All articles written by Baroness Hayter on PoliticsHome.com

28 Sep History

LGBT Foreign Office staff suffered from a deeply unjust policy – the time for personal apologies is now

In January 1987, 26-year-old Gareth Williams, second secretary at the British Embassy in Stockholm, sat opposite the head of the personnel department in the then Foreign Office to be told that while his honesty about his sexuality was appreciated, he would have to leave the Diplomatic Service because he was gay.

10 Jun Parliament

I hope my Private Members’ Bill is a critical step towards lobbying reform

"We were promised a statutory register of lobbyists.

29 Apr Books & culture

"An evocative tale of intrigue and manipulation": Baroness Hayter reviews 'In The Print'

Tightly written and well-directed, Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky’s retelling of the 1986 Wapping dispute is a timely reflection on the human cost of technological change

27 Mar Books & culture

"Doesn't make for easy viewing": Baroness Hayter reviews 'The Tasters'

A tense and atmospheric tale of a group of German women forced to eat Hitler’s food to check for poison, don’t watch it late at night by yourself as I did...

16 Jan Books & culture

"An extraordinary and uncomfortable book": Baroness Hayter reviews 'Unbroken Chains'

Without minimising Europe’s shameful role, this chilling book exposes the extent of the historic slave trade within Africa and across the Middle East

14 Oct 2024 Books & culture

'Moving': Baroness Hayter reviews 'Lee'

Make time to see this portrait of the preeminent female war photographer Lee Miller – just don’t make my mistake and go on your own

26 Sep 2024 Books & culture

Not for Tory eyes: Baroness Hayter reviews 'Keeping the Red Flag Flying'

Let’s hope the lessons outlined in this study of the long and factious periods the Labour Party has spent in opposition won’t be needed for many a year

24 Jan 2024 Health

Patients must know whether or not their medic is a biological woman

The Lords raise their voices – and something happens.

22 Nov 2023 Books & culture

Baroness Hayter reviews 'Women in Revolt!'

Members of the Lords: go and visit your pasts. MPs: go and witness our early struggles. Tate Britain’s display of some brilliant feminist agitprop is just a stone’s throw from Parliament

01 Sep 2023 Health

Been dazzled lately?

It all started with a visit to my optician – seeking help to deal with dazzling headlights.

11 Jan 2023 Brexit

EU law repeal process is irresponsible and potentially dangerous

On Thursday, the Lords will have a major debate on two outstanding Committee Reports, whose titles themselves tell a tale.

18 May 2022 Parliament

The Lords must not be exiled during Parliament repairs

In an unprecedented letter from Michael Gove, on behalf of the government, he tells the Lord Speaker: “I will not support the use of the QE2 Centre” for the House of Lords when repairs are done to Parliament “and I propose… to support you in identifying a suitable location… in the North, Midlands, South West, Scotland or Wales”.

05 May 2022 Health

Moves to overturn Roe v Wade shows women’s rights must never be taken for granted

Once over my disbelief, then anger, at reports indicating the United States Supreme Court is on the cusp of removing women’s right to access safe, legal abortion, I drew three lessons from the move.

08 Feb 2022 Foreign affairs

Government must ensure post-Brexit trade agreements receive parliamentary scrutiny

Ever since 2010, Parliament has had an enhanced – though not decisive – role in agreeing international treaties negotiated by the government, with treaties having to be laid in both Houses at least 21 days before ratification.

17 Nov 2021 Foreign affairs

NHS costs and food standards must be protected if we join the Pacific trade deal

In February the government applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (known as CPTPP) – an 11 nation free trade agreement. The diverse membership stretching from Vietnam to Peru encompasses countries such as Japan with whom we already have bilateral deals, and others like Malaysia with whom we have no ongoing talks.

17 Mar 2020 Coronavirus

We need contingencies to mitigate the delay to Brexit negotiations as a result of COVID-19

This pandemic risks major disruption to Brexit negotiations. MPs need to understand any differences this stalling will make

04 Jun 2018 Brexit

Baroness Hayter: Critics of the Lords should consider why the government was defeated 15 times on Brexit

From borders and devolution to legal protections, Lords’ oversight will only lead to better legislation and improved government as we prepare for Brexit, says Dianne Hayter

28 Mar 2018 Brexit

Baroness Hayter: We should aim for nothing short of a continental Brexit

Dianne Hayter on why Ministers must understand the ties that bind many younger people to Europe and reflect those views when negotiating our departure from the EU.

19 Mar 2018 Culture

Self-regulation of the advertising industry simply isn’t working

In the current landscape, brands continue to push the boundaries of what is appropriate, knowing their ads will probably run uninterrupted, writes Baroness Hayter

14 Mar 2018 Brexit

Baroness Hayter: Parliament must be 'able to hold Ministers feet to the fire' on Brexit deal

Baroness Hayter on a cross-party attempt in the Lords to ensure Theresa May honours a promise to give Parliament a proper say on the UK/EU Brexit agreement.

20 Feb 2017 Brexit

Baroness Hayter: Making amends to Brexit legislation

Shadow Spokesperson for Exiting the European Union Baroness Dianne Hayter writes about Labour Lords' strategy for improving the Article 50 Bill.

09 Feb 2017 Home affairs

Baroness Hayter: 'Protect and serve' - Championing of consumer rights needed in the Brexit negotiations

Consumer representatives must have a seat at the Brexit negotiating table over the next 18 months says Baroness Hayter.