Tag Archives: government defeats in the House of Lords

Myth making

Lord Norton 31/01/2011 – 10:21 pm

The extended debate on, and attempts to delay, the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill have derived from some misunderstandings.  One, variously expressed over the past few weeks, is that peers have to utilise the power of delay because the coalition now enjoys an effective majority in the House.  However, it doesn't.  Up to the Christmas recess, there were 31 votes in the Hous […]

Another defeat

Lord Norton 09/12/2010 – 11:58 am

The Government suffered another defeat in the House on Monday on an amendment to the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill.  The amendment provides that the referendum on the Alternative Vote must be held before 31 October 2011.  It was carried by 199 votes to 195.  The voting was interesting: For the amendment: Labour 149, Crossbench 42, Other 5, Conservative 3. Against: C […]

Another Government defeat

Lord Norton 23/11/2010 – 10:40 pm

The Government have suffered another defeat, this time on the Public Bodies Bill.  Earlier today, Lord Lester of Herne Hill moved a pavement amendment for a later amendment to limit ministerial powers.  In the light of the minister's assurance that he would look again at the issue, Lord Lester sought to withdraw his amendment but as some peers objected, the question had to be put.  In the event […]

Influence and an absence of ping pong

Lord Norton 12/11/2009 – 9:08 pm

Parliament was prorogued at 4.30 p.m. today.  It was a quiet end end to a tumultuous session.  There was no last minute 'ping pong' between the chambers.  The absence of such 'ping pong' reflected the influence rather than the weakness of the Lords.  On recent measures - some of the big Bills going through the House - the Government has been busy accepting amendments, recognising that they imp […]