Posts Tagged With: House of Lords
Letters: Lib Dems’ future is clear – it’s orange
Rarely have I read such utter claptrap as the article on the Liberal Democrats by John Kampfner (Comment, 20 December). He says Clegg “must remain true to his party’s ideals”. Those ideals, as the record proves, consist of his party saying whatever it … Continue reading
Lord Tebbit enjoying ‘being on side of angels’ in battle over legal aid cuts
Former Tory minister known for tough approach believes cutting aid for children in medical negligence cases is ‘going too far’Lord Tebbit, the former Conservative minister campaigning to preserve legal aid for children in medical negligence cases, has … Continue reading
Lords warn on ministerial accountability in NHS reforms
Committee members looking at implications of public bills say health secretary’s role should be made explicitly clearThe coalition government’s health bill will dilute accountability to parliament and the courts and should be amended to address serious… Continue reading
Nick Clegg claims PM’s backing for bill to create elected Lords
Deputy prime minister vows there will be proposals for a full or partly elected second chamber in the next Queen’s speechNick Clegg will signal that Lords reform will be the key parliamentary battleground of next year by promising the next Queen’s spee… Continue reading
Churches should be free to say yes – and no – to same-sex partnerships | Symon Hill
An amendment in the Lords could derail a law allowing same-sex civil partnerships to be formed in a religious buildingOn Saturday, I had the privilege of preaching the sermon at my best friend’s wedding. He and his male partner affirmed their love and … Continue reading
Housing benefit cuts defeated by House of Lords in welfare reform vote
Peers, including 13 Lib Dems and one Tory, voted by 258 to 190 to limit coalition’s proposed penalties for social housing tenantsThe government suffered the first of what may be a series of heavy defeats over the welfare reform bill when peers threw ou… Continue reading
Peers who fail to repay wrongly claimed expenses to be banned from Lords
Loophole that allows peers with debts to come back to work is to be closed under plans recommended by the Lords committeeDisgraced peers who fail to repay wrongly claimed expenses are to be barred from returning to parliament.The house committee of the… Continue reading
Hugh Grant tour rolls into Westminster | Simon Hoggart’s sketch
Hugh attends joint Lords and Commons phone hacking committee supported by Steve Coogan and Max MosleyThe Hugh Grant tour rolled into the House of Commons on Monday. It’s been nationwide; they should sell T-shirts marked “Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchest… Continue reading
Rowan Williams urges fast-tracking of women bishops to Lords
Archbishop of Canterbury says reform bill must ensure women do not have to wait until 2025 to enter upper houseThe archbishop of Canterbury has pressed the case for fast-tracking women bishops into the House of Lords, asking a government committee for … Continue reading
Ken Clarke: Legal aid is safe where it matters most
My legal aid reforms – debated in the Lords tomorrow – pose a threat to a failing system and outdated practices, not the needyAccess to justice is a fundamental part of a properly functioning democracy. Without legal aid, and the dedicated lawyers… Continue reading »