Arrangement of Business

Lord Kennedy of Southwark Excerpts

Friday 24th April 2026 Lords Chamber

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

My Lords, before we begin, I will make my usual brief remarks on how proceedings will run today. First, on the final Friday of the Session, I give huge thanks on behalf of the whole House to all staff across the Administration for their work in facilitating all the sittings on this Bill and all other Private Members’ Bills this Session. I know that noble Lords are aware of the huge amount of work that takes place to enable us to undertake quality scrutiny.

In particular, I want to thank Michael Bleakley, who is the civil servant based in the Government Whips’ Office. He has become a very well-known figure to many noble Lords, dealing with questions, queries and procedural points, and preparing groups in a calm, professional, authoritative manner, as one we would expect from an exceptional public servant.

Turning to the arrangements for today, as announced previously, I will look to adjourn proceedings at around 3pm, or earlier should the House conclude its business. The debate will begin with the Motion tabled by my noble and learned friend Lord Falconer of Thoroton to resolve into a Committee and the amendments to that. My noble and learned friend will open the debate, followed by the noble Baroness, Lady Coffey. Following that debate, I understand that my noble and learned friend Lord Falconer intends to beg leave to withdraw the Motion that the House do resolve itself into a Committee, though it is of course for the House to decide. Should the House decide to go into Committee, my noble friend has set two targets for today.

Some Members have asked whether this is precedented. I have sought advice from the clerks and understand that the amendments to the Motion to go into Committee are precedented but unusual. The progress of the debate today ultimately is in the hands of the House. Courtesy, kindness and respect for noble Lords who may have different opinions, remembering that they hold their views just as sincerely as you hold yours, should be the cornerstone of our debate today, as always in this House. With that, I think we should move on to the business before us.