Contributions
2,386 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDUK Policy Implementation for Wales and ScotlandI absolutely agree with my noble friend. That is the commitment of the Prime Minister, and I have every hope that it will be the commitment of the other First Ministers and…19 May 2021HANSARDUK Policy Implementation for Wales and ScotlandMy Lords, I am grateful for the noble Lord’s welcome of the Prime Minister’s initiative. On intergovernmental relations, I laid a Statement before the House—I think on 21 March—on…19 May 2021HANSARDMinisterial Code and Register of Ministers’ InterestsMy Lords, I believe that all Ministers and all in public life should aspire to the highest standards, and I think that is the effort made. I do not agree that it is “harping on”…19 May 2021HANSARDMinisterial Code and Register of Ministers’ InterestsMy Lords, I try to make it a habit never to comment on the BBC, but I take note of what the noble Baroness says about television licences. She used a very important word in her…19 May 2021HANSARDMinisterial Code and Register of Ministers’ InterestsMy Lords, the independent adviser has independence and authority. Indeed, the noble Lord opposite has underlined the authority that attaches to his record. In our constitution,…19 May 2021HANSARDMinisterial Code and Register of Ministers’ InterestsMy Lords, we should always have glass houses in mind. The noble Baroness spoke in a measured tone and perhaps had in mind the very emphatic answer given to questions which were…19 May 2021HANSARDMinisterial Code and Register of Ministers’ InterestsMy Lords, I think the noble Lord does not give due weight to some of the things that were being said by spokesmen for his party last year about the need to make every effort to…19 May 2021HANSARDMinisterial Code and Register of Ministers’ InterestsMy Lords, I would never offer any reproach to the noble Baroness, for whom I have the highest respect. The only thing I would reproach her with is joining the wrong party—she…19 May 2021HANSARDSize of the House of LordsNo, my Lords, for the reason I have just given. The noble Lord speaks with the strength of 86 Liberal Democrat Peers behind him. At the rate of retirement we have seen recently,…18 May 2021HANSARDSize of the House of LordsMy Lords, I am glad that the noble Baroness was able to intervene, and, as I replied to the noble Baroness, Lady Stuart, I agree that the broader role needs to be considered. I…18 May 2021HANSARDSize of the House of LordsMy Lords, as the noble Lord knows, there have been a number of changes in your Lordships’ House over recent years. The Government have made their position clear: we are committed…18 May 2021HANSARDSize of the House of LordsMy Lords, as the noble Baroness rightly says, the Appointments Commission has an important role. However, I cannot agree that there has not been progress in reforming your…18 May 2021HANSARDSize of the House of LordsMy Lords, of course I was struck by what my noble friend said in the debate on the gracious Speech last week and some of the striking figures he gave then. Having said that the…18 May 2021HANSARDSize of the House of LordsMy Lords, I agree with the noble Baroness that the role of the Official Opposition is extremely important, and new Peers have been appointed —the Prime Minister has nominated…18 May 2021HANSARDSize of the House of LordsMy Lords, the Government have of course noted the committee’s latest report. However, given retirements and other departures, some new Members are essential to keep the expertise…18 May 2021HANSARDSize of the House of LordsMy Lords, the Government always respectfully note Motions passed by your Lordships’ House. However, I believe I have answered that in saying that the Government’s view is that…18 May 2021HANSARDSize of the House of LordsI agree with the noble Baroness that function and role are of substantial importance; too often all aspects of this question fail to be considered together.18 May 2021HANSARDSize of the House of LordsMy Lords, the Conservative Party has only about 33% of the seats in the Lords, which obviously is way short of its share of the vote. This House has always benefited from…18 May 2021HANSARDSize of the House of LordsThe Government always seek to engage positively with the House; the House does not necessarily always engage positively with the Government. The Government did not accept the cap…18 May 2021HANSARDQueen’s SpeechMy Lords, it is a privilege as always to close another outstanding debate in the House of Lords, although, if noble Lords will allow me, I thought aspects of the personal attack…13 May 2021