Contributions
2,386 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDHouse of Lords: Number of MembersMy Lords, the preceding Prime Minister did not accept the Burns committee’s recommendation that the Prime Minister should commit to a specific cap on numbers, and that is the…16 Sept 2020HANSARDHouse of Lords: Number of MembersMy Lords, the noble Lord sat in this House when it was much larger than it is today. So far as stuffing the House is concerned, Mr Blair put 374 Peers in this place.16 Sept 2020HANSARDHouse of Lords: Number of MembersMy Lords, every Member of your Lordships’ House has the right to express a personal opinion, and long may we do so. However, it is important, as my noble friend says, that the…16 Sept 2020HANSARDHouse of Lords: Number of MembersMy Lords, I think that the noble Lord has rather upset our colleagues on the Labour Benches. Many histories of that period could be written. The fact is that legislation was…16 Sept 2020HANSARDHouse of Lords: Number of MembersNo, my Lords. The cardinal facts of this House—which is unique, and that is one of its splendours—are that it is unelected, its Members sit for life and it cannot be dissolved. In…16 Sept 2020HANSARDHouse of Lords: Number of MembersMy Lords, as that question is about the Leader of the House, I think that she would have to address it herself. So far as the numbers are concerned, I dispute that there is any…16 Sept 2020HANSARDHouse of Lords: Number of MembersMy Lords, the size of the House of Lords needs addressing, but given retirements and other departures, some new Members are essential to keep the expertise and outlook of the…16 Sept 2020HANSARDParliamentary Constituencies BillMy Lords, perhaps I should open by congratulating the son of the noble Lord, Lord Tyler, on his great achievement in the channel. I think many noble Lords know that I am descended…15 Sept 2020HANSARDParliamentary Constituencies BillMy Lords, I cannot give the noble Lord enormous hope of a volte-face in the Government’s position. I can say to him and to all members of the Committee on this and other issues…15 Sept 2020HANSARDParliamentary Constituencies BillMy Lords, I am extremely grateful to all noble Lords who have spoken. I am not sure that I will tell my honourable friend Mr Bone about the support he has from the Liberal…15 Sept 2020HANSARDParliamentary Constituencies BillMy Lords, I start by thanking the noble and learned Lord, Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, for the detailed thought that he has put into drafting his amendment and to the fact that he has…10 Sept 2020HANSARDParliamentary Constituencies BillMy Lords, perhaps I might be permitted to reply to that. I always try to be gracious and I enjoy the challenge that comes from the noble Baroness. The cut and thrust of politics…10 Sept 2020HANSARDParliamentary Constituencies BillFirst, as I hope I indicated in my remarks, I accept the strictures of the noble Baroness on the phrase “part-time House”. It is a House whose expertise derives in part from the…10 Sept 2020HANSARDParliamentary Constituencies BillI thank noble Lords, including my noble friends Lord Norton of Louth and Lord Hayward, and all others who spoke. I particularly thank my noble friend Lord Norton for his typical…10 Sept 2020HANSARDOffice for Veterans’ AffairsMy Lords, the noble Baroness asked two extremely important questions. Government services for veterans have continued throughout Covid, but she is right that there have been…09 Sept 2020HANSARDOffice for Veterans’ AffairsMy Lords, the work done by charities such as that my noble friend is associated with is vital. As a supporter of some of those charities, I know what good work they do. In June we…09 Sept 2020HANSARDOffice for Veterans’ AffairsMy Lords, since establishing the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, the Government have brought the Strategy for our Veterans to life. We have improved access to social housing, we are…09 Sept 2020HANSARDOffice for Veterans’ AffairsMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for his kind words about the work of officials; he is a great campaigner on these matters. He is absolutely right to signal the importance of…09 Sept 2020HANSARDOffice for Veterans’ AffairsMy Lords, I wholly endorse my noble friend’s opening sentiments. I understand and share the frustrations he espouses. We will implement the Stormont House agreement in such a way…09 Sept 2020HANSARDOffice for Veterans’ AffairsI thank my noble friend and add my personal congratulations to those he offered. The covenant is of enormous importance. I am not aware of the position as concerns the Northern…09 Sept 2020