Direction of Government
Debate between Lord Sentamu and Lord Kennedy of Southwark(2 months, 1 week ago)
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Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)
My Lords, we will hear from the Cross Benches next, then the Labour Benches, then the Conservative Benches.
Lord Sentamu (CB)
My Lords, I too think that words of thanks need to be paid to Sir Keir Starmer, because he did many things, in particular making our country respected outside of these islands; people took note of that, so he was in my prayer. The new Prime Minister will also be in my prayer.
The question I have to ask is on the statement I made in your Lordships’ House about large majorities in Parliament. In the words of Francis Pym, large majorities do not make for good government, because one day they may turn against you—which we saw over the reform of the welfare state. Can we be assured that the new Prime Minister will have the nerve to depend on all Members of Parliament to bring necessary reform to the welfare bill?