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Short debates in the Lords

12 January 2024

Members of the House of Lords participating in a debate

The House of Lords discussed climate change, the integration of refugees, religious education in schools, the adoption of new vaccines and parity of health and social care to address dementia in five short debates on Thursday 18 January.

Climate change

In the Lords Chamber, members debated co-operation with international partners to mitigate climate change impact, following reports that global heating is likely to pass the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold in 2024.

The debate was put forward by Baroness Sheehan (Liberal Democrat).

Lords Thursday debates

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

Refugee integration

Members considered the current pathways for newly recognised refugees to integrate and establish themselves in the UK, in a debate put forward by Lord German (Liberal Democrat).

Religious education in schools

Members discussed steps to improve the quality of religious education in schools, in a debate put forward by Lord Harries of Pentregarth (Crossbench).

Adoption of new vaccines

Members debated plans to accelerate the adoption of new innovative vaccines by the National Immunisation Programme, in a debate put forward by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Labour).

Parity of health and social care to address dementia

Members considered creating a parity of esteem between health and social care to address dementia, in a debate put foward by Baroness Browning (Conservative).

Catch up

Watch and read

Short debates 

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

Image: House of Lords / Annabel Moeller 

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