Contributions
1,097 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDHumanist WeddingsMy Lords, the strength of feeling around legally recognising humanist weddings is clear. I assure my noble friend that the Government understand the issues, including the key…30 Jun 2025HANSARDHumanist WeddingsAs I think my noble friend acknowledges, this is indeed a very complex issue which goes far beyond humanist marriage. The Law Commission highlighted the complexities of the law in…30 Jun 2025HANSARDHumanist WeddingsI thank my noble friend for that question. I think the answer is the same as that I have given to others, which is because solving this anomaly for humanists would create other…30 Jun 2025HANSARDHumanist WeddingsI remember that debate very well, and I did indeed say those words. The answer is that it is a very complex question. There are many idiosyncrasies across wedding law in England…30 Jun 2025HANSARDHumanist WeddingsI think it was the previous Government who asked the Law Commission to do its report. The Law Commission came up with 57 recommendations for changes to marriage in England and…30 Jun 2025HANSARDHumanist WeddingsI thank the right reverend Prelate for his question, and I agree with his point that marriage should be a serious statement of love between two partners for the rest of their…30 Jun 2025HANSARDHumanist WeddingsI agree 100% with the opening remarks of the noble Baroness. I recognise what she said about that. However, it is worth reflecting on the case of Harrison, where the High Court…30 Jun 2025HANSARDHumanist WeddingsI can certainly give an assurance to the noble Lord, Lord Birt, that we are making haste, and we will make an announcement soon. I know I have said that on previous occasions, but…30 Jun 2025HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Protocol 12My Lords, the Government currently have no plans to ratify Protocol 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Protocol 12 is a very broadly drafted, free-standing right that…02 Jun 2025HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Protocol 12The way that I will answer my noble friend is by saying that we continue to keep the case law of the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Protocol 12 under review, but we…02 Jun 2025HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Protocol 12I say to my noble friend that I think the Supreme Court judgment made the situation clearer, not less clear. The nine protected characteristics within the Equality Act are all…02 Jun 2025HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Protocol 12The noble Baroness will have heard the Answer I gave to the noble Lord, Lord Cashman. I agree that we are living in divided times. The position of the Government is that we do not…02 Jun 2025HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Protocol 12I thank the noble Lord for that question. I am not aware of any government initiative to extend the number of protected characteristics. If I am mistaken on that, I will write to…02 Jun 2025HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Protocol 12I thank the noble Lord for that question. The first point is that the Government were not asked whether they wanted to be a signatory to that letter, which was for all members of…02 Jun 2025HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Protocol 12I recognise the noble Lord’s strength of feeling, but I have to repeat what I said in answer to an earlier question: only 20 of the contracting states within the Council of…02 Jun 2025HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Protocol 12I think the short answer is no, I cannot.02 Jun 2025HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Protocol 12So I will write to the noble Lord about that. Nevertheless, my point stands: many other states have considered this and have not at present decided to sign the protocol. It is…02 Jun 2025HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Protocol 12The fact of the matter is that we are seeing the law develop in these areas. We have had the Supreme Court judgment. I and the Government believe that the Equality Act is working…02 Jun 2025HANSARDEuropean Convention on Human Rights: Protocol 12My noble friend will know that relevant Bills are coming to the House of Lords imminently. There are various provisions in those that are widening the protection of victims. On…02 Jun 2025HANSARDCriminal Cases Review CommissionMy Lords, my deepest sympathies are with Peter Sullivan for the miscarriage of justice he has faced. The whole criminal justice system must learn from what happened here. I also…20 May 2025