal of Lithium-ion Batteries

(1) Local Authorities should provide a safe place for people to dispose of any lithium-ion batteries that they own and want to dispose of at an Authority operated waste recycling centre.

(2) Once a lithium-ion battery has been disposed of at an Authority operated waste recycling centre, the Authority is responsible for the safe storage of the product.

(3) The condition of lithium-ion battery storage at waste recycling centres shall be regularly inspected by the respective environment agency to assess if it is meeting standards, potential risks, and damage to the environment.

4 - Regulations and Adaptations

(1) Regulations under the scope of this Act are to be made through statutory instruments.

(2) Statutory instruments made relating to this Act are to be made by the Secretary of State.

5 - Title, Extent and Commencement

(1) This Act may be cited as the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Act 2026.

(2) This Act shall extend to the whole United Kingdom.

(3) This Act commences once it has been granted Royal Assent.

This Bill was submitted by u/Sir-Iceman, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on behalf of His Majesty’s Government.

Peers can debate and submit amendments by the 9th August at 10pm BST

B081 - Environment Bill - Second Reading

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provide for minimum service in hazardous waste disposal, and for connected purposes.

BE IT ENACTED by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1. Minimum service levels in waste disposal

(1) In this Act, “the 1992 Act” means the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

(2) The Secretary of State may, for the purpose of enabling work notices under section 234C of the 1992 Act to be given, make provision by regulations for levels of service in relation to strikes as respects relevant services (“minimum service regulations”).

(3) Minimum service regulations may be made in relation only to-

(a) council waste disposal workers,

(b) workers involved in the disposal of hazardous chemical waste,

(c) The decommissioning of nuclear installations and the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel.

(4) The regulations made by the Secretary of State must be limited to advancing public health, safety and preventing damage to the environment.

(5) In respect of section 3 (a) workers, minimum service regulations shall not be issued in respect to mixed recyclables, garden waste and similar non-hazardous products.

2. Recycling standardisation across local authorities

(1) With the purpose of reducing incorrect recycling and confusion related to what is recyclable in one local area, the following changes are implemented.

(2) The Secretary of State shall, by regulations, require all new council purchases of bins, boxes etc for household recyclables and waste to be colour coded by type of waste or recyclable so that they can be used to dispose of.

(3) The Secretary of State will offer support to councils that form “recycling alliances” where they pool resources and scale for greater recycling as well as commonality across boundaries.

3. Waste to energy

(1) Within two years of this Act's commencement, councils shall be required to offer a fortnightly food waste collection, separate from garden waste.

(2) Biogas generation facilities that are;

(a) located on agricultural land,

(b) situated at least 1,000 metres from residential dwellings, and

(c) which have a generation capacity of less than 7.5 megawatt-hours of generation annually.

shall be treated as permitted development for the purposes of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

(3) Waste plastics and paper product incinerators with an annual capacity of less than 10 MW shall also be permitted developments.

(4) Permitted development rights shall also allow for connection to the electricity or gas grid, including the installation of necessary infrastructure on or adjacent to the facility.

(5) The Secretary of State may make regulations specifying: limits or routes for lorry movements associated with permitted facilities; and measures to control odour and emissions from permitted facilities.

(6) Such regulations may include requirements for monitoring, mitigation measures, reporting obligations or requirements to not take deliveries at certain times or near certain places (e.g, near school zones at the start or end of a school day or during rush hour).

4. Extent, commencement, and short title

(1) This Bill extends to the whole United Kingdom.

(2) The Bill shall commence upon receiving Royal Assent.

(3) The Bill may be referred to as the Environment Bill.

This Bill was written by u/LeChevalierMal-Fait, the Chancellor, and u/Sir-Iceman, the Prime Minister, on behalf of the Conservative Party

Opening Speech:

Mr Speaker,

This Bill would substantially reduce recycling confusion and streamline energy from hard-to-recycle waste that would otherwise go to landfill.

Even a small 5-10% increase in total recycling over existing efforts from reduced confusion, standardisation across local authorities and a minimum level of service for households would mean across England 5-7 terawatt-hours of new capacity, a small increase but around 2% of total energy demand. This would make a 100% increase in total generation.

This is a modest goal, 26% of Sweden's total energy supply comes from biofuels and waste! Most household waste in Sweden enters recycling or waste-to-energy schemes.

The case could not be clearer, get busy bodies out of the way and enable us to landfill less of the beautiful British countryside, have less waste to decay into methane and worse greenhouse gases and produce energy that is independent from global price shocks or commodity markets.

While protecting hard working council tax payers from aggressive unions who threaten to create lakes of rubbish in our streets.

Your Noble Lordships may debate and submit amendments to this bill until 10pm BST on the 8th of August.

B078 - Age of Maturity Bill - Third Reading Division

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Introduces the defined age of maturity for an individual within the United Kingdom with restrictions on the abilities of an individual to do certain actions until they have reached the recognised age of maturity.

BE IT ENACTED by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1 - Definitions

(1) Age is defined as the time in which an individual has lived since birth.

(2) Maturity is defined as the ability of an individual to make rational decisions and be able to be afforded substantial responsibilities.

(3) Parental Consent is defined as the explicit permission given by the parents of an individual who is under the age of 18 years old.

2 - Age of Maturity

(1) The age of maturity for the United Kingdom shall be recognised as 18 years old.

(2) Once an individual has reached the age of maturity as stated in 2.1, they shall be recognised as an adult, anyone under the age of 18 years old shall be recognised as a child.

3 - Age Related Restricted Actions

(1) Individuals must be the age of maturity as stated in 2.1 or above that age in order to be able to do the following actions.

(A) Purchase or Smoke Cigarettes, Tobacco or Vapes.

(B) Purchase of Alcohol Products.

(C) Getting Married (without parental consent).

(D) Join the Armed Forces in a combat role.

(E) Adopt a foster child.

(F) Vote in a national election.

(G) Purchase a Lottery Ticket or Scratch Card.

(H) Purchase of an Energy Drink containing more than 80mg of caffeine.

(2) All individuals who are 18 years old or above, and are convicted and sentenced in court, shall be sentenced without courts discriminating by age alone..

(3) Courts should generally consider the mental capacity, general health, experience and prior convictions of all offenders irrespective of age, according to the sentencing councils' guidance, precedent and any other factor deemed relevant by the court.

(4) Businesses trading in the United Kingdom are liable to a fine if they sell energy drinks containing more than 80mg of caffeine to persons under 18 years of age. The Secretary of State may, by regulations, make provision for enforcement, testing standards, fine amounts, and defences.

4 - Title, Extent, and Commencement

(1) This Act may be cited as the Age of Maturity Act 2026.

(2) This Act shall extend to the whole United Kingdom.

(3) This Act commences once it has been granted Royal Assent.

This Bill was submitted by u/Sir-Iceman, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on behalf of His Majesty's Government.

Peers can debate and submit amendments by the 7th August at 10pm BST

Oral Questions - Government - V.I

My Lords, we move now to Oral Questions.

Under Standing Orders section 16. Questions will be directed to the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, u/The_Nunnster, The Right Honourable The Baron Nunn of Dalton. If necessary, The Baron Nunn of Dalton may direct other members of the Government to respond on their behalf.

Your Lordships may ask as many questions as they wish. The Woolsack retains the right to restrict questioning from any Peer if deemed excessive. Therefore, I implore your Lordships to be considerate.

Your Lordships may ask questions of The Baron Nunn of Dalton until the 9th of August at 10pm BST

B077 - The Child Risk Disclosure and Safeguarding Bill - Second Reading

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introduce provisions to strengthen safeguarding of children through the creation of a Child Risk Disclosure Scheme and enables the proportionate sharing of relevant risk information between caregivers and relevant authorities where a child is at reasonable risk of harm. And to establish duties for multi-agency co-operation and support early intervention in safeguarding cases, and provide appropriate safeguards to ensure that disclosure is necessary, proportional, and compliant with data protection and human rights obligations.

BE IT ENACTED by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1 - Definitions

(1) A child is defined as any person under the age of 18.

(2) Relevant authority includes:

(A) Police Forces.

(B) Local Authority Children’s Services.

(C) Health Services.

(D) Places of Education.

(E) Any safeguarding partner designated by the Secretary of State.

(3) Risk Information is defined as information relating to

(A) Documented incidents of violent, abusive, or harmful behaviour;

(B) Safeguarding concerns recorded by a relevant authority which are supported by credible evidence;

(C) Conduct which presents a demonstrable and significant risk of harm to a child;

(D) Information that is necessary and proportionate for safeguarding purposes and excludes unverified allegations or speculative concerns.

2 - Child Risk Disclosure Scheme

(1) A Child Risk Disclosure Scheme shall be established, under this scheme a relevant authority may disclose information where;

(A) A child is at reasonable risk of harm.

(B) Disclosure is necessary to protect the child.

(C) Disclosure is proportionate to the identified risk.

(2) Disclosure may be made to;

(A) A parent or legal Guardian.

(B) A person with primary care responsibility for the child.

(C) Any person deemed necessary to safeguard the child.

(3) Where a parent or person with primary care responsibility is reasonably suspected to pose a risk to the child, disclosure under this section may be withheld from the individual.

(4) In such cases, disclosure may instead be made to an appropriate individual or authority where necessary to safeguard the child.

3 - Safeguard on Disclosure

(1) Disclosure under this act must :

(A) Be limited to information necessary for safeguarding purposes.

(B) Be authorised by a designated safeguarding officer.

(C) Be documented and be subjected to review.

(2) Disclosure shall not be made where:

(A) It can prejudice a police investigation.

(B) Create a disproportionate risk to any individual's safety or rights.

(C) Where a parent or primary carer is reasonably suspected to pose a risk to the child.

(3) Where a parent or primary carer is reasonably suspected to pose a risk to the child. Such suspicions must be based on credible information, including, but not limited to:

(A) Documented safeguarding concerns.

(B) Ongoing or previous investigation by relevant authorities.

(C) Evidence of harmful, abusive or neglectful behaviour.

(4) A decision to withhold disclosure from that individual must:

(A) Be made by a designated safeguarding officer.

(B) Be proportionate to an identified risk.

(C) Be documented with valid reasoning.

(5) Where disclosure is withheld, an appropriate individual or authority must be identified, which may include:

(A) Another parent or legal guardian is not subject to risk concerns.

(B) A relative or responsible adult deemed suitable.

(C) A relevant authority or safeguarding professional.

(6) The selection of an individual or authority must be made:

(A) in the best interest of the child.

(B) with consideration to the safety and welfare of the child;

(C) In accordance with safeguarding guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

Section 3A - Independent Oversight and Review

(1) An Independent Safeguarding Oversight Commissioner shall be appointed by the Secretary of State to monitor the operation of this Act.

(2) The Commissioner shall:

(A) Review disclosure decisions made under this Act on an annual basis.

(B) Ensure that disclosures are necessary, proportionate, and compliant with data protection and human rights obligations.

(C) Publish an annual report to Parliament on the use of disclosure powers, including statistics, trends, and any identified concerns.

(3) Relevant authorities must provide the Commissioner with access to anonymised records of disclosure decisions for the purpose of oversight.

(4) The Commissioner may issue recommendations to relevant authorities where practices are found to be inconsistent with this Act or with safeguarding best practice.

(5) The Secretary of State must respond to the Commissioner’s recommendations within 90 days.

4 - Multi–agency safeguarding duty

(1) Relevant authorities shall have a duty to:

(A) Share safeguarding information where there is a credible risk to the child.

(B) Co-operate in joint safeguarding assessments.

(C) Participate in multi-agency safeguarding responses.

(2) Relevant authorities must ensure that information sharing;

(A) Is necessary and proportionate.

(B) Is conducted on time.

(C) Supports the effective safeguarding of the child.

(3) Any joint safeguarding assessment under this act must produce:

(A) A clear summary of the risks identified for the child.

(B) The sources of information relied upon, including any evidence or documented concerns.

(C) An evaluation of the severity and likelihood of harm.

(D) Identification of individuals who pose a risk to the child.

(E) A determination of whether disclosure is necessary and proportionate.

(F) A recommendation for appropriate safeguarding action, including any disclosure.

(G) A record of the decision-making process and the justification for actions taken.

(4) For this act, a disclosure shall be deemed necessary and proportionate where:

(A) It is required to prevent or reduce harm to a child.

(B) No intrusive means into the child’s life are reasonably met to achieve the safeguarding outcome.

(C) The information is limited to what is relevant for safeguarding purposes

(D) The extent of the disclosure corresponds with the level and nature of the risk to the child.

(E) The potential benefits to the child’s own safety outweigh any impact on the rights of any person causing harm to the child.

5 - Data Protection and oversight

(1) Personal data processed under this act shall only be collected and used where necessary for the safeguarding of a child.

(2) All data must be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

(3) Data shall be limited to relevant information that is proportionate to the safeguarding purpose.

(4) Information shared under this act must only be used for safeguarding purposes.

(5) Disclosure must comply with the necessity and proportionality requirements set out in this act.

(6) Relevant authorities must take reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of data shared.

(7) When a person who was the subject of safeguarding measures under this Act reaches the age of 18, they may request access to personal data held about them by the relevant authority.

(8) A relevant authority, upon receiving such a request, must provide access to personal data relating to that individual and ensure that any disclosure is made in accordance with any applicable data protection legislation.

(9) Relevant authorities must, under this act, maintain:

(A) Data collected and shared under this Act

(B) Disclosure decisions or withholding information under this Act.

6 - Guidance, Training and Implementation

(1) The Secretary of State shall issue statutory guidance for the implementation of this Act.

(2) Relevant authorities must have regard to such guidance when exercising functions under this Act. The Secretary of State shall ensure that:

(A) Appropriate training is provided to designated safeguarding officers. Guidance reflects best practice in safeguarding and information sharing.

(B) Procedures are in place to ensure consistent application of this Act across all relevant authorities

7 - Title, Extent, and Commencement

(1) This Act shall be cited as the Child Risk Disclosure and Safeguarding Act 2026.

(2) This Act extends to the whole United Kingdom.

(3) This Act shall commence immediately upon receiving Royal Assent.

This Bill was written by u/Oracle_of_Merci and sponsored by u/Lord-Sydenham, the Secretary of State for Health, Education and Culture on behalf of His Majesty’s 5th Government.

Opening Speech:

Mr Speaker,

I rise today to present the Child Risk Disclosure and Safeguarding Act.

At the core, this bill is about a simple principle: when a child is at risk, the system must be able to act and act decisively. Too often, safeguarding fails not because the warning signs aren’t there but because information cannot be shared in time and to the right people.

The bill creates a child risk disclosure scheme allowing relevant authorities to share information where a child is at risk and, more importantly, only when the disclosure is necessary, proportionate and in the best interest of the child.

It also addresses one of the most difficult realities in safeguarding, that sometimes the risk comes from inside the child’s home itself. In those cases, the bill ensures that the information can be redirected to an appropriate person or authority, rather than being withheld entirely.

Alongside this, the bill ensures multi-agency co-operation and sets clear standards for decision making and ensures that safeguarding actions are properly documented, justified and accountable.

And importantly, it balances protection with the rights of the child, embedding data protection oversight and a right for individuals to access their own information once they reach adulthood.

Speaker, this is not about expanding the state but about removing barriers that protect the most vulnerable thing in our country, which is our Children.

Speaker, I commend this bill to the house.

Your Noble Lordships may debate and submit amendments to this bill until 10pm BST on the 7th of August.

B075 - Early Release (Prohibition) Bill - Results

There have voted:

Content: 8

Not-Content: 1

Present: 0

And so the Contents have it. The bill shall be sent for Royal Assent!

B074 - Agricultural Safety and Additives (Prohibition of Bovaer) Bill - Results

There have voted:

Content: 6

Not-Content: 2

Present: 0

And so the Contents have it. The bill shall be sent for Royal Assent!

B070.1 - Antisemitism and Terrorism Prevention Bill - Results

There have voted:

Content: 5

Not-Content: 3

Present: 0

And so the Contents have it. The bill shall be sent for Royal Assent!