All 1 Debates between Lord Bassam of Brighton and Lord Black of Brentwood

Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill

Debate between Lord Bassam of Brighton and Lord Black of Brentwood
Lord Black of Brentwood Portrait Lord Black of Brentwood (Con)
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My Lords, this is not just to prevent the Minister getting up again; it is relevant to both points that have just been made. A number of noble Lords asked whether this huge volte-face by the Government between the publication of the Bill and the amendments made very late in the other place came about as a result of pressure from the platforms. Could he tell us whether the platforms lobbied for this change and whether he discussed it with them?

Lord Bassam of Brighton Portrait Lord Bassam of Brighton (Lab)
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My Lords, if I might help the Minister, this legislation has been knocking around for some time now, so what was it that provided that blinding flash of official or ministerial inspiration to bring this amendment about “proportionate” so late in the day in the other place that it was tabled right at the end of the Commons process? What was it that was so compelling as to make that dramatic change?