Contributions
882 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD“Hillsborough Law”My Lords, Hillsborough was, of course, a disaster with tragic consequences. It evinced a disgraceful response from many public servants, public authorities and, indeed, in some…22 Apr 2025HANSARDSentencing Council GuidelinesMy Lords, two days ago, magistrates and judges across England and Wales were, in effect, blindsided. At midday, they were informed that sentencing guidelines that they thought had…03 Apr 2025HANSARDSentencing Council GuidelinesMy Lords, the Minister—perhaps the Minister of State for pouring oil on troubled waters—referred to the dialogue between his department and the Sentencing Council. But, as he…02 Apr 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, the first life peerages were conferred under the Appellate Jurisdiction Act 1876, which remained in force until the impact of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. It is…25 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, I too support the amendment proposed by the noble Lord, Lord Wolfson, with regard to the future position of the Lord Chancellor. Of course, that will not involve the…25 Mar 2025HANSARDCrown Court Criminal Case BacklogMy Lords, I begin by extending my thanks to the noble Baroness, Lady Longfield, for her maiden speech and for the insight she gave on the issue of children in the justice system,…20 Mar 2025HANSARDSentencing Council GuidelinesMy Lords, the Secretary of State for Justice appears to have implied, perhaps somewhat implausibly, that she and her department were not aware that the new Sentencing Council…19 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillI am obliged to the noble Lord. I am not able to claim that same degree of expertise. In speaking to these amendments, I fully understand what lies behind them: a desire to ensure…12 Mar 2025HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, first, I apologise if my voice fails—although many noble Lords may appreciate that eventuality. I begin by addressing the amendments moved by my noble friends Lord…10 Mar 2025HANSARDStrategic Lawsuits Against Public ParticipationMy Lords, does the Minister agree that we should not confuse the issues surrounding non-disclosure agreements, which can be pernicious in themselves, with the issue of strategic…06 Mar 2025HANSARDPrenuptial AgreementsMy Lords, I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Deech, for securing this debate. I begin with the advantage, shared with the Minister, of never having practised in the area of family…27 Feb 2025HANSARDPrison Maintenance: InsourcingMy Lords, Rule 31 of the Prison Rules 1999 provided that all convicted prisoners should be required to do useful work for up to 10 hours a day, and indeed it is a disciplinary…23 Jan 2025HANSARDAsylum Seekers: Legal AidMy Lords, we know that civil legal aid is now available in very limited circumstances and the disposable income threshold is little more than £3,000, so very few of our fellow…23 Jan 2025HANSARDDrones: High-security PrisonsMy Lords, the Chief Inspector of Prisons has just delivered a devastating report on conditions at His Majesty’s Prison Long Lartin and His Majesty’s Prison Manchester. At HMP…15 Jan 2025HANSARDCourts: BacklogsMy Lords, as the Minister noted, much of the Crown Court backlog can be traced back to the effects of the Covid epidemic. Indeed, I acknowledge that there has been an increase in…15 Jan 2025HANSARDPrison Capacity StrategyMy Lords, we are concerned here with the Statement made and also with the Written Statement delivered the day before by the Secretary of State for Justice. Both refer to the…17 Dec 2024HANSARDInternational Anti-corruption CourtMy Lords, the United Nations estimates that the cost of kleptocracy is something in the region of $40 billion per annum, much of which falls on the poorest countries in the world.…16 Dec 2024HANSARDHouse of Lords (Hereditary Peers) BillMy Lords, I extend my welcome to my noble friend Lord Brady of Altrincham for his maiden speech. I express my thanks to the noble Baroness, Lady Quin, for her charming valedictory…11 Dec 2024HANSARDRule of LawMy Lords, first, I extend my welcome to the noble and learned Baroness, Lady Smith of Cluny, both to her place in this House and to the office of Advocate-General. I thank her for…26 Nov 2024HANSARDProbation Services: Prisoner Early Release SchemeMy Lords, the early release scheme excludes prisoners serving a sentence for sexual offences, domestic abuse, terrorism and serious violent offences. Will the Minister explain why…14 Nov 2024