The House achieved a notable success on Monday. As readers will recall, the Public Bodies Bill attracted criticism from all parts of the House. It is a ‘Henry VIII’ Bill, enabling ministers to change primary legislation – in this case, Acts establishing particular public bodies – by order (that is, secondary legislation). A particular focus…
1: Belief in one God – creator ) transcendent & immanent – sustainer ) – source of mercy and compassion – lover of peace – who speaks through His prophets – ultimate judge of all persons and things 2: Belief in Human Conscience – value of prayer – reflecting values of truth, honesty,…
The Relationships Foundation has set out clearly the benefits of marriage, first to couples and second to society and to the public purse, through nurturing and launching children. The trends, however, are obvious – fewer marriages, later marriages, in 2008 45% of births were outside marriage, and we see rising marriage and family breakdown. In…
It is notorious that Israel has broken both the spirit and the letter of international law over many years. We all know the finding of the ICJ about the position of the Wall/barrier constructed on occupied land, severing Palestinian lands, towns and villages. Twice excessive military force has been used, once in Lebanon in 2006,…
I was very saddened when the new government abandoned baby bonds – these were introduced to encourage a culture of saving and were avilable to all new born children. For reasons I shall never understand they were opposed by both the Conservatives and Liberals when they were in opposition so I think it is not…
It is a humbling experience to watch the incredible bravery of the Libyan people and the cool headed approach of so many Arabs in the current upheavals throughout the region. None of us can be sure how this will end but I am personally very encouraged and more inclined to optimism than pessimism. For years…
(With thanks to and acknowledgment of Tim Kevan, author of the wonderful BabyBarista blog at the Guardian, and to Alex Williams, qc of legal cartoonists.) I wrote on 12 December about the devastating effects that cuts in legal aid will have on litigants and the courts, especially people with family problems. Lawyers attract little sympathy, but…
It may be recess but the Parliamentary timetable waits for no-one. Committee stage of the Pensions Bill starts next Monday 28th and amendments for the first day of committee had to be placed in the Public Bill Office by yesterday at 4.00pm. I have added my name to that of three former Lord Chancellors (Lords…
When Lords of the Blog began in March 2008, the project was unique, innovative and challenging for both the blogging Peers and the House of Lords. We hope that this is still very much the case! We have had some fascinating and sometimes heated debates, on subjects as varied as prostitution, home education and, of…
