A colleague came up with an interesting observation the other evening: “The longer the title, the worse the Bill.” I can see a research project coming on…
Lord Norton
Recognising bad legislation
Lord Norton
Prize-winner at the Lords
Last week, our first grand prize-winner, Chris K. – the first reader to win three of the quizzes – visited the Lords. He joined me and fellow blogger Baroness d’Souza for tea, followed by a tour of the Palace. The picture shows us in Westminster Hall, by the steps leading up to the Grand Committee Room, where…
Lord Hylton
Letter published in the Catholic Herald during last week of October
Visible Christian Unity A key question for the reuniting of all baptised believers is how will “the primacy” of Bishop of Rome in practice be exercised ? This has so far been too little discussed. Many are hoping that it will be exercised in a collegial manner, as Vatican II laid down, when counter-balancing the…
Baroness D'Souza
A return of 'free speech'
The freedom of expression question comes up once again in the Coroners and Justice bill which will have its 3rd Reading on Thursday 5 November. This will be the last chance for amendments and votes. The battle is between those who believe free speech is so important that it has to encompass insult, and anything short…
Baroness Murphy
Health Bill returns from Commons
The Health Bill returns to the Commons on Monday 9th November and much of this past week was taken up with discussions inside and outside Parliament about the quite major changes the Commons has agreed to. Lady Thornton is always generous with her time and keen to make sure concerns have been addressed in advance…
Lord Norton
Lord Irvine on the decision to abolish the post of Lord Chancellor
In the course of its inquiry into the Cabinet Office, the Constitution Committee of the Lords took evidence from Lord Turnbull, who was Cabinet Secretary in 2003 when the decision was taken to abolish the post of Lord Chancellor. He commented on the stance taken by the then Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine of Lairg, saying that…
Lord Norton
Quiz – the new Supreme Court
The new Supreme Court came into existence on 1st October and was officially opened by the Queen on 16th October. The court replaces the House of Lords as the highest domestic court of appeal in England and Wales. As regular readers will be aware, the law lords moved out of their offices in the Palace…
Lord Norton
Prostitution and the Policing and Crime Bill
Next week, on Report stage of the Policing and Crime Bill, the House will return to the provisions relating to prostitution. What is now Clause 14 (it was previously Clause 13) seeks to protect vulnerable and exploited women through making it an offence to pay for sex with someone who is subjected by a third party to…
Lord Hylton
Immigration Detention Centres
On Wednesday 4th November at about 7.30 pm I will be opening a short one-hour debate on this subject. I want to draw particular attention to the detention for periods of various lengths of families with children, who have committed no offence while in this country. These are often asylum applicants who have not been…