Lords Chamber

Monday 13th April 2026

(began 1 hour, 55 minutes ago)

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Baroness Smith of Basildon Portrait Baroness Smith of Basildon, Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal (Labour)
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at the time there would be an opportunity to pay tribute to Simon, and I'm pleased to do that today. The position of clerk of the Parliament has a long and proud history. I know that Simon felt history. I know that Simon felt privileged to be in post as the 20th holder of that office on the 20th holder of that office on the 200th anniversary of the 1824 clerk of the Parliaments Act, although in 1824 the role was very different to 1824 the role was very different to that of today.

Since Simon joined your Lordships' House in January 1988, over 38 years ago, he's been dedicated in every role he has held. On leaving university, having applied for the Civil Service fast stream, his career plans changed, being sent information about work in the House of Lords. From then on, he was hooked. Starting the Committee office, eventually becoming the first clerk of our important Constitutional Committee and also setting up the Delegated Legislation committees, which have become central to the work of this House.

Between 1986 and 1999, he took on the position as Private Secretary to the Leader of the House and the Chief Whip. No easy task, I can tell you. My Lord, that's a key role in working with the leadership to manage the business and the work of the House. It was obviously a time of significant change. And as some noble Lord Sewell recall, not without controversy on constitutional issues affecting your Lordships House. Lord Carter, the then government chief whip, praised Simon's tireless, expert and dextrous work in facilitating the usual channels over those three years.

And in many ways, my Lords, those first 11 years perhaps set the tone for his career. There is no doubt that he has huge respect and admiration for the work of this House. Those qualities have helped steer us through political changes, internal changes, huge challenges and nationally significant and emotional events. And on becoming the senior officer of the House as the clerk of the Parliament, his commitment to managing that change has been more important than ever. With Covid, we had the transition to remote working and then the easing back to hybrid and then a physical house.

So many of the conventional wisdom about how we work had been challenged and needed to be managed. Of course, despite being involved with the huge challenges of the R&R project, it was never anticipated that joint responsibility would bestow on the clerk of the parliaments. But Simon fulfilled that additional role with his usual diligence. My Lords, of course, not all change is universally welcomed. Some may recall that there was a time when our table clerk seating arrangements involved a hard backless bench.

Simon introduced the radical move to bring in individual ergonomic chairs. A Yes Minister sketch which described it as a courageous move. During his tenure, we had the party of the late Majesty the Queen and the accession of King Charles, which was emotional time for the nation and this house. And although just one general election, he has worked with three Lord speakers and seven group leaders, including three leaders of the House. My Lords, the role of the clerk of the parliaments isn't just about leadership of the House and managing business, but about the whole House, its members and staff.

His personal commitment to junior colleagues to ensure they felt valued in their work and their careers has been greatly appreciated. My Lords, in many ways, Simon started his career here as a the same way as when he retired, and he retires while still maintaining that professionalism, commitment, dedication and affection for the house with which he started. My Lords, on behalf of the whole House, we thank him.
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Lord True Portrait Lord True (Conservative)
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For. My Lords, it's a pleasure to follow the noble Baroness the Lord Privy Seal, in her elegant tribute to Simon Burton, our departing clerk of the parliaments. And yes, my Lords, we are all sad to see Simon go. As the noble Baroness said, he joined the house in 1988 and I checked. There are now barely two dozen peers who were here when the young, fresh faced Simon first appeared. And I say young deliberately, as whatever winds may blow, he is still as fresh faced and cheerful in his men as ever he was in 1988.

My Lords, the house values its clerks, and I hope they all know that we value that unique career and essential career, and all the associated skills of which Simon embodied so many. We value experience and loyalty, such as Simon, has exemplified not just to us, the peers, but to all those in our exceptional staff whom he has led with care and dedication in his time. As the noble Baroness said, many management changes have been effected and I know the pride that Simon takes in.

Having confronted outdated behaviours and promoting a more diverse and inclusive environment for all. The nobleman has referred to the many and varied roles Simon has held, and I would again pick out the fact he was the first to clerk. One of our most important committees that on the Constitution. Perhaps the noble Earl Lord Keen all refer to his long service in EU scrutiny, and maybe when I look at some of the current press releases, my Lords will need those skills again.

Among the many changes in which Simon was involved were the creation of the legislation office to which noble Baroness referred, which was important, and. Transformation of digital services of the House of Lords. My Lords, I first met Simon in 1997, when I became Private Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition, the present Marquess of Salisbury. There actually wasn't much digital then. We used to have to staple the whip by hand and send it out by post. I reflect sometimes it would be a wonder if with today's postal service, the house would ever have been quiet in the 1990s.

Simon was then seconded to the Cabinet Office as private secretary to the Leader of the House, and they were, as the noble Baroness said, challenging times with the change of government after 18 years and sweeping manifesto proposals to remove hundreds of members of your Lordships House. It sounds quite familiar, perhaps, and he and I, in those difficult circumstances, found ourselves harnessed together as the operative elements of the usual channels. And it was with Simon that I learned many of those useful and mysterious arts, which I haven't entirely forgotten, which can sometimes bring us frustration, but which should always work for peace across this House.

My Lords, he was always the most congenial of colleagues then, and is today. The office of clerk of the Parliament is a great one, with immense responsibilities, as our leader has told us, and Simon found himself in partnership with colleagues in the other place, taking much of the brunt. Among other things, of the huge trials of R and R, which he can never have expected when taking the civil service exams all those years ago. I know it was a great satisfaction to him to see costed proposals finally laid before both houses, shortly before the end of his term.

Now, my Lord Simon starts a new, and I trust, less taxing part of his life as one who's already retired twice. I can tell him it's not too bad, and I hope that he will return to visit us in future through whatever form of entrance there then may be to your Lordships House. We also look forward to working with Simon's successor, Chloe Morrison, and with our new clerk, assistant Duncan James Sagar, who are both already so widely and known and respected by us all.

But for now, my Lords, I would like in the sincerest term, tones of personal fondness and friendship to thank Simon for his long service and to wish him the very, very best for a long and ever contented future. Yes.
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Lord Purvis of Tweed Portrait Lord Purvis of Tweed (Liberal Democrat)
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My Lords, there have only been 65 clerks of the Parliament in the 65 clerks of the Parliament in the 700 years or more since the role was formed, and, as the leader said, only 20 since the 1824 act, which governs the role now in statute, and argues then for the salary to be the princely sum of £40, it wasn't set on whether or not it was inflation linked or not, but I'm glad, I'm sure the new clerk will be glad that it wasn't.

That period included the 77 years of the father and son's role of the Scottish Rose family, almost hereditary in nature for the clerks of the Parliament and the clerks of the Parliament at that time, including a spell of which his sitting MP at the time was also clerk of the parliaments in this House, taking joint services a step too far. The role today is, the leader said, is sometimes is in many respects greatly different from that as set out in that legislation then, and it has been an uneasy one, perhaps being chief adviser on procedure, master of Norman French, but also head of procurement, overseeing security and responsible for almost constant catering complaints also.

Simon's career since 1988 and the house has been marked by a courtesy and openness, as well as a deep love of parliamentary practice. Those who chaired committees which he clerked and those such as I who have worked closely with them more recently, have found common features. Tirelessness of work, professionalism, courtesy and a real sense of dedication. But also Simon was at the forefront of innovation and change, words sometimes unfamiliar in many years about the House of Lords. But they've been led by Simon, including seeing long term security and safety of parliamentary archives, huge advances on digital services and professionalising, and improving staffing conditions for all who work in this institution.

This was put to very effective use as clerk assistant when he was responsible for parliamentary services through the very testing times of Covid. Ironically, for some, the House of Lords moved faster and more effectively than the House of Commons and indeed we have learnt lessons that us have benefiting us today and we thank Simon and the whole team for that. He took up the clerk of the parliament's role when Covid restrictions were still in place, and the Duke of Edinburgh died on his second day in office.

His role as part of the term of the connected ceremonies and procedures for that, but also for the state funeral of Her late Majesty and the accession of King Charles, was seen not just by us as members of this House, but around the world, and put this institution in good stead with great respect, having carried out those functions with great success. The changes in procedures and standards approach to working, and indeed, as referred to by noble Lord Lord True, the R and R project, which he has had much more hands on role, perhaps, than the roses did as his predecessors in the 1840s and 50s all mark an extremely active period of which can be rightly proud.

On a personal note, I often reflect on the working environment of the House now, compared to a period when I was an assistant to a peer in 1997, Simon working first with and then leading colleagues across the House, have transformed this place to a more professional, safe and respectful for all who work here in whatever form. And perhaps that is his legacy, which he can be proud of. And we can be most thankful that the House of Lords not only carries out its constitutional functions well, but it does so in a way where all members and staff are valued.

And we are extremely grateful for his role that he's done that. These benches, of course, wish his successor as the 66th clerk the greatest of success. We are very confident that she will bring all of her outstanding skills to that role, and it will be a great success. But I share with the leader and the noble Lord Lord Bruce remarks that these benches with Simon are very, very happy retirement and was grateful. Thanks. Amen.
13:51
Earl of Kinnoull Portrait The Earl of Kinnoull (Crossbench)
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My Lord, it's a great pleasure to follow the noble Lord Lord Purvis, and indeed to hear the wonderful remarks from the leader and from Lord True earlier on. And I'm in the rare and happy position of agreeing with every word that had been said so far in support of the motion. Paying tribute to Simon. Simon was born in 1964. This, of course, was the year of that most important album, and indeed the Oscar winning film so relevant for his career.

Hard Day's Night. Indeed, 40 years ago, on his very first day in the house. The house sat until nearly midnight. The regular pattern that we know so well. Simon's career was very much connected with the select committees of our house, and on becoming the clerk of a select committee for the first time in what was then another era, he famously was told by his chair not to arrange meetings on Wednesdays. When he asked why, he was told, and I quote, you see, it ruins both I quote, you see, it ruins both weekends.

Simon's outstanding record as a committee clerk has been very well covered. And here the noble Lord Lord True anticipated me because it would be wrong for me not to comment on his time as clerk of the European Union Committee. His chair at that time was Lord Grenfell. He and Lord Grenfell were very much responsible for the tuning of the structures that allowed for the effective scrutiny of the 900 or so legislative proposals that came out of Brussels every year, scrutiny by the main EU committee and its six subcommittees.

In my. Seven years later on, as being member and then chair of the committee, I greatly benefited from the smooth machinery that Simon had had such a hand in building. Simon had become clerk assistant by the time that I became deputy speaker in 2019. At the time, it had been some time since the new deputy Speaker had been appointed. Indeed, there was only one other deputy speaker below the age of 70, and they, a sprightly 68 and Simon agreed to conduct a training course.

I was blissfully unaware of just how busy the clerk assistant is, but Simon always seemed to have time for me and went carefully through the Deputy Speakers manual with me. Sessions punctuated by good humour and his great booming laughter, he made careful notes of a number of anomalies that we came across in the manual, and an updated manual appeared a few months later. But as ever, Simon took no credit for what was his work. I turned briefly to Simon's time as clerk of the parliaments, briefly, not because I couldn't have said a lot, but that it's already been said.

But I would observe these two things. First, at the core of Simon's style is the care for the welfare and interests of his staff. And secondly, that we all know and enjoy the very high quality level of expertise and can do attitude of each and every one of our staff. These two things are surely connected and the nexus is Simon. It is no surprise, therefore, that his successor comes from within his ranks. And on behalf of these benches her much.

I congratulate Chloe Mawson and welcome her to the role. Simon's last late night duty, just before our recess, took him to 1:45 a.m. A final hard Day's Night, and it is for that and for all his many achievements, that on behalf of these benches, I thank him very warmly and wish him a long and happy retirement after.
13:55
Lord Bishop of Southwark Portrait The Lord Bishop of Southwark (Bishops)
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My Lords. From these. those noble Lords who have gone before me. I pay tribute to Simon Burton, whose service as clerk to the. Of the Parliament's has, I believe, been of lasting value to the House. The strength of our parliamentary life depends not only on those who speak in debate, but on those who ensure that our work is carried out with integrity, order and constitutional faithfulness. In that vital task, Simon has served with distinction as clerk of the parliaments.

He has been both guardian of ancient, custom and wise guide. Through modern complexity. He has exercised that responsibility with clarity of judgement, intellectual rigour and an unfailing sense of proportion. His counsel has reminded us that procedure is not an obstacle to good government, but one of its essential safeguards. He has always displayed a can do and hands on attitude, exemplified by one query from our benches sent to Simon relating to the prayers in the House.

It turned out that this required removing an artwork from the Upper West Front Corridor to read the only surviving original draft of the relevant standing order, which was on the artworks reverse. Simon dutifully obtained a screwdriver, removed it, read it, and replaced it from all those on these benches. I wish especially to acknowledge his attentiveness to the character of this house as a place of respectful disagreement and careful scrutiny. His advice has always been impartial, measured and deeply informed by a sense of the public good.

He, as Clerk of Parliament, meets all new bishops to give advice and support and in his previous role of reading clerk, had the unenviable task of reading all our complicated summonses to the House. Simon has led his team, as has already been observed with humanity and supported colleagues with generosity and calm, particularly in moments of pressure. He has shown that true authority is most often exercised quietly in the finest traditions of the House, at a time when confidence in institutions can be fragile, his service stands as a powerful example of professionalism, integrity and devotion to duty.

His legacy will be found not in prominence, but in the strength and dignity of this House itself. On behalf of the Lords, spiritual and indeed of the whole House, I offer Simon our sincerest thanks and our very best wishes for the future here.
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None Portrait Declaration: The Clerk Of The Parliaments
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Charles III, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of her other realms and territories. King, head of the Commonwealth. Defender of the faith to all to whom these presents shall come. Greeting. Whereas the office of clerk of the parliaments of us, our heirs and successors, has become vacant by the resignation of our trusty and well-beloved Simon Peter Burton Esquire, now know ye that we of our especial grace do constitute and appoint our trusty and well beloved Chloe Kate Sevgi Kilcoyne Moorsom, officer of our Most Excellent order of the British Empire, to be clerk of the parliaments of us, our heirs and successors, in the place of the said Simon Peter Burton, to hold an exercise the said office during her good behaviour therein for a period of five years, with effect from 2nd of April 2026, together with all privileges, profits, advantages and emoluments due and of right belonging to the said office, and that she, the said Chloe Kate Sevgi Kilcoyne Mawson shall be eligible for reappointment thereafter, and we do declare that the duties of the said office shall be executed by the.

Said Chloe Kate Sevgi Kilcoyne Mawson in person, and that she shall be removable by us, our heirs and successors. Upon an address of the House of Lords to us, our heirs and successors for that purpose, in witness whereof we have caused these our letters to be made patent witness ourself at Westminster, the second day of April, in the fourth year of our reign, by warrant, under the King's sign-manual.

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Chloe Mawson, be pleased to make your declaration.

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your declaration. I Chloe Kate Sevgi, Chloe Kilcoyne Mawson do declare that I Kilcoyne Mawson do declare that I will be true and faithful and truth. I will bear to our sovereign Lord, the King, and to his heirs and successors I will. Nothing, no, that shall be prejudicial to His that shall be prejudicial to His Highness, his crown, estate and dignity. Royal. But that I will resist it to my power, and with all speed I will advertise his grace thereof, or at the least some of his counsel, in such wise as the same may come to his knowledge.

I will also well and truly serve his Highness in the office of clerk of his Parliament, making true entries and records of the things done and passed in the same. I will keep secret all such matters as shall be treated in his said parliaments, and not disclose the same before they shall be published. But to such as it ought to be disclosed unto. And generally I will well and truly do, and execute all things belonging to me to be done appertaining to the office of the

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Consistent, Consistent, my Consistent, my Lords, Consistent, my Lords, forming Consistent, my Lords, forming a selection process. I have appointed Duncan James Sagar to be the clerk. Assistants in the place of Chloe Assistants in the place of Chloe Kilcoyne Mawson. Appointed clerk of the parliaments. I beg to move. Question is that this motion be Question is that this motion be agreed to? As many as are of that opinion will say content. The contrary, non content.

The contents First First Oral Question by.
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None Portrait Oral questions: Impact of developments in artificial intelligence on current levels of employment
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None Portrait Oral questions: Implementing the recommendations in the UK Gigafactory Commission report 'Britain’s Battery Future'
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>> Question standing in my name on the Order Paper. >> I thank the noble Baroness for

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I thank the noble Baroness for her contribution to the Commission and its report. A resilient domestic battery sector is
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None Portrait Oral questions: Extent and risks of the use of nitrous oxide gas by young people
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Oral Question Lord Storey. Standing in my name on the Order Paper.
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Lord Coaker Portrait Lord Coaker, The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Labour)
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The noble Baroness will know my >> The noble Baroness will know my answer with respect to the Defence Investment Plan and as I say, that will be published in due course. In will be published in due course. In terms of HMS Dragon, in terms of HMS Dragon, that is, that is available in the Eastern Mediterranean and is currently, as she says, undergoing some limited work, but it's still available with respect to the air defence weapons that that it has to be respected at.

But I just say to the to the noble Baroness, in terms of that, I pay tribute to to the last government about the 13 ships that are being built in Scotland and the importance of. With respect to that. But in terms of in terms of what the government is doing with respect to the capabilities, in terms of minehunting in the in in the region, I've spoken and talked about in the answer that I gave to the noble Lord Best about the autonomous minehunting capabilities that are already deployed there, she will know, because the noble Baroness is well aware of these things, that the hybrid navy that the first sea Lord wants will ensure that not only do we have ships, but Minehunting capabilities of the future will actually involve much more the use of drones.

And that is why the point I made about RFA Lyme Bay, although no decision has been made to deploy that yet. But RFA Lyme, Lyme Bay being made a mothership from which drones can be used to tackle a mine hunting a mine threat is also the way forward with that. So of course ships are important, but there are many other ways you can tackle mines as well. said.
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