Contributions
610 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, I agree with the noble Baroness, Lady Meacher, and the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of London. It seems perfectly sensible that we should all wait until the report…21 Apr 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, this amendment is understandable but misconceived and I am relieved that it will not be put to a vote. I declare an interest as a former chairman of the Family Committee…21 Apr 2021HANSARDAnimal Welfare (Sentencing) BillMy Lords, I have owned dogs, cats, horses and, occasionally, sheep. Now, one small dog rules our life. It is an interesting fact that this country is passionate about animals, and…16 Apr 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, I am delighted and honoured to make the concluding Cross-Bench speech at the Third Reading of this important—indeed, landmark—piece of legislation. I first thank, as so…24 Mar 2021HANSARDYouth Justice SystemMy Lords, are the Government considering raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12? These 10 and 11 year-olds usually come from seriously dysfunctional backgrounds…23 Mar 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, I have had more emails asking me to support Amendment 87A than any other part of the Bill—I am sure that that is true for many other Members of this House. There is…17 Mar 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, it is always a pleasure to follow the noble Baroness, Lady Hamwee. I agree with everything she and the previous speakers, particularly the right reverend prelate Bishop…15 Mar 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, it is extremely unfair that someone who is a victim of domestic abuse and has sought help is twice victimised. It shows an astonishingly unfeeling and callous approach…15 Mar 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillI should have declared earlier an interest as chairman of the National Commission on Forced Marriage. I thank the Minister very much for listening and for what she said in…10 Mar 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, I will speak to Amendments 31 and 85. I underline that domestic abuse services, which I very much support, should include victims being forced into marriage. I…10 Mar 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, I entirely agree with the noble Baroness, Lady Fox. I recognise the good intentions of the amendment, but I am concerned that it is too rigid. As I know from my judicial…10 Mar 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, this is such a sensible addition to Section 33 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015. It is excellent news that the Government have now accepted it. I was…10 Mar 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillAlthough I have the deepest sympathy for those who have suffered this unjust behaviour from the other spousal partner, I do not believe that the amendment, for all its good…08 Mar 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, I think I must be the only person who is opposing Amendment 44. I was president of the Family Division and was previously chairman of the family committee of the…08 Mar 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, I agree with these amendments and in particular with what the noble Lord, Lord Rooker, has just said. However, I want to concentrate on Amendment 68, and I declare an…08 Mar 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, I understand and sympathise with those who have been the victims of a spouse or partner who has turned the children of their family against them—of course it takes…08 Mar 2021HANSARDData Protection Act 2018: ChildrenMy Lords, as a family judge, I regularly talked to children, some of them very young, about what they wanted to happen to them at the end of the proceedings. May I urge the…04 Mar 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, I strongly agree with the Minister that domestic abuse should be gender neutral. I particularly support the noble Baroness, Lady Featherstone, in what she said about…10 Feb 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, I declare my interest, as set out in the register, as chair of the National Commission on Forced Marriage. I ask the Minister that any guidance on training that is given…10 Feb 2021HANSARDDomestic Abuse BillMy Lords, I support Amendments 149 and 157. I am very well aware of the time and shall keep this short. Victims of domestic abuse who escape the perpetrator need protection in…08 Feb 2021