Business of the House

Debate between Lord Hope of Craighead and Lord Tyler

Thursday 5th September 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hope of Craighead (CB)]

On behalf on these Benches, I echo what has been said by the noble Baroness, Lady Smith, and the noble Lord, Lord Newby, particularly in relation to the staff, who were such a help to us until a late hour last night.

[Lord Tyler (LD)]

My Lords, I want to take this opportunity to convey to the Leader of the House our relief that she is in her place again. After her intervention early in the debate yesterday, her disappearance caused some concern; there was a rumour that she had either resigned, been sacked or been kidnapped by Mr Dominic Cummings. Given yet another ministerial resignation this morning—that of Mr Jo Johnson—I hope that we can note that her activities behind the scenes and the diplomacy that she was clearly using to bring the House together are always appreciated. Of course, she is not just a member of the Cabinet and a party representative; she is also the representative of the whole House and we respect her role in defending our reputation.