Tag Archives: Constitution Committee

White Paper and Draft Bill

Lord Norton 19/05/2011 – 3:11 pm

The Govermment's White Paper and House of Lords Reform Draft Bill got a poor reception in both Houses.  The media have been underwhelmed by the Government's proposals and decided that they did not really merit being treated as headline news.  This is hardly surprising given that the White Paper really added little to what had been covered in previous White Papers on the subject and left a great […]

Written at 3:11 pm on 19/05/2011, by Lord Norton

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Public Bodies Bill

Lord Norton 05/11/2010 – 2:31 pm

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, ministers being given power to amend primary legislation by order.  Instead of an Act […]

Written at 2:31 pm on 05/11/2010, by Lord Norton


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The recess begins

Lord Norton 30/07/2010 – 11:10 am

The House of Commons rose for the summer recess on Tuesday and the House of Lords on Wednesday.   By the end of Wednesday, after the House had risen, there was still a good deal of activity.  The Despatch Box (the snack bar) in the Atrium in Portcullis House was well patronised.  The giveaway that we were entering the recess was the number of staff in casual dress: it looked more like a dress- […]

Written at 11:10 am on 30/07/2010, by Lord Norton


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End of Term

Baroness Murphy 25/03/2010 – 5:54 pm

I have rarely heard such a disgruntled debate as last night on the Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill. Lord Norton has already given the background in his blog of 22 March and was on fine form in the chamber. Lady Boothroyd, the former Speaker of the Commons, not normally given to hyperbole except in her gorgeous jewellery, spoke for the general mood when she said  “I cannot remember […]

Written at 5:54 pm on 25/03/2010, by Baroness Murphy


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'No way to undertake the task of constitutional reform'

Lord Norton 22/03/2010 – 3:43 pm

The Easter recess dates have been announced and we now seem to be working to the following timetable.  The House rises for the Easter recess on Tuesday 30 March.   It returns on Tuesday 6 April, when it is assumed the election will be announced, with 'wash-up' taking place from then until Thursday 8 April.  Parliament will then rise, with  dissolution taking place on Monday 12 April.  Gi […]

Written at 3:43 pm on 22/03/2010, by Lord Norton


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