"I accept that entirely. Of course, the decision will be made by the constituency party, not so much on the basis of the seriousness of the offence but of whether they think they can win the by-election. I despair at the way in which the Bill is drafted and at …..." Lord Hughes of Woodside - View Speech
"I should make it clear that my amendment does not say that the names should be published but simply that the numbers should be published. The two issues are not therefore connected...." Lord Hughes of Woodside - View Speech
"The Minister keeps saying that he is following general practice as far as possible. This is an entirely new practice. Will he please tell me where, either in my amendment or at any place in the Bill, it is stated that during the eight weeks when people vote the petition …..." Lord Hughes of Woodside - View Speech
"My Lords, in relation to my amendment, may I make clear that on the day of the general election—I am sorry, am I in the wrong?..." Lord Hughes of Woodside - View Speech
"My Lords, I appreciate that the tabling of this amendment leaves me open to the possibility of being accused of censorship by refusing people the right to free speech. I understand that point but I believe that this amendment brings us to the heart of the difficulties and problems we …..." Lord Hughes of Woodside - View Speech
"Someone once said that the road to hell was paved with good intentions. In my initial remarks, I referred to the fact that this might well be seen as an attack on free speech. I appreciate that point very much indeed. Of course, it has been pointed out that people …..." Lord Hughes of Woodside - View Speech
"My Lords, I join those who wish for an early publication of the Chilcot report, if for no other reason than to put a stop to the conspiracy theories multiplying. The ridiculous comments made by the noble Lord, Lord Dykes, are a disgrace to this House and a disgrace to …..." Lord Hughes of Woodside - View Speech
"My Lords, I welcome the maiden speech by the noble Lord, Lord Cooper of Windrush, who has a considerable political background. It is different from mine, but it is certainly considerable. I think we may want to hear much more from him about that. He has been a political adviser …..." Lord Hughes of Woodside - View Speech
"I am slightly confused. I thought that this Bill was about dealing with people who transgressed the behaviour expected in this House. I appreciate that my noble friend is anxious to pursue his agenda but he knows perfectly well that consensus on reform of this House can proceed only on …..." Lord Hughes of Woodside - View Speech