Contributions
879 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDStandards of Behaviour and Honesty in Political LifeNot a chance.23 Jun 2022HANSARDEU Retained LawMy Lords, I talked about what companies are saying to the Government, and that is about evidence. We are six years down the line from the Brexit referendum; by now we ought to be…23 Jun 2022HANSARDEU Retained LawMy Lords, I was not sure whether to laugh or cry when I read the Statement. It takes us into a surreal world of fantastical Government, in which, as the Minister for Brexit…23 Jun 2022HANSARDUnited Kingdom: The UnionMy Lords, with the evolution of the three devolved Governments, the United Kingdom has become a very unbalanced and insecure centralised country. I mention in passing that the…23 Jun 2022HANSARDStandards of Behaviour and Honesty in Political LifeMy Lords, I am reminded listening to this debate of the opening words of Francis Bacon’s essay on truth: “‘What is truth?’ said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer.”…23 Jun 2022HANSARDConstitutional CommissionMy Lords, I must declare an interest as I had a memo published in the Kilbrandon commission’s report; one can find it in the second half of volume 10. That shows my age. It is a…09 Jun 2022HANSARDUpholding Standards in Public LifeMy Lords, the Ministerial Code is clearly vital to maintaining trust between the Civil Service and Ministers. The November 2021 report cited a public opinion poll which suggested…08 Jun 2022HANSARDProcurement Bill [HL]There are only 11 schedules to my copy of the Bill.25 May 2022HANSARDBorder Checks on Imported Goods: New IT SystemsMy Lords, the Prime Minister promised two-and-a-half years ago to get Brexit done. It seems extremely inefficient that this key element of our future trading relationship with the…25 May 2022HANSARDProcurement Bill [HL]My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Maude, remarked that this is a dull subject and implied that we are all rather nerdish to be here. It has been, I think, a constructively nerdish…25 May 2022HANSARDProcurement Bill [HL]I do not want to detain the House, but, since my noble friend Lord Strasburger made some serious points about a major contract, could the Minister possibly say that he will…25 May 2022HANSARDSchools: Model History CurriculumMy Lords, those of us who remember Mrs Thatcher’s attempts to reshape the national history curriculum, David Cameron’s praise for teaching our island story, as he would put it,…16 May 2022HANSARDSchools: Model History CurriculumTo ask Her Majesty’s Government who they are consulting on the content of the new model history curriculum.16 May 2022HANSARDQueen’s SpeechMy Lords, it is a pleasure from these Benches to follow the noble Baroness, Lady Bonham-Carter. I am always conscious that I was appointed early to this House after the untimely…12 May 2022HANSARDElections BillMy Lords, briefly, we on these Benches will vote for both amendments on matters of principle, because we believe in constitutional democracy and citizens’ rights. Sadly,…27 Apr 2022HANSARDEuropean Research CouncilMy Lords, I am sure the whole House welcomes what the noble Lord has said about the importance to the UK Government of observing international treaties and agreements that we have…27 Apr 2022HANSARDElections BillMy Lords, I should declare an interest. I have two sisters, one of whom left Britain 60 years ago and the other 50 years ago. They would be entitled to vote under this provision.…25 Apr 2022HANSARDElections BillMay I remind the Minister that it is part of the responsibilities of our consuls abroad to look after the interests of British citizens when they are in foreign prisons? So it is…25 Apr 2022HANSARDElections BillMy Lords, my name is on Amendment 63. I strongly support it and I trust the House will give it its support. The absence of any detail from the Government on how they will…25 Apr 2022HANSARDElections BillMy Lords, my name is on these amendments. We have had a very powerful debate from all sides of the House, and I suggest that we now ought to move towards the Minister’s response.…25 Apr 2022