Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton Excerpts

Thursday 20th January 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Falconer of Thoroton]

My noble friend Lord Rooker gives just one example. From my experience of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, the idea that they could suddenly find themselves in the European Union, with ramifications not just for the sale of beef but, for example, in relation to imposts in the form of tax and VAT, would be for them a major issue and, I anticipate, something to which they would object.

[Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton]

My Lords, would my noble and learned friend Lord Falconer care to ponder whether the noble Lord, Lord Greaves, who is on record in Lancashire as being totally opposed to people interfering with the boundary between Lancashire and Yorkshire, has been consulted on whether the Isle of Man could suddenly be added to the county of Lancashire?

Elections: AV Referendum and Scottish Parliament

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton Excerpts

Tuesday 20th July 2010 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton]

My Lords, what will the Government advise people who believe that a referendum on an alternative voting system for the House of Commons ought to be considered in the context of proposals from the Government for elections to this place? Surely it is logical for people to be able to view things in the round rather than having to make a judgment about one-half of the issue.

[Lord Wallace of Tankerness]

As my right honourable friend the Deputy Prime Minister has indicated, there is no doubt that proposals will be brought forward in a draft Bill to consider the constitution of this House and how part of it, if not all of it, will be elected. However, we should now move forward to determine the mode of election to the other place. That was clear in our coalition agreement, and it was supported by the Labour Party—indeed it was in legislation—at the last election. The sooner we get it done, the better.