Contributions
1,156 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDHistorical Forced AdoptionI thank the noble Lord, but I must correct him: I do not think the Church ever preached that sex was sinful. It was only sinful if you did not have a wedding ring; I think it was…07 Jul 2026HANSARDNational Security (State Threats) BillThat Standing Order 44 ( No two stages of a Bill to be taken on one day ) be dispensed with on Tuesday 30 June to allow the National Security (State Threats) Bill to be taken…24 Jun 2026HANSARDG7 SummitThe noble Lord is right that sometimes, in looking at strategic and wider issues, we forget the personal. I have no doubt that his wife has found that having family in Lebanon and…23 Jun 2026HANSARDG7 SummitMy noble friend makes a very valid point. For many of us, the Brexit referendum is deep in our minds and we will struggle to forget it, but, for others, it is something that…23 Jun 2026HANSARDG7 SummitMy Lords, I have not personally had those discussions, but the Government have ongoing discussions. The noble Lord will know from his experience that you do not get everything…23 Jun 2026HANSARDG7 SummitMy Lords, when I look at the communiqués and outcomes, and particularly at the engagement of the US on Ukraine at this G7, the message I have received from people who were there…23 Jun 2026HANSARDG7 SummitMy Lords, I looked with some wry amusement at my notes, which start: “Can I thank the Leader of the Opposition for the generous and constructive suggestions?” Perhaps I should not…23 Jun 2026HANSARDG7 SummitOf course. I think the noble Lord has raised these issues already with my noble friend Lady Chapman, who is well aware of them, and I will pass his comments on to her. Yes, it is…23 Jun 2026HANSARDG7 SummitI am not sure that I can give the noble Lord further information beyond what I have already said—I will look at whether there is any more information I can send to him that can be…23 Jun 2026HANSARDG7 SummitThe noble Lord is probably aware that clearing mines is something we are working on as part of a broad coalition, particularly with the French. We are engaged in that and working…23 Jun 2026HANSARDG7 SummitI have to say to the noble Lord that I think he has a short memory. When we look at what happened on defence under the Government whom he supported, the record is very poor. When…23 Jun 2026HANSARDG7 SummitMy noble friend is right to raise a number of issues around resilience. He said he hoped that whoever takes over from the Prime Minister will continue that work. The Prime…23 Jun 2026HANSARDG7 SummitMy Lords, I agree with my noble friend, and I am proud that we have taken the historic step of recognising the Palestinian state. Settlements that are damaging and oppose the…23 Jun 2026HANSARDG7 SummitI am grateful to my noble friend. The House will know from his detailed question that he has considerable experience in this area. He is right that the only way to peace is a…23 Jun 2026HANSARDG7 SummitThe noble Lord raises a useful point. The coalition of the willing that the Prime Minister brought together, and which he led, has shown itself to have real value. I mentioned…23 Jun 2026HANSARDSenior Deputy SpeakerMy Lords, I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede, on his appointment. In doing so, I would like to take a few moments to pay tribute to the noble Lord, Lord…13 May 2026HANSARDKing’s SpeechMy Lords, I thank their Majesties for gracing us with their presence today as we begin the second Session of this Parliament. To reinforce the comments made by the noble Earl,…13 May 2026HANSARDSenior Deputy SpeakerThat Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede be appointed as Senior Deputy Speaker (Chairman of Committees) for this Session.13 May 2026HANSARDProrogation: His Majesty’s SpeechMy Lords and Members of the House of Commons, by virtue of His Majesty’s Commission which has been now read, we do, in His Majesty’s name, and in obedience to His Majesty’s…29 Apr 2026HANSARDRoyal CommissionMy Lords, it not being convenient for His Majesty personally to be present here this day, he has been pleased to cause a Commission under the Great Seal to be prepared for…29 Apr 2026