"I am sure that the hon. Lady would agree that it is perfectly reasonable to describe 38 Degrees as a lobbying outfit. That is what it calls itself; it comprises lobbyists. I have been lobbied by it on many different occasions. Unless she is saying that to call somebody a …..." Baroness Bray of Coln - View Speech
"I shall focus primarily on the lobbying aspect of this Bill, having provided media advice to a public affairs company back in the 1990s. Ironically, I have been heavily lobbied on this Bill myself by the well-known lobbying organisation 38 Degrees. I should say for the record that I certainly …..." Baroness Bray of Coln - View Speech
"The hon. Gentleman makes a good point, one well understood by those who have had some experience of the lobbying industry.
This aspect of the Bill will affect only “consultant lobbyists”; it will not affect in-house lobbyists, trade associations, charities, trade unions, accountants or lawyers. But that is not all, …..." Baroness Bray of Coln - View Speech
"I cannot imagine that anybody would waste their money if they did not think that there was a desirable outcome.
If we are to limit election expenditure, then limit it we should without fear or favour to any political party or special interest group. I find it hard to believe …..." Baroness Bray of Coln - View Speech
"No. I have given way twice and other Members are keen to speak.
Let us be clear: the Bill will not curtail policy campaigning but only campaigns during elections that are targeted directly at political parties or their candidates, who are themselves limited in what they spend.
"The Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, my hon. Friend the Member for Wantage (Mr Vaizey), will recall a meeting to discuss the better regulation of DMOL, which organises channel listings for Freeview, at which he undertook to take a look at the matter. Will he update …..." Baroness Bray of Coln - View Speech
"I do not know whether my hon. Friend has ever heard the expression “Don’t let the facts spoil a good story”, but I think that it is about as appropriate a phrase that there could possibly be to describe what is happening today. Does my hon. Friend agree that we …..." Baroness Bray of Coln - View Speech