Democracy and Unelected Strong Leaders
Debate between Baroness Goldie and Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent
Baroness Goldie (Con)
My Lords, I declare an interest in that I once wrote an essay, and obtained high marks, on the subject of enlightened despotism—I wrote it in the first person. Can we not take some comfort from the inference within the Question that apparently four out of five people within this age group prefer democracy? I offer the Minister an encouraging example. During the independence referendum in Scotland, I saw levels of engagement from young people that I had never seen before. They were passionate and well-informed, but I also observe that they were dealing with people who were people, whatever side of the argument they were on. Does the Minister agree that all parties have a duty in public life to try to behave less like automatons and more like human beings?
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
It would be an interesting experience for many in your Lordships’ House if the noble Baroness had the opportunity to be a despot. I could not agree more: it can occasionally feel like the concept of personality and humanity in our politics is missing, and definitely for those in communities—
Council of the Nations and Regions
Debate between Baroness Goldie and Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent(4 months, 3 weeks ago)
Lords ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
The Deputy Prime Minister chaired the first leaders’ council on 24 October, where she vowed to forge a new relationship based on honesty and respect between central and local government, helping drive economic growth and improving lives. The leaders’ council brought together Ministers and local leaders to tackle shared problems. The Deputy Prime Minister has also written to all areas with a devolution deal to invite them to come forward with a proposal. New mayors established through this deal will be eligible to attend the Council of the Nations and Regions.
Baroness Goldie (Con)
My Lords, this council appears to have rendered obsolete the Prime Minister and Heads of Devolved Governments Council. Does the Minister really feel that is an appropriate sign of respect to send to the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
I assure the noble Baroness that that is not the case. Before the first full meeting on 11 October of the Council of the Nations and Regions—which, to remind the House, was a manifesto commitment—the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and the First Ministers of all devolved Governments had a multilateral meeting with the Prime Minister, which would fulfil tier 1 of the IGR requirements. With the greatest respect to noble Lords opposite, that was the first time such a meeting had happened since 2022.