I have previously drawn attention to the fact that speeches moving the loyal address at the start of a session tend to be humorous. When Lord Alli seconded the motion in 2002, he explained the background: ‘When I was summoned to see my noble friend the Leader of the House, I was quite taken aback…
My colleague, Lord Rowlands, a former Chairman of the History of Parliament Trust, has written a fascinating study of the House of Lords in the early eighteenth century. It reveals some notable differences from the present House. Then as now, debates could be lengthy. However, so too could speeches, with a peer sometimes speaking for…
In an earlier blog I was rather dismissive of Lord Mandelson’s appointment, I felt it reflected badly on Brown’s judgement, a bit like McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin reflects badly on his. I thought it a piece of calculating cynicism meant to appeal to Blairites which was bound to go wrong…and it probably will. But now…
I was surprised to see a comment on another blog which appeared to suggest that peers enjoy immunity from prosecution. Some members of other legislatures do enjoy significant legal immunity, but parliamentarians in the UK do not. Parliamentary privilege exists to protect parliamentarians in the fulfilment of their parliamentary duties. Speeches made in the course of…
The Palace of Westminster is a magnificent, indeed awe-inspiring, building. I admire it every time I walk in. However, it is beginning to show its age. Many of the internal systems – water, gas, heating, ventilation, electrics, drainage and communication – have exceeded their economic service life and major modernisation is required. As the Chairman…
A taught political battle culminated last Monday when the Lords gave a crushing blow to the Government’s plans to detain terrorism suspects for 42 days. Peers, myself included, voted against the measure by 309 votes to 118 – the biggest loss since hereditary peers were forced to give up their seats in 1999. Those who…
The Counter-Terrorism Bill completed its Committee stage in the Lords on Tuesday. The proceedings included the removal of the clauses providing for ministers to determine that some inquests be held in secret. Lord Lester of Herne Hill, a member of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, spoke to outline some of the objections that would be…
Having previously posted a picture of my desk in the Lords, I thought it may be helpful to give a view of the office as a whole. Here is an action shot, showing three of my colleagues at work. From the left: Baroness Fookes, Baroness O’Cathain and Baroness Knight. Not all colleagues were in that…
Lord (Paul) Tyler is a colleague and a friend but I disagree with him on Lords reform. When he writes that the Government White Paper on House of Lords Reform is the product of a majority of MP votes and the leaders of the political parties in the Lords – he is, of course, right.…
