Tag Archives: Queen’s Speech

Law in Action

Baroness Deech 23/11/2009 – 3:04 pm

In 2007 Parliament passed the Legal Services Act, which might - or might not - revolutionise the way lawyers work, especially barristers.  The law allows for, but does not insist on, barristers being able to enter partnership with solicitors, or with each other, instead of carrying on in the time honoured fashion as self employed.  I chair the Bar Standards Board which has the discretion to de […]

Debating the Queen's Speech

Lord Norton 19/11/2009 – 3:55 pm

The House has begun five days of debate on the Queen's Speech.  I have been sat in the chamber listening to today's debate, which focuses on foreign and European affairs, international development and defence.  Though different topics are allocated to each day, the five days of debate are deemed to constitute one debate on the Speech.  As a result, a peer can speak only once during the five day […]

The Lords Resume – and reforms

Lord Soley 11/10/2009 – 1:32 pm

Monday sees the return of Peers to the chamber of the House. The recess always leaves the House feeling a bit empty even if you do see Lords there from time to time - usually dealing with correspondence, using the library or having meetings of one type or another. We will be dealing with some final bits of legislation before hearing the Queen's speech in November. Baroness D'Souza and Baroness M […]

Constitutional change

Lord Norton 17/12/2008 – 10:02 pm

I realise that in my earlier post on last week's debate on the constitution, home affairs and legal issues, I omitted to provide a link to my speech, which dealt with the Government's approach (or rather lack of one) to constitutional change.  Anyone wishing to do so can read it here (at columns 315-17). I would like to say that the link is added by popular demand.  I would like to say that […]

More wit of Westminster

Lord Norton 04/12/2008 – 6:04 pm

As regular readers will know, the peers who propose and second the motion on the loyal address (thanking the Queen for her speech) are expected to inject humour into their speeches.   The speakers yesterday - former Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer of Thoroton and Labour back-bencher Baroness Ford - did not disappoint.  Baroness Ford recalled the occasion over 20 years ago when she was appointed […]