Democracy and Unelected Strong Leaders

Lord Blunkett Excerpts

Thursday 3rd April 2025 Lords Chamber

[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—

[Lord Blunkett (Lab)]

Can I—

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

One second.

We need to be very clear about who we are, and why we are here.

[Lord Blunkett (Lab)]

I am not doing too well this morning; I will try again. Can I strongly welcome my noble friend’s replies, not least to the noble and right reverend Lord, Lord Harries? Will she permit me to draw her remarks to the attention of the chair of the curriculum and assessment review, given that the interim report did not mention citizenship at all?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

As I have said before, it is always a mistake to disagree with the noble Lord, so I agree absolutely.