Tag Archives: Lord Chancellor

The Independence of Judges

Baroness Murphy 25/02/2011 – 1:04 pm

It may be recess but the Parliamentary timetable waits for no-one. Committee stage of the Pensions Bill starts next Monday 28th and amendments for the first day of committee had to be placed in the Public Bill Office by yesterday at 4.00pm. I have added my name to that of three former Lord Chancellors (Lords Mackay of Clashfern, Irvine of Lairg and Falconer of Thoroton) to protest the proposed cha […]

Written at 1:04 pm on 25/02/2011, by Baroness Murphy


Also tagged: , , ,

Comments (16)

Lord Irvine on the decision to abolish the post of Lord Chancellor

Lord Norton 31/10/2009 – 12:36 pm

In the course of its inquiry into the Cabinet Office, the Constitution Committee of the Lords took evidence from Lord Turnbull, who was Cabinet Secretary in 2003 when the decision was taken to abolish the post of Lord Chancellor.  He commented on the stance taken by the then Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine of Lairg, saying that he disagreed with the proposal and "was not prepared to lead the consul […]

Written at 12:36 pm on 31/10/2009, by Lord Norton


Also tagged: ,

Comments (9)

An unnecessary ceremony?

Lord Norton 05/07/2009 – 5:50 pm

When a new Speaker is elected by the Commons, the approbation of the monarch is required.  Rather than attend in person, the monarch conveys  that approbation through a royal commission.  MPs are summoned to the bar of the House of Lords and the commission - comprising the Lord Chancellor and the leaders of the parties (and the convenor of the cross-benchers) in the Lords - delivers the Queen […]

Written at 5:50 pm on 05/07/2009, by Lord Norton


Also tagged: , , ,

Comments (11)

I wouldn't have lost the colonies…

Lord Norton 29/01/2009 – 11:05 am

The Lord Chancellor, Jack Straw, gave evidence to the Constitution Committee in the Lords yesterday.  It was a wide-ranging session covering a number of constitutional issues.  I put a number of questions to him.   The Lord Chancellor knows who I am, and has variously quoted me, but he seems to have problems with my name.  He once referred to me in the Commons as 'Lord Norton of Looth' (befo […]

Written at 11:05 am on 29/01/2009, by Lord Norton


Also tagged: , ,

Comments (19)

State Opening of Parliament

Lord Norton 03/12/2008 – 12:32 pm

The State Opening of Parliament is always a grand occasion.  We do ceremony extremely well and this morning everything proceeded according to the timetable.  The programme lists very precise timings: for example, '11.08 The Lord Chancellor proceeds from the Prince's Chamber to the foot of the Sovereign's Staircase.  11.11 The Peers appointed to carry the Cap of Maintenance and the Sword of Stat […]

Written at 12:32 pm on 03/12/2008, by Lord Norton


Also tagged: , , , ,

Comments (4)