27/06/2016 Lords Questions

As many as are of the opinion, say "aye". To the contrary, "no". --

there is no place in our society for bigotry, hatred or any sort of

prejudice at and high Semitism. Students have a clear --

universities have a clear role to play in addressing harassment on

campus and the task force will report in the autumn. Can I thank my

honourable friend for her very helpful answer? And I have that her

department consider the bases of the definition of and high Semitism to

the one opposed by Sir Eric Pickles? That specifies that and I Semitism

manifests itself when double standards are applied to the state

of Israel, which are regarding a behaviour which is not stated or

demanded by other democratic nations. Can are sure it cannot be

right that students should not be intimidated by overaggressive and

they Israel activity on their campuses. My honourable friend is

right, the designation that Eric Pickles used was that EMC working

definition and it does speak about how some of the ways in which and I

Semitism is manifested. Universities may well opt to consider it and one

of the issues that universities UK, the task force at which I mentioned

in my previous statement was how university staff can be assisted to

understand the different from that and I Semitism brigade. The mac this

is a deplorable example. Any party days, a Jewish law statement has won

?100,000 and an apology from the student union. Is not it wrong that

a student has done so and, hello I do not know the decision in your,

would it be right to say that it is somehow the weakness of travel and

the University as being a place of understanding that is at the root of

this Parliament? I thank the noble lord for that question and I am

pleased with the fact of accepting what Zachary have to go through that

he has got an apology and he have gotten compensation or that I

entirely agree that it is unacceptable transacting basis. Is

and I Semitism have to be taken seriously and that is exactly and

many universities do that but the task force that I mentioned earlier

is looking at what more can be done and there are a number of specific

actions when considering and I Semitism, and improve neutral data

collection to ensure that the incident recorded effectively, the

importance of a complaints procedure that does protect the identity of

the students here for coming forward and, as they mentioned earlier, they

need better training to make sure that universities are understand the

different forms of antagonism because it is... With the Minister

agree that they are not alone in frequently being subjected to abuse?

And discriminatory behaviour in universities and elsewhere, and it

is the duty of the Government to make sure that all communities are

equally protected against irrational hatred and in use, particularly in

today's unpredictable and difficult times. I agree and indeed, the task

force is looking at harassment on campus will stop in particular, it

is looking at what more can be done by the SHG sector against violence

and sexual harassment against women, hate crimes generally and other

forms of harassment including and I Semitism and is. This task force is

looking at a broad wide range of issues to make sure that can live,

learn safely and diesel in a spurt of tolerance and understanding.

In the University of excerpts in 2013, April Palestinian student body

forced the university to cancel a speech from the Israeli deputy

ambassador over concerns about his safety and while fully supporting

what the Government is doing in this area, it does seem to me that there

is a question about how freedom of speech and extremism, after being

more clearly distinguished, in order that we can take appropriate action

against racism and anti-says dad-mac anti-Semitism and also contain

academic free speech? I agree that freedom of speech and academic

freedom are the bedrock of our higher education system and we are

supporting universities whose show strong leadership in controversial

and offensive idea is to be aired and to be debated to make sure that

universities are doing what they should be doing which is challenging

theories and making sure that students can argue and top-down

hatred that has been perpetuated. The life changing the referendum

result indicates a nation which is less tolerant and less acceptable

diversity. Can the ministers say what dialogue she is having with the

universities to ensure that a proper complaint procedure is in place so

that anyone who is suffering from anti-Semitism know exactly where

they can go? As I said in my previous answer, the Minister for

university and science has specifically asked the University UK

task force is to consider some specific actions and one of them is

improved data collection of incidents so we can make sure we

understand the scale the problem and the importance of a complaints

procedure that protect the identity of students who are fearful of

coming forward. The task force is planning to divide a range of

recommendations and actions of ministers in the autumn and then

universities UK are planning a national conference post the

publication of those recommendations in November so that there can be a

full discussion of the issues they have found within the evidence they

are collecting. I disclose an interest of the Wolf Institute which

is devoted to approving interfaith relations primarily between the

Abraham and faiths. I note the very clear and says that the minister

gets and I thank her for those. I also note what is implicit in the

questions asked by other noble lord. I would like to know whether she

agrees with me that while University UK are playing a very important

role, it is very important also that the Government should show in a

material way that the support what others are trying to do. I hope very

much that my answers today show that the Government is taking this

seriously. We did ask universities UK to set up this task force. We

will be listening to the recommendations and we do want to

see a tolerant environment where students can learn. We do fully take

the seriousness of this issue and I hope today that I have shown the

Government is making this a priority. I beg leave to ask the

question down on the order paper in my name. Since two thousand 11, we

have introduced the event duty and trained over 450,000 people,

including front line workers, to spot the signs of radicalisation.

We've also published the counter extremism strategy last year which

explains how we are working with committees to build an understanding

of the threat of extremism and the challenges it poses. I thank the

Minister for the reply explaining the Government's position. As he

mentioned, for years, we've had a prevent programme without clearly

defining what it is that we are trying to prevent. Words like

radical, will the radicalised, fundamentalist, extremists, I

totally devoid of meaning. Political Islam and Islamist I considered by

many Muslims to be Robb assay to Islam. Would the Minister agree that

what we are really trying to prevent is the out of context use of

religious text that advocate the killing or ill treatment of people

of other faiths. Would the minister further agree to suggest that the --

such behaviour is sanctioned by the one God of us all and is the

ultimate blasphemy and will the Government help the Muslim leaders

present Islam in the context of today's society? Picking up on a

couple of points of the noble lord. I totally agree. I speak forever one

across the house that no religion and no true religion in any sense

sanctioned the kind of extremism or terrorist activity that we see and

Aslan is no exception. We have seen was the leaders of every dominant --

to nomination condemn it. In his final point, he talked about the

understanding of Islam. It is now much for the Islam committee and the

leaders with accuracy to have a discourse around Islam. Islam is the

religion practised around the world by almost 1 billion people and it

has done so peacefully. The Government maintain that the

programme to prevent people from being drawn into violent extremism

is not focused on the Muslim committee but on all types of

extremism wherever it occurs? If that is the case it can be noble

lord Minister tell the house by the prevent programme is not increment

in Northern Ireland and why the Government is conducting a survey as

part of the programme amongst the Muslim committee only? Taking the

noble lord's second point, the Government is not conducting a

survey with the Muslim committee only. That has been some media

speculation. That is not the case. On his bike about Northern Ireland,

aside from his point on the prevent programme, there have been other

initiatives that have been taken there on the very meek

circumstances. This has previously said that elements of the

Government's Prevent Programme I being implied any insensitive and

discriminatory manner and it could benefit from an independent review.

It should address all forms of terrorism and non-violent extremism.

The climate of the last few weeks has done nothing to ease the

situation which Prevent is intended to address. There is all too clear

evidence that that climate is continuing in the week of the

referendum result. Does the Government now intend to carry out

if you -- eight fool review of this programme? The Government has

focused on the importance of Prevent and Prevent has seen much success.

450,000 people have been trained. We've had over 50,000 interventions

and the world who live in right now, we've seen 180,000 pieces of

terrorist material removed from the Internet. Every strategy and every

policy needs to be reviewed. The Government continues to review that

an edge to the sentiment of the noble lord in any environment,

particularly the current environment, no extremists, no

person seeking to use an opportunity, should build on the

fears of team unity and societies and not target any committee in

Britain. There is nobody in this house who is a better equipped

person to get people to understand that the present version of Muslim

religion is arising largely from a dispute within that religion and is

a gross perversion of the Muslim religion which was practised in the

13th and 14th century for example. We should all remember that. Just as

we should also remember that there are very few places where one can

feel safer against extremism in this country than in the company of a

large number of Sikhs who have always shown by the great loyalty

and understanding of their society that they have their place here. I

think there are many advocates across all faiths who stand up for

faith and people of no faith and they do so for other faiths as well

and that the beauty other country. I am proud of Britain. This is a

country where I believe is the best place to be a Muslim, a Hindu, a

seat, a Jew or of no faith. It is based just not on tolerance but

understanding and building mutual respect and long may that last.

Would be noble lord agree that... Order, order. The house was calling

for the noble lady but if the noble lady has given way, the noble lord.

He had given way. I hadn't given way, I just thought I was polite to

sit down. LAUGHTER

As chairman of the commission on religious belief, we discovered

across the country, the importance of talking to people with whom we

didn't agree. I wonder if the noble lord, the Minister, would make it

certain that Government will talk to those groups and the Government

doesn't actually approve of and who have very different views because

communication and dialogue is crucial. I am sure it... I am often

conversation with people I disagree with and coming back to my earlier

answer, the society is one of mutual respect and that mutual respect is

born out of the fact that people may have contrary opinions, we sit down

with them and listen and find a solution and the Government has been

instrumental in building and strengthening partnerships with all

the committees including the Muslim committee of all determinations to

meet the challenge we currently face. I beg leave to ask the

question standing my name in the order paper. My Lords, Queen is a

priority for this Government and we're taking action at all levels.

We are working with local Government to implement a new programme of

cleaner, alongside ?2 billion committed since 2011 towards cleaner

transport and supporting local authority action. We have led EU

action to introduce real world driving omissions from 2017 and are

working to agree ambitious and set limits to reduce emissions further

in the future. The minister will be aware that some 50,000 people a year

die because of diseases connected with our permission. Will the

Minister agree that diesel engines are particular Lialui responsibility

for these deaths and is it time that we stopped subsidising indirectly

the use of diesel cars and had some penal taxation? My Lords, given that

we are still members of the European Union, did we not uproot Brussels,

the commission and the Council of ministers, to ask for some tougher

measures to deal with air pollution? My Lloyds, the noble lord is quite

right that the effects of pollution on behalf of all of our chosen

families is something we must concentrate on. As I said in my

opening answer, we are working with local Government to implement a new

programme of Queen Elizabeth in Birmingham, Leeds, Southampton and

Dadi. The noble Lord is also mentioned, diesel vehicles, he will

be aware and do the clean air zones, we are going to be discouraging

under the clean air zones to entering the area. The noble lord

also mentioned Brussels and the relationship between diesel and

pollution and I'm sure they are this matter but we will take that into

account. Will my noble friend agree with me that we were willing

signatories come at the UK Government to the EU air pollution

directive and that we will remain committed to its aims and

objectives? That together with acid rain and air quality, European and

British policy has made a greater impact on the cleaner environment of

the UK? My noble friend is quite correct but my noble friend will

also be aware that the environment we have in this great country goes

back many years before we joined the EU as well. The clean air act was

introduced in 1956. Can he ensure that the future so-called European

deal will contain air quality regulations that are at least as

good if not better than those that we currently have under the EU

regulations? We cannot rely on the world health organisation standards

because they are not enforceable. Is he aware that diesel fumes are

carcinogenic and under the regime of the last Mayor of London, London's

schoolchildren have been walking to school along main roads through

carcinogenic air. Will he join me in calling upon the new mayor to do a

great deal better? My Lloyds, as the noble Baroness mentioned, the new

Mayor of London is responsible for air quality in London. We welcome

the commitment of the new mayor to lead improvement air quality in the

capital and building on plans already in place. We look forward to

seeing his plans in more detail when publishing his consultation. The

noble Baroness is quite right when she refers to children walking to

school. It is right that we improve the environment so they aren't put

under undue pressure from pollution. In 2008, I had the privilege of

cheering a committee on allergy and in that we reported that atmospheric

pollution, particularly with diesel, was increasing allergy related

diseases but more so, hindering the lung growth of the Bill Tilden,

particularly babies and primary school children. It seems sad that

we've only begun to take this seriously at this point but I ask

the Government, will be undertaken to work with primary schools in

particular so primary schools note that the level of atmospheric

pollution and the children at those schools are subjected to on a daily

basis, particularly when the outside and therefore at least they can take

some avoiding action whilst the Government works TD crease diesel

particulate contamination The local authorities are response

over reviewing local contamination in the area, including around

schools and assessing the level of pollution. I will take careful note

of what the noble Baroness has said and I'm sure she will be aware of it

but I will also help the warehouse that the quality is improving. Dream

2010 and 2014, emissions of nitrous oxide fell 16%. I can confirm that

this is based on CO2 emissions, rather than nitrous oxide emissions

following the lobbying of the German car industry of the turbodiesel

engines which they invented to stop this as an example of how Brussels

is subject to lobbying which is against the public interest of the

wider community. I think my honourable friend also touches on an

area relating to Volkswagen and refit and recall of cars. In the UK,

Volkswagen will be recalling these cars and doing a refit at no cost to

themselves. My noble friend mentioned another point which I will

have two right reasons given information on. Firstly, perhaps the

Minister could join in congratulating the new measure of

London, because they have brought the previous May's proposals for

work, and I think that the something to be congratulated on. -- Mayor.

Several cities have a pollution which is safer health, can the noble

lord explain why his Government is introducing cleaning air zones in

only five cities? Do they not take the public health scandal seriously?

The noble Baroness the mentioned if I'm looking gradually been used

Mayor of London. Of course I will do so. The noble Baroness also

mentioned the five cities that are already coming under the clean air

zones. It does not mean that other cities cannot apply to join to have

clean air zones and have in themselves and I'm sure we can give

them advice on such. I will start with these five large cities and see

what improvements will happen there. Pedigree to ask the question

standing under my name on the order paper. -- I beg leave. I beg to

ASCII around what steps are being taken to find women's rights

organisations. My friend will be aware that since 2012, we have

increased our team and Kerry in violence against women and girls

programme six fall as we are proud to be contributing to be you and

trust fund anti-amplified change. Can bigotry to my noble friend's

work under these matters is that I would like to thank my noble friend,

the minister, for her answer. I would also like to congratulate the

garment -- Government for giving support to women and girls during

emergencies. Please can I noble friend tell me whether the

Government will be establishing a funding mechanism for women's rights

organisations for Unitarian issues, especially during conflict. --

humanitarian. Specifically, whether UK funding is getting through to

those women's rights organisations in Syriac, who are desperately

trying to look after their families and provide support to the local

communities. My noble friend is absolutely right that we do need to

ensure that women's rights organisations on the ground are

properly funded and supported, and therefore I am proud of the work

that the UK is doing. We do have... We are trying to encourage our

partners and other donors to step up as well. We need to make sure that

the funding that is going in is actually making sure that there

local organisations on the ground are going to be supported in the

capacity to be able to respond. On that, the department is doing a lot

of work. Protection of women and girls is clearly absolutely vital. I

would like to welcome this teacher and your fellow are here today.

Given the responsibilities within the EU, what action has she taken to

ensure that in the future, we can work closely with the EU, which has

got the biggest development budget in the world am I to influence it

over this and other vital matters's my awards, the noble lady is right

that we do a lot of work through the European Union but we also do it

through another number of multilateral agencies through the

world. We will continue to work hard and I'm sure the noble Leader of the

House will lie as a clearer picture of what equipment will be doing. I

would also congratulate equipment on their efforts into the financing but

of course the UN committee on limitation of discrimination

urged... Is that it should be taken by all women in all countries. Can I

ask the Minister what the department is doing to ensure that in disaster

prone countries women are involved in the decision-making processes to

reduce risk. The noble lord is absolutely right that women and

girls have got to be part of the decision-making process and it was

very much felt at the Syrian conference where I met a number of

women who were telling me through their own testimonials how powerless

they felt and they wanted meaningful engagement. The work that we have

done since last in Dover demonstrated after the commitments

to ensuring that wherever we have peace conferences and summits, that

we will have representation Rosemary Butler voices at the cable. But we

have got much more to do. I agree with the noble lord that there were

so much more that has to be done across the board. Across all

agencies and across all donor countries to ensure that those

voices or the first of all, head but also that those voices make a

meaningful contribution and I would forage to members across this house

helping others make sure that message continues to be allowed and

clear. If the house and become aware that unfortunately in many Muslim

countries, there are barriers between Muslim women and rights. It

is essential that the right help is given to the women who exercise

their God-given right, but it has to be direct because there are many

people who will not accommodate. We advocate very strongly to strengthen

the boys, choice and relocation of women in all settings -- voice. We

have to work harder and tougher to ensure that there are countries

where women voices are not being heard, and that we advocate those

choices. Having steadfastly at the refugee camp in Calais, kayaking

Minister what dialogue she has had with her French counterpart about

the conditions of women and children in the camp there. Given that some

of them have family reunification rights in the UK. As the noble lady

will be aware, we have been ongoing in dialogue with all our partners

and, of course, the conditions where they are in Calais or elsewhere need

to ensure that we support very much the protection and rights of women

and girls in those settings because they are the ones that are going to

be the most protein to abuse and violence, and therefore it is

abundant upon as to ensure that we, along with our partners, are working

hard to ensure that. However, the noble lady is also aware that at the

last conference be held in London, that these issues were raised and we

did have commitment from all partners to ensure that we were able

to put into place as many of those safeguards as we possibly can but we

do need to get these grand bargains, which are about bringing development

and Unitarian pieces together better aligned so that he can actually deal

with both issues at the thing time. If there was an urgency in St

Helena, how could we get help them quickly? As I have asked the noble

lord to do so, take up my offer to come and see what the department is

doing and I extend that offered to all noble or two are concerned about

St Helena, to come and speak to officials.