As several Peers quoted in the debate last night (referred to by Lord Norton), the problem we were discussing can best be resolved when the unfinished reform of the Lords is completed. As Lord Norton says, “it is a matter for electors to choose” who represents them. I agree. Now let’s get on with making…
The Government has announced that it will support amendments to the Counter-Terrorism Bill to remove the provision empowering ministers to order inquests to be held in secret on grounds of national security. The provision for inquests to be held in secret had attracted widespread opposition and has been touched upon by some readers in responding to an…
I spoke in a debate this evening when a colleague, Lord Trefgarne, moved a motion to annul the European Parliament (House of Lords Disqualification) Regulations 2008. The regulations arise from the fact that there is now a ban on the dual mandate for MEPs: anyone elected as an MEP cannot also sit as a member…
The tragic state of Burma continues to attract concern in the House. Baroness Cox had a question down and I came in asking the government to use their influence with India, China and Thailand to bring some relief to the long suffering Burmese people. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200708/ldhansrd/text/81013-0001.htm#0810135000006 Baroness Cox campaigns for the http://www.hart-uk.org/ (Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust) of…
As parliamentarians we have constant opportunities to learn about almost every conceivable topic. First there are the All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPG) open to members of both Houses and covering for example topics from euthanasia, animal welfare and modern languages to first aid and monuments. Almost every country has its own group of interested politicians. Then there are the…
There has been another loss of personal data, this time by the Ministry of Defence’s main IT contractor. Acording to media reports, the removable hard drive may contain unencrypted data on bank accounts, driving licences, passport numbers, dates of birth, addresses, and telephone numbers. In short, more than enough material for identity theft. The need to enhance…
When Peter Mandelson joins the Lords, he will be one of only two Cabinet ministers to have a former Cabinet minister as his opposite number. Lord Hunt of Wirral has just been appointed Shadow Minister for Business, Enterprise and Regulation. As David Hunt, Lord Hunt was a Cabinet minister from 1990 to 1995, serving as…
This is a quite extraordinary crisis with no end in sight yet. Both Houses of Parliament have had Ministerial statements made recently. The following one was made in the Lords yesterday and I made a contribution on the intergovernmental aspect of the crisis. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200708/ldhansrd/text/81008-0004.htm It is a rash person who draws too many conclusions just…
A Prime Minister can appoint as many ministers as he or she wishes. However, there is a statutory limit on the number that can be in receipt of a ministerial salary. Under the Ministers and Other Salaries Act 1975, no more than 109 ministers can be in receipt of salaries. Under the House of Commons…
