Tributes: Lord Laming

Lord Howell of Guildford Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Con)]

My Lords, Lord Laming fulfilled his role as Chairman of Committees with considerable distinction. He was dedicated to the service of your Lordships’ House, and indeed, as we have heard, his appointment steadied the ship. He would be a hard act to follow, and his support for his successors as Chairman of Committees and Senior Deputy Speaker was absolute. I shall for ever remember his wisdom and innate kindness. It was a privilege to work with him on the many committees that the Senior Deputy Speaker chairs, often turning to him first to open the consideration; his sound judgment set the tone.

He spoke to everyone in that gentle and clear manner, but let us not forget his determination and tenacity when needed. There was no side to the noble Lord; he was utterly consistent in his decency and resolve. His humanity meant that he dealt with us all with good humour and grace. The noble Lord worked tirelessly for your Lordships, so often unknown to many. It is with profound sadness, and yet with gratitude, that I add these all too inadequate words to recognise such a public servant. Lord Laming was an exemplar that good does, in the end, prevail.

[Lord Howell of Guildford (Con)]

My Lords, Herbert Laming, as Chairman of Committees, was the one who enabled us to set up a foreign affairs Committee; we called it the International Relations Committee. At last, after many struggles and many years, he enabled it to happen. That committee, of course, has been an outstanding success and has had considerable impact on public thinking, ideas and debate. In retrospect, I believe that will come to be seen as one of his greatest achievements.

[The Lord Speaker (Lord Forsyth of Drumlean)]

My Lords, as we have heard, the death of Lord Laming, or Herbert as so many of us knew him, is a loss felt deeply across all these Benches. He was unapologetic in his determined campaigning to highlight the day-to-day pressures and achievements of those working in the social services and social care sectors. He gave voice to children who had none and never forgot those less able to protect themselves.

He showed that quiet persistence can change everything and that the gentlest of men can be among the most resolute reformers. He was a thoroughly kind, compassionate and decent person with a genuine interest in people, be it friends, colleagues, staff or complete strangers. He would always say to me, as the right reverend Prelate pointed out, “How are you getting on?”, and he really did mean it. We will never forget him and the caring legacy he has left to our nation. May he rest in peace.