Contributions
344 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDParole System: Public ProtectionMy Lords, the Statement says that “there is no such thing as a risk-free society; we cannot guarantee that no one released from prison will go on to commit a serious crime. Let us…05 Apr 2022HANSARDJudicial Review and Courts BillMy Lords, I want to say how much I support the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Albans in his campaign against gambling. He is energetic in that cause, and I very much respect…31 Mar 2022HANSARDJudicial Review and Courts BillMy Lords, I do not think that the Government should hide behind the fact that an inquest is inquisitorial in procedure and not adversarial—that is a myth. It is not the case that…31 Mar 2022HANSARDCovid-19 and the Courts (Constitution Committee Report)My Lords, I congratulate the noble Baroness, Lady Taylor of Bolton, and her committee on producing an excellent report in this field. First, I pay tribute to the prison and court…23 Mar 2022HANSARDElections BillI thank those who have supported me in this amendment. I am particularly grateful to those on the Labour Benches, and the noble Baroness, Lady Bennett, who have spoken in favour.…23 Mar 2022HANSARDElections Bill23 Mar 2022HANSARDElections BillMy Lords, perhaps I may be forgiven for my second intrusion into the Committee by all those who are toiling so hard on it day after day. It may be a bit trite, but in a democracy,…23 Mar 2022HANSARDElections BillMy Lords, Article 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities mandates all countries to “guarantee to persons with disabilities political rights…15 Mar 2022HANSARDNo-fault DivorceFollowing the reference made by the noble Baroness, Lady Deech, to vested interests, I ask: have the Government had representations from solicitors practising in this lucrative…15 Mar 2022HANSARDElections BillThank God. The EBU report is an exhaustive study of the methods used in European countries. In Russia, you can have an assistant to vote in a polling booth; they cannot be a…15 Mar 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) BillIt is a real pleasure to follow the noble Lord, Lord Cromwell. I spoke at length on this matter last Wednesday and I do not propose to speak on it again. Three things have…14 Mar 2022HANSARDEarly Legal Advice Pilot Scheme Order 2022An evidence base? The clue to these proceedings was in the Minister saying that they are looking for savings to the public purse. I think the Treasury is definitely behind this.…10 Mar 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) BillMy Lords, for over 50 years, it has always been a privilege and a pleasure to speak either before or after the noble Lord, Lord Carlile. Last Friday, the Guardian reported that…09 Mar 2022HANSARDProtocol on Ireland/Northern IrelandMy Lords, I am a member of the sub-committee. We requested some assistance, through opinion polls, as to the current state of play—with all the limitations that we know about…03 Mar 2022HANSARDJudicial Review and Courts BillMy Lords, in the mists of time I was articled to Maurice Evans, who was the coroner on the inquest of the 266 miners who lost their lives in the Gresford disaster. The mine owners…24 Feb 2022HANSARDJudicial Review and Courts BillThe Minister has said we want coroners’ inquests to remain inquisitorial. In practice, they are adversarial. The ancient position of a coroner does not allow the proper…24 Feb 2022HANSARDJudicial Review and Courts BillMy Lords, the office of the coroner has evolved over 1,000 years since William the Conqueror introduced it. There were too many dead Normans lying about attacked by Saxon…24 Feb 2022HANSARDJudicial Review and Courts BillMay I assist the Minister with an illustration? Four weeks ago, a close relative was owed a significant sum of money and used dispute resolution procedures. He filled in a claim…24 Feb 2022HANSARDElections BillMy Lords, the right to vote is indeed a privilege. I want to focus on Clause 9, the provision for the blind and partially sighted to vote. I have a real interest, in that for half…23 Feb 2022HANSARDHong Kong: Political PrisonersMy Lords, I know that there have been recent discussions between the Lord Chancellor, the Foreign Secretary and British judges who continue to serve on the Court of Final Appeal.…22 Feb 2022