I recognise the noble Lord’s point and the very important nature of that report. When reports should be tabled for debate is a matter for the usual channels. I note that some committees debate before the Government have responded; that might be something that the noble Lord wishes to consider. Nevertheless, I see that the Chief Whip is here, and I am sure that the noble Lord’s point is well understood.
My Lords, is it not the case that international agreement and regulation is needed? We need that as quickly as possible, given the pace of this matter.
(1 year, 3 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, as I said before, it is a manifesto commitment to provide legal aid at inquests for victims of disasters or state-related deaths.
My Lords, the right-wing press had a role to play in this scandal. Will this Bill, or any other legislation, address the issue that the media played a major role in Hillsborough and many other scandals?
My Lords, I do not think that this Bill, which has not been published yet, will address that issue. However, I take the point that my noble friend makes. Really, he is raising a far wider concern and if there is anything more that I can say to him, I will write to him, but I think his question goes far wider that the Question itself.
(1 year, 10 months ago)
Lords ChamberThe noble Baroness makes an important point. In my time as a family magistrate, I often had people in front of me who were married in religious ceremonies but not married in the eyes of the law, and we had to unpick the arrangements for those separating couples. The noble Baroness has made a very good point.
My Lords, does the Minister understand the concern on these Benches that the last Government used to use “in due course” to do nothing for long periods, sometimes years? Can the Minister start a different process, and give some indication of when this matter will come back to the Chamber and where the Government will take action?
Well, I have been advised by my Leader that I need to say “in the fullness of time”.