Contributions
307 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCoronavirus Bill25 Mar 2020HANSARDCoronavirus BillMy Lords, the Bill introduces across a whole range of public policy areas significant powers, some of them quite draconian. The noble Lord just said that the proposal in respect…25 Mar 2020HANSARDCoronavirus BillMy Lords, we meet today in truly extraordinary and worrying times. The pace at which the pandemic has spread and the range of measures which are now widely accepted as necessary…24 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Business Interruption InsuranceDoes the Minister accept that businesses will hear the phrase “within weeks” with a chill running down their spine? This is intensely urgent. Within weeks businesses will be going…17 Mar 2020HANSARDPalace of Westminster: Restoration and RenewalDoes the noble Lord recall that when this building was built, the cost and delays incurred were largely caused by incessant political interference in the process? Will he ensure…12 Mar 2020HANSARDBusiness of the HouseMy Lords, I support the comments from other noble Lords, particularly the noble Lord, Lord Blunkett. It is important that Parliament sets an example to the nation. If the…05 Mar 2020HANSARDReferendumsMy Lords, the Minister said that the Prime Minister has released the report on Russian potential interference in our electoral process. Can he say whether it has been published…12 Feb 2020HANSARDYorkshire: DevolutionMy Lords, the Minister says that the balkanisation of Yorkshire is sensible. Is he aware that the only people who think that are the Government, not the people of Yorkshire? Why…10 Feb 2020HANSARDGlobal BritainMy Lords, I thank the Leader of the House for repeating the Statement. I am of course delighted that she has, because in doing so she has shown herself willing to be subjected to…03 Feb 2020HANSARDEuropean Union: Trading ArrangementsMy Lords, I understand the Government’s position on dynamic alignment, but have they made an assessment of the cost to exporters of the additional controls and checks that will be…30 Jan 2020HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal Agreement) BillIs the Minister saying that when the consultation goes out, it will in effect be saying, “Give us a clue as to what you think makes best sense because we haven’t the faintest idea…15 Jan 2020HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal Agreement) BillMy Lords, Clause 33 amends the withdrawal Bill to debar any Minister from agreeing to an extension of the implementation period beyond 31 December this year. Such a possible…15 Jan 2020HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal Agreement) BillMy Lords, the Minister has in a sense just given the game away. They “hope” to reach an agreement. The Commission has said that it is impossible. The Prime Minister said yesterday…15 Jan 2020HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal Agreement) BillNo, because it does not require the period to be extended at all. If the Prime Minister is correct and we pass this amendment, there is absolutely no let or hindrance to the Tory…15 Jan 2020HANSARDEuropean Union (Withdrawal Agreement) BillAs your Lordships’ House knows, I and my colleagues on these Benches have spent the last three and a half years arguing that Brexit was not in the best interests of the British…13 Jan 2020HANSARDQueen’s SpeechMy Lords, it is of course a pleasure to congratulate the mover and seconder of the humble Address. The noble Lord, Lord Lamont, has been consistent and forthright in his support…19 Dec 2019HANSARDTributes to Mr Keith PhippsMy Lords, I have seen Mr Phipps in two guises: as a doorkeeper here in your Lordships’ House and as a member of the Queen’s Bodyguard when I was captain of that august body. His…05 Nov 2019HANSARDEarly Parliamentary General Election BillIt is indeed open to a Government to do that. In the unlikely event of there not being a majority Liberal Democrat Government, I heartily hope that that happens. This will be the…30 Oct 2019HANSARDEarly Parliamentary General Election BillMy Lords, I have probably made more speeches than any other Peer arguing in favour of a referendum rather than a general election to reach a resolution on Brexit, so I am sure…30 Oct 2019HANSARDVisasMy Lords, does the Minister’s definition of “the brightest and the best” extend to the brightest and best fruit-pickers?21 Oct 2019