Contributions
1,161 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDEuropean Parliament Elections: Non-UK EU CitizensAs I said in response to the noble Lord, Lord Kennedy, the Electoral Commission will carry out its normal review and inquiry into the European elections. It will certainly look at…05 Jun 2019HANSARDEuropean Parliament Elections: Non-UK EU CitizensYes, indeed, we will take account of any recommendations made by the Electoral Commission regarding what has recently happened and implement them before 2020.05 Jun 2019HANSARDEuropean Parliament Elections: Non-UK EU CitizensI agree with the noble Lord that, had the other place agreed the withdrawal agreement that was put before it, we could have avoided these elections. It so happens that I have in…05 Jun 2019HANSARDEuropean Parliament Elections: Non-UK EU CitizensThe noble Lord raises a number of points, and I shall try to deal with all of them. We were working with the Electoral Commission on streamlining the process following its…05 Jun 2019HANSARDCensus (Return Particulars and Removal of Penalties) Bill [HL]My Lords, I begin by thanking the noble Baronesses, Lady Barker and Lady Hayter, for their amendments. I agree with what the noble Baroness, Lady Barker, said about the census. It…04 Jun 2019HANSARDCensus (Return Particulars and Removal of Penalties) Bill [HL]My Lords, let me try to deal with the very serious issues raised by the amendment moved by the noble and learned Lord, Lord Judge. The noble Lord, Lord Beith, has trumped my…04 Jun 2019HANSARDCensus (Return Particulars and Removal of Penalties) Bill [HL]I have received some in-flight refuelling about the pertinent question the noble Baroness asked about the campaign and publicity. She is absolutely right that we have to inform…04 Jun 2019HANSARDPublic Procurement and the Civil Society StrategyI will reflect on that. I understand exactly the point that the noble Lord makes and that there would be value in extending it upwards. Perhaps I will write to him when I have…23 May 2019HANSARDElectoral Commission: Referendums and Elections SpendingThe Electoral Commission will have heard the suggestion from my noble friend, which aroused some excitement on the Benches opposite. I am sure that all political parties want to…23 May 2019HANSARDElectoral Commission: Referendums and Elections SpendingOn the last point that the noble Lord raised, there was a court case relevant to this. The Electoral Commission is now in the process of issuing guidance which will give clarity…23 May 2019HANSARDElectoral Commission: Referendums and Elections SpendingFollowing our exchange yesterday, I have been in touch with the Minister for the Constitution and he has agreed to the meeting that was discussed. It took me 24 hours to agree to…23 May 2019HANSARDElectoral Commission: Referendums and Elections SpendingI notice the impassive face of my noble friend the Chief Whip, who of course has great influence on what issues we discuss. He will have heard my noble friend’s suggestion, and I…23 May 2019HANSARDPublic Procurement and the Civil Society StrategyMy understanding is that it is advisory, because it was not included in the mandated list I just read out. If I am wrong I will write to the noble Lord. The noble Lord asked why…23 May 2019HANSARDElectoral Commission: Referendums and Elections SpendingI accept what the noble Baroness has just said. As I said earlier, were there to be another referendum, there would have to be primary legislation as there was with the last…23 May 2019HANSARDPublic Procurement and the Civil Society StrategyMy Lords, I begin by thanking my noble friend Lady McGregor-Smith for initiating and introducing this important and timely debate, and thank all noble Lords who have taken part.…23 May 2019HANSARDElectoral Commission: Referendums and Elections SpendingThe Electoral Commission’s annual report for 2017-18 shows that it issued £126,625 in fines and penalties. Penalties were imposed in 86 cases, £30,000 being the highest charged to…23 May 2019HANSARDElectoral Commission: Referendums and Elections SpendingMy Lords, the Government are considering recommendations from the Electoral Commission on whether it should be granted more powers. Political parties vary considerably in size and…23 May 2019HANSARDPolitical Parties: Donation RulesMy Lords, on 5 May the Government announced a consultation on safeguarding UK elections. Recommendations for closing loopholes on foreign spending in elections and preventing…22 May 2019HANSARDPolitical Parties: Donation RulesAs I said on Monday, there appears to be some headroom in the Government’s legislative programme at the moment. Sitting beside me are two members of the relevant Cabinet…22 May 2019HANSARDPolitical Parties: Donation RulesI am grateful for the consensual approach adopted by the noble Lord. Quite recently he attended a meeting with me, the noble Baroness, Lady Kennedy, my noble friend Lord Hayward,…22 May 2019