Yesterday, Sean Mercer, 18, and six other gang members were convicted of murdering 11 year old Rhys Jones in Liverpool. The judge, Mr Justice Irwin, condemned the brutality and cowardice of gang culture. He said that the cowardliness and “brutality” of the young killer was to blame. Whilst I do not disagree with Mr. Justice…
Wherever I go (on behalf of the Lord Speaker) to talk about the House of Lords I get asked how often I am here and what I do when I am. Fair question, but difficult to answer. Our work pattern varies so much – from week to week – that it is impossible to generalise. …
I have been very busy just recently and one of my activities has been the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal of which I am chairman. Mary Seacole was the Afro Caribbean nurse of the Crimean war and she was buried in my Hammersmith constituency – Kensal Green cemetery. Years ago the black community in Hammersmith…
Last week, we completed five days of debate on the Queen’s Speech. Each day was devoted to a number of topics. On Tuesday, we debated home affairs, legal affairs and constitutional issues. By the nature of the topics, speeches in such debates can vary greatly in terms of focus. This was certainly true of Tuesday’s…
This week’s question relies on observation. There are pictures of the State Opening of Parliament reproduced on: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25334641@N08 One of the pictures was clearly not taken at this year’s State Opening. There are two giveaways as to why it was not taken this year. Can you identify both of them?
This is perhaps an especially apt post given Lord Renton’s guest contribution. I mentioned in an earlier post that I would be trying to get a debate this session on improving the ways in which Parliament communicates with the public. I am pleased to report that I have been successful in the ballot and have secured…
I have the distinction of being rather old. This is, of course, one reason why I greatly enjoy being in the House of Lords. I am lucky enough to have had a job all my life – five years working in Canada, 15 in the City of London, and then 23 years as a Member…
Some readers have invited me to comment on the constitutional crisis in Canada. In October, a minority Conservative government was returned to office. Today it was due to face a vote of no confidence. Opposition parties had agreed to support the motion, with the almost certain result that the vote would be carried. However, no…
As many students of Parliament – and certainly those who work within the institution – will know, the libraries of both Houses produce some excellent research papers and briefing notes. Those interested in obtaining some objective and invaluable background information on the issue of parliamentary privilege – which has come to the fore in the…
