November 11th, Armistice Day was always a special day when I was a child because it is my Mother’s birthday. She was 5 when the Great War ended; one of her earliest memories is of her Mother’s joy at the news. We all wore our poppies for just two days, the Saturday of the Poppy…
This week’s quiz focuses again on committees, but this time on committee members. Readers are invited to look at page 17 of The House of Lords: A Guide to Business. This shows the Constitution Committee in the last Parliament taking evidence from Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Jack Straw. The committee is chaired by Lord…
Both Baroness Murphy and Lord Soley have commented on the Public Bodies Bill, which comes up for its Second Reading on Tuesday. It is proving highly controversial and there is now a long speakers’ list for the debate. The principal problem with the Bill is what is known as an ‘Henry VIII’ provision: that is,…
“What discussions Her Majesty’s government has had with the government of India with regard to (a) the legal system and remedies for domestic and personal violence, (b) the right to education for all, (c) the rehabilitation of prostitutes, and (d) police training, especially in relation to human trafficking. The Rt Hon Lord Howel of Guildford replied for…
Liam Byrne MP, the opposition Labour party front bench Treasury spokesman came to talk to the crossbenchers on Wednesday about the forthcoming ‘Bonfire of the Quangos Bill’, otherwise known formally as ‘The Public Bodies Bill’ which starts in the Lords with second reading next Tuesday. As is so often the case the Bill does not…
Well I hadn’t expected some tuition on mini roundabouts but I am very grateful to the AA and to the other comments on the post below. It is very useful as I am giving my son some extra driving experience before he takes his test so although I am sure his instructor gives him the right advice…
Anyone interested in the way the House of Lords currently works – and should work in future – must get hold of the interim report titled Consultation on Members Leaving the House. In brief the case for reducing the number of Peers is compelling: increasing costs, not enough room for all to get into the…
It is a great pleasure to be joining Lords of the Blogs and to give my view of the workings of the House of Lords. I am finding my way around the building, and the miles of corridors, and also learning the protocol and procedures, which being a perfectionist, I want to get right. The first few months have been…
Last night the All Party Parliamentary Group on Family Law held its first meeting, open to the public and parliamentarians. Its purpose is to discuss areas of concern in family law and child law, and think about reform. Despite the tube strike (no sympathy here for the underground employees) there was a good turnout, and…
