Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)
My Lords, if the House will indulge me for a few moments, I will reflect briefly on the outstanding work across the House in recent weeks and months. I am aware that the sittings of recent weeks in particular have tested the reserves of many of us. Despite the longer hours, noble Lords have maintained the usual exceptional quality of scrutiny and debate. None of us could have undertaken our roles without the support provided by the staff across the House. This includes the work of many teams. I particularly thank the staff of the Public Bill Office for their expertise, patience and dedication over recent weeks. They have shown incredible resilience and resolve in the face of late sittings and in planning for multiple rounds of ping-pong. I also thank the catering and facilities teams, those in Hansard, the Library, those printing papers for us and of course the doorkeepers, whose support is hugely appreciated by all noble Lords. Indeed, even when we did not end up sitting as late as expected, teams were prepared to increase that support.
I cannot sit down without thanking the usual channels. We may not always agree—I am sure that is not obvious at all—but I am very grateful for their constructive and very professional approach. I hope that everyone is looking forward to a slightly quieter summer, and I hope that we will have some better weather to go along with it.
Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)
My Lords, I join the noble Baroness in thanking all the staff of the House for their fantastic work over these last few months—and all Members of the House. I also thank the Labour Whips’ Office, which supports me and our Front Bench in what we do.
We actually get on pretty well in the usual channels. I have been opposite the noble Baroness for many years, in many posts, and we work well together. All I would say is that we should always endeavour not to have those really late nights. I think we make better decisions in more normal working hours than sitting into the wee hours of the morning. With that, I wish everyone a peaceful and restful summer.