Contributions
760 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDPrison CapacityAs I think I said earlier, I am sure that a court would always prefer to impose a community sentence if it can.06 Dec 2022HANSARDPrison CapacityMy Lords, I am not in a position to comment on the last 40 years, but, respectfully, I would not make any link between the Government’s policy on prisons and the other matters to…06 Dec 2022HANSARDPrison CapacityMy Lords, I thank noble Lords for the points just made. Before I reply to them, I should say that Operation Safeguard is a temporary measure to meet a recent surge in demand for…06 Dec 2022HANSARDHumanist MarriagesMy Lords, in a nutshell, the Government’s position is that to lay an order under the 2013 Act solely in favour of humanists would discriminate against other groups—Muslims, Sikhs,…29 Nov 2022HANSARDHumanist MarriagesI will of course go back and look at the history. I am equipped with elderly but serviceable shin-pads and am quite used to having my shins thoroughly kicked when necessary, but…29 Nov 2022HANSARDHumanist MarriagesWith respect, I very much hope that the Government understand what the problem is. As the Government see it, we should have a regime for marriage in this country in which the…29 Nov 2022HANSARDHumanist MarriagesThe Government have to consider in detail the Law Commission report, its undoubted strengths and the various points that have been made about it, not least by humanists. We will…29 Nov 2022HANSARDHumanist MarriagesMy Lords, I am happy to meet the noble Baroness, but I doubt whether I shall be able to give her the assurance that she asks for. This is a quite difficult problem. We have to…29 Nov 2022HANSARDHumanist MarriagesThis Government strongly support the institution of marriage. I am probably boring your Lordships by repeating myself: the Government think the whole problem should be solved…29 Nov 2022HANSARDHumanist MarriagesThe Law Commission, in a very detailed and well-argued report, took the view that we should proceed as a country to solve the whole problem across all faiths at the same time and…29 Nov 2022HANSARDRape: Prosecutions and SupportI take good note of my noble friend’s question and will do my best to assure her that those pressing needs are dealt with.29 Nov 2022HANSARDRape: Prosecutions and SupportThe Government hope to bring forward the victims Bill as soon as possible but have no present plans to change the legislation on violence against women or, indeed, anybody else.29 Nov 2022HANSARDRape: Prosecutions and SupportThe Government are working as hard as they can. This is a top priority, and I take good note of the noble Baroness’s remarks.29 Nov 2022HANSARDRape: Prosecutions and SupportMy Lords, the 2021 End-to-End Rape Review Action Plan committed us to double the number of adult rape cases reaching court by the end of this Parliament, back to 2016 levels. We…29 Nov 2022HANSARDRape: Prosecutions and SupportMy Lords, first and with respect, we are making progress on this matter. Your Lordships will perhaps recall that, after 2016 and the Allan case, where a prosecution collapsed for…29 Nov 2022HANSARDRape: Prosecutions and SupportI will certainly do my best to accommodate the noble and learned Lord.29 Nov 2022HANSARDRape: Prosecutions and SupportMy Lords, the Government are making every effort to increase support for victims of rape and sexual assault. We now have a 24/7 helpline, as I said, have increased recruitment of…29 Nov 2022HANSARDRape: Prosecutions and SupportA legal aid solicitor ought to be able to challenge unreasonable demands by the police under the existing regime. However, I refer this House to Operation Soteria, which is…29 Nov 2022HANSARDRape: Prosecutions and SupportI would certainly be prepared to meet the noble Baroness and others and, on that occasion, take everyone through the steps that we are taking to combat this problem.29 Nov 2022HANSARDRape: Prosecutions and SupportThere are several steps. There is the reference from the police to the CPS, the CPS charging decision, the CPS bringing a case, the delay in the court and so forth. Delays in the…29 Nov 2022