(5 days, 4 hours ago)
Lords Chamber
Baroness Lawlor (Con)
I thank the noble Baroness for her question, and I certainly will consider it, but I think it is important that we have a discussion about what I regard as a compromise Motion, which may be useful in the discussions noble Lords have with the sponsor or those who wish to proceed in that way.
Would the noble Baroness, for whom I have a great deal of respect, consider whether she is really adding anything at all to the debate by continuing? We can read her amendments; we know the difference between 18, 21 and 25. I and the noble and learned Lord, with whom I do not disagree on the fundamental principle behind the Bill, are both of the view that we should have proper discussion on it and get through Committee in the way that is expected of us as the House of Lords, so when the noble and learned Lord intervenes and says he is willing to hold meaningful discussions, we should do that and move on to the next business.
(2 years, 5 months ago)
Lords ChamberSurely noble Lords can speak only if they have been present throughout the debate from the very beginning.
Baroness Lawlor (Con)
The noble Lord may be referring to my having to rush out urgently—I needed to get a glass of water. I shall catch up with the speech of the noble Lord, Lord Cormack, which I missed with great regret, but I was back for the next one.
I do not want to be unkind, but the rest of us manage to persuade the door- keepers to bring us glasses of water.
(2 years, 6 months ago)
Lords Chamber
Baroness Lawlor (Con)
I thank the noble Lord for his question. As far as I can see, the Bill was published on 7 March. It was very well publicised at the time. It is designed to deter—
Baroness Lawlor
I think the noble Lord is not aware of the very good access to news which people coming to this country have—and which people traffickers have. It was no surprise that this Bill had its First Reading on 7 March.
I conclude on a point made earlier. This is not a Bill against asylum seekers; it is a measure to deter and prevent those coming to this country by unsafe and unlawful routes.