Brexit: Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts

Thursday 10th January 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Strathclyde]

I thank the House for its warm welcome, though I am not sure it is entirely deserved. I am delighted to reopen the adjourned debate. In my estimation, it is increasingly difficult to understand and keep track of exactly what is going on in this debate. It is even more difficult to try to explain it to the general public outside this House, particularly after yesterday’s shenanigans in another place. Let no one say that Speakers with powers improve behaviour. This House is a shining example of good behaviour, apart from the occasional expostulation from my good friend Lord Cumnock of Foulkes.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab Co-op)]

The wonderful thing about the Speaker in the other place is that he stood up for Parliament against the Executive.

[Lord Strathclyde]

My Lords, it only required the tiniest fly over the head of the noble Lord for him to rise.

If you told me 12 months ago that we would still be debating whether or not we should have a deal after we leave the United Kingdom—