Arrangement of Business

Baroness Murphy Excerpts

Friday 27th February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Harper (Con)]

I hear noble Lords groaning, but the average length of a speech in Committee so far has been less than five—

[Baroness Murphy (CB)]

It is worth noting, for what it is worth to the Chamber, that the noble Lord, Lord Harper, is just beginning his first filibuster now.

[Lord Harper (Con)]

With respect, perhaps the noble Baroness should listen to what the Government Chief Whip said about treating people with kindness, courtesy and respect. I started by thanking the Government Chief Whip for his helpful observation to avoid confusion when we adjourn mid-group. I was only responding to the points that had been made earlier, including by the noble and learned Lord, Lord Falconer of Thoroton, who spoke at considerable length.

I would have already concluded by now if the noble Baroness had not intervened on me. Let me just finish what I was going to say. The average length of a speech has been less than five minutes, which is half of the length of the time set out in the Companion. People moving amendments have up to 15 minutes, so I think that demonstrates that noble Lords are indeed doing what the noble Baroness opposite suggested in making sure they focus on new points and on keeping their speeches short. On a number of occasions, I have not said things I planned on saying because they had been well ventilated and I felt the remarks had been made.

The final point I would make—