I have previously commented on drugs policy and the need for a fundamental evidence-based review. There is a conference taking place today and tomorrow on the subject, 0rganised by the all-party group on the subject. Had it not been for teaching commitments, I would have been chairing today’s sessions. There have been added calls recently…
For those readers who are not yet aware of the fact, Baroness Trumpington has become something of a star on YouTube as a result of her gesticulation to Lord King of Bridgwater when he referred somewhat unflatteringly to the ageing of some of those who had seen wartime service. I even had some of the…
The House of Lords Library has produced a useful Library Note on Public Attitudes Towards the House of Lords and House of Lords Reform. The introductory note observes that ‘there is perhaps some contradictory evidence in how people view reform of the House’. This is a nice way of referring to the findings of a…
Last Wednesday, as part of ‘Parliament Week’, the Hansard Society organised a panel on ‘Parliament and the public: what difference does the Lords make?’ The picture shows the participants (left to right) Lord Soley, Baroness Scott of Needham Market, Peter Riddell (in the chair), Mark D’Arcy of BBC Parliament, Baroness Young of Hornsey, and me. …
The point that members of the House of Lords bring to the House a substantial body of experience is frequently made. The range of experience, as shown in previous quizzes, is wide. This week the focus is peers who have served the nation overseas in different capacities. I have previously asked about peers who have…
