The Government White Paper on Lords reform is expected to be published tomorrow (Monday). I and others will have the opportunity to comment further once it is published, but here are a few questions to bear in mind when you see the details: To what extent does the White Paper actually provide an intellectually coherent case for change as opposed…
Adrian Kidney and Handj have asked for my comments on the new Supreme Court. In October 2009, the law lords (pictured) are scheduled to move out of the Palace of Westminster and take up residence in the old Middlesex Guildhall, where they will form the Supreme Court. I opposed the creation of the new Court. The…
A milestone for the blog. As of this evening, we have had 60,000 views since we went live. We appear to have built up a regular readership as well as some who visit once or occasionally, sometimes referred by other sites. On a normal weekday, we appear to get anywhere between 200 and 500 visitors,…
Howridiculous asked me to comment on my introduction to the Lords – what happened, who were my supporters, how long was it before I made my maiden speech? As I have mentioned before, there are two parts to becoming a member of the Lords. First, your peerage takes effect – you become a Lord. Second,…
The Second Reading debate yesterday on the Counter-Terrorism Bill was notable for the quality as well as the quantity of contributions. There were some high-powered speeches. As has been widely reported, the former head of MI5, Baroness Manningham-Buller, made her maiden speech, opposing the provision for 42-days pre-charge detention. Two former members of MI6, Baroness Ramsay…
