Short debates in the Lords

Offenders serving indefinite sentences

In the chamber, members debated the government's progress in producing a new action plan for offenders still serving indefinite sentences under the Imprisonment for Public Protection scheme. This debate was put forward by Baroness Burt of Solihull (Liberal Democrat).

• read the Lords Library briefing
• catch up on Parliament TV
• read a transctipt in Lords Hansard.

Lords Thursday debates

One Thursday each month, the House of Lords holds four short debates (one hour each) in Grand Committee. On Thursday 13 October, members debated the following subjects:  

Spending on pharmaceutical research and development

Members considered steps to increase the UK’s share of global pharmaceutical research and development spending, in a debate put forward by Baroness Wheeler (Labour).

• read the Lords Library briefing.

Careers in horticulture

Members debated support for careers in the horticultural sector and the role of that sector in protecting the environment, in a debate proposed by Baroness Fookes (Conservative).

• read the Lord Library briefing.

Corruption in the UK

Members discussed the government's assessment of the effects of corruption in the UK, in a debate put forward by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (Green Party). 

• read the Lords Library briefing.

National Heritage Act 1983

Members considered plans to review the National Heritage Act 1983, in a debate proposed by Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Conservative).

• read the Lords Library briefing.

Get involved

Watch and read

Catch up on Parliament TV  or read the trancripts in Lords Hansard.

Short debates

Short debates are an opportunity for members to draw the government’s attention to concerns and hold it to account. They last for about 60 minutes and a minister or spokesperson responds on behalf of the government at the end.   

Four short debates on one Thursday a month take place in Grand Committee, work away from the main chamber.   

Learn more about how the House of Lords checks and challenges government.     

Image: House of Lords / photography by Roger Harris