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920 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillMy Lords, this has been a thought-provoking discussion. I am often guided by my own beliefs and I recognise Ecclesiastes chapter 4, verses 9 to 10: “Two are better than one … for…15 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillMy Lords, I believe I can give that positive response. The noble Lord, Lord Hain, has given a great deal of leadership. A number of Members of your Lordships’ House have worked…15 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillIf this House divides, it will be a matter of conscience. If this House divides and takes a different opinion, we will send that opinion to the other place. On that basis, I hope…15 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillMy Lords, I appreciate that the definition of a victim has bedevilled a number of people over a great number of years. I read with great interest the Eames-Bradley report, of…15 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillMy Lords, I think we can make some progress this evening. I thank the noble Baroness for tabling her amendment. There is urgency. The last time the matter was discussed I said…15 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillMy noble friend, as always, provides a very sensitive approach. I have a suspicion that there will be a number of amendments tabled over the course of the next few days, which may…10 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillI certainly do not wish to curtail the ability of the Members in this regard, but noble Lords can lodge amendments just now. The Government have to actively engage to try to…10 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillThe noble Baroness has raised this point before, but I say again that we have received from the other place a very clear instruction and we will have to move forward within the…10 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillI do not think anything I have said this evening should be interpreted as a threat—not in the slightest. What I am trying to ensure is understood is that these are perennial…10 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillMy Lords, this has been a long and, I might add, challenging afternoon in many ways. I shall try as best I can to engage with each of the issues as they have been presented. The…10 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillNo, they were not. They were drawn from a wide background of experience and knowledge to try to facilitate those talks.10 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillWe can provide that information in a Written Answer. That would be helpful to the House. I will lodge it in the Library and write to the noble Lord so that he has that information.10 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillThat is what I was about to say. Just before I came into this debate today, I was part of a wider meeting with the two Members of Parliament, together with some representatives…10 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillThe thing to note is that these have now been voted on by the other place in a significant number. The majority is there. They will move forward in this way. We in this House…10 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillYes, that is an old Scottish failing of mine—getting the weeks in the wrong order. To be clear, it is next week. It will be Monday and then Wednesday of next week; I do not want…10 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillTo be frank, it is almost the sole purpose of this House to take those matters which come from the other place to ensure they can be revised in a manner which is appropriate,…10 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillThat the Bill be now read a second time.10 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland (Executive Formation) BillMy Lords, I would like, first, to take this opportunity today to express my sadness at the death of Sir Anthony Hart, who was chair of the inquiry into historical institutional…10 Jul 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland: Trauma VictimsUrgency is important but so is getting this right. The noble Lord is right to draw to our attention how long this has gone on—far too long. I am under no illusion about that but…27 Jun 2019HANSARDNorthern Ireland: Trauma VictimsThis is an important issue, which the UK Government take very seriously. That is why the Secretary of State requested updated and comprehensive advice from the victims’…27 Jun 2019