Contributions
324 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSentencing Council GuidelinesMy Lords, having worked in justice for nearly 50 years and in Westminster for nearly 40 years, I am not so naive or squeamish as to be shocked by this political squabble over the…03 Apr 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, as a signatory of the amendment, perhaps I may make one or two points in support of my noble friend Lord Ashton. A lasting power of attorney gives the attorney a power…25 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, I am very attracted to what the noble Lord, Lord Anderson, has just said. I find what my noble friend Lord Banner had to say extremely attractive, and I hope that the…25 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillYes, wisdom—I was clutching for the word. I hope they will find it in their wisdom to reach a conclusion similar to that advanced by my noble friend. Quickly, while the noble…25 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillHe is never far absent from it. This series of amendments does not appeal to the noble Lord because it does not deal with the hereditary peerage, but of course, right in front of…25 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillExactly; and we are all the better off for that. However, I think it very important to recognise that, although our constitution is odd, strange and, in many ways, not very neat,…25 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy noble friend was obviously a keener member of APPGs than I was, but I am sure he is entirely right. None the less, I think it important that we in this House, and the Supreme…25 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillI was fishing for that compliment —and it does take a lot of effort. Anyhow, the other outrageous thing was my noble friend Lord Parkinson claiming that exceptionalism from…25 Mar 2025HANSARDHong Kong Democracy ActivistsMy Lords, I fully understand the balance that there has to be between protecting British citizens under British law and the need for good diplomatic and trading relations with…06 Mar 2025HANSARDConduct CommitteeMy Lords, I will not repeat what the noble Baroness, Lady Manningham-Buller, has already said in opening this debate, nor do I have time, sadly, to comment on the two amendments…05 Mar 2025HANSARDConduct CommitteeBefore the noble Baroness sits down, perhaps she could confirm that the committee is very much boxed in by the rules that it is provided with? If, for example, a commissioner…05 Mar 2025HANSARDAttorney General’s Office: Conflicts of InterestMy Lords, I am not sure whether the Government I served thought it was an advantage to have me in office, but there you are: I was once a law officer. The convention is that a law…27 Jan 2025HANSARDChina: Human Rights and SecurityMy Lords, I begin by thanking the noble Lord, Lord Alton, for securing this debate and for all that he said in his opening remarks. His speech was a devastating analysis of the…19 Dec 2024HANSARDHome Detention Curfew and Requisite and Minimum Custodial Periods (Amendment) Order 2024My Lords, I briefly intervene, if I may. In doing so, declare my interest: until about 1 pm this afternoon, I was a trustee of the Prison Reform Trust. I largely agree with my…10 Dec 2024HANSARDJailing of Hong Kong Pro-democracy ActivistsMy Lords, in the other place, the Minister’s right honourable friend said at the end of her Answer that the United Kingdom Government will always stand up for the people of Hong…20 Nov 2024HANSARDImprisonment for Public Protection (Re-sentencing) Bill [HL]My Lords, I declare my interest as a trustee of the Prison Reform Trust and as an unashamed admirer of my good friend the Minister for all that he did as chairman of the PRT and…15 Nov 2024HANSARDChina: Human Rights and SanctionsMy Lords, what assessment have the Government made of China’s intentions to act aggressively in a military sense in the western Pacific? Do they agree that it is highly likely to…29 Oct 2024HANSARDRural Crime: NFU Mutual ReportMy Lords, the Minister will understand that it is not just crimes of acquisition and anti-social behaviour that affect rural areas. They are also affected by fraud offences. Does…12 Sept 2024HANSARDStrategic Lawsuits Against Public ParticipationMy Lords, I declare an interest, in that I have been practising at the defamation Bar since the mid-1970s. Much has been said in this House and in Committee about the need for…24 Jul 2024HANSARDKing’s SpeechMy Lords, I gladly follow the noble Lord, Lord Browne. I could have made exactly the same speech that he has just made when we came into government in 2010. I spent quite a time…24 Jul 2024