Lord Mackay of Clashfern Portrait

Lord Mackay of Clashfern

Conservative - Life peer

Became Member: 6th July 1979

Left House: 22nd July 2022 (Retired)


Lord Mackay of Clashfern is not a member of any APPGs
2 Former APPG memberships
Hydrogen, Lawyers and Judges at Risk Globally
Committee for Privileges and Conduct (Lords)
23rd Nov 1999 - 9th May 2019
Draft Care and Support Bill
22nd Nov 2012 - 6th Mar 2013
Draft Care and Support Bill (Joint Committee)
22nd Nov 2012 - 6th Mar 2013
Draft Human Tissue and Embryos Bill (Joint Committee)
9th May 2007 - 8th Aug 2007
Committee on the Assisted Dying for the terminally ill Bill
30th Nov 2004 - 7th Apr 2005
Procedure and Privileges Committee
21st Nov 1985 - 11th Nov 1999
Lord Chancellor
28th Oct 1987 - 3rd May 1997
House of Lords Offices Committee
21st Nov 1985 - 8th Apr 1997
Consolidation, &c., Bills (Joint Committee)
12th Nov 1985 - 15th May 1987


Division Voting information

Lord Mackay of Clashfern has voted in 807 divisions, and 50 times against the majority of their Party.

17 Mar 2021 - Fire Safety Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 3 Conservative Aye votes vs 219 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 326 Noes - 248
17 Mar 2021 - Domestic Abuse Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 4 Conservative Aye votes vs 207 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 125 Noes - 242
2 Feb 2021 - Trade Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 40 Conservative Aye votes vs 165 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 359 Noes - 188
13 Jan 2021 - Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 5 Conservative Aye votes vs 215 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 331 Noes - 240
14 Dec 2020 - United Kingdom Internal Market Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 5 Conservative Aye votes vs 201 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 332 Noes - 229
9 Dec 2020 - United Kingdom Internal Market Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 3 Conservative Aye votes vs 196 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 320 Noes - 215
18 Nov 2020 - United Kingdom Internal Market Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 15 Conservative Aye votes vs 190 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 367 Noes - 209
6 Oct 2020 - Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 6 Conservative Aye votes vs 196 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 312 Noes - 211
15 Jun 2020 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 43 Conservative Aye votes vs 125 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 112 Noes - 388
15 Jun 2020 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 24 Conservative No votes vs 127 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 355 Noes - 77
20 Jan 2020 - European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 5 Conservative Aye votes vs 176 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 206 Noes - 186
6 Sep 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 6) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 25 Conservative No votes vs 36 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 47 Noes - 268
17 Jul 2019 - Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 24 Conservative Aye votes vs 35 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 39 Noes - 138
28 Jan 2019 - Brexit: Parliamentary Approval of the Outcome of Negotiations with the European Union - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 9 Conservative Aye votes vs 116 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 283 Noes - 131
7 Sep 2018 - House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) (Abolition of By-Elections) Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 12 Conservative No votes vs 18 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 23 Noes - 117
7 Sep 2018 - House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) (Abolition of By-Elections) Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 10 Conservative No votes vs 18 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 19 Noes - 107
7 Sep 2018 - House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) (Abolition of By-Elections) Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Conservative No votes vs 18 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 21 Noes - 73
23 Mar 2018 - House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) (Abolition of By-Elections) Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 12 Conservative No votes vs 18 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 20 Noes - 111
15 Mar 2017 - Higher Education and Research Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Conservative Aye votes vs 134 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 101 Noes - 142
8 Mar 2017 - Higher Education and Research Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 4 Conservative Aye votes vs 145 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 185 Noes - 151
26 Nov 2014 - Consumer Rights Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 7 Conservative Aye votes vs 84 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 65 Noes - 124
28 Jul 2014 - Leader of the House of Lords - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 21 Conservative Aye votes vs 22 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 177 Noes - 29
16 Oct 2013 - Care Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Conservative Aye votes vs 146 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 247 Noes - 218
10 Jul 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 37 Conservative Aye votes vs 47 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 89 Noes - 267
8 Jul 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 50 Conservative Aye votes vs 63 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 119 Noes - 314
8 Jul 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 50 Conservative Aye votes vs 50 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 103 Noes - 278
8 Jul 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 17 Conservative Aye votes vs 35 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 32 Noes - 163
8 Jul 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 8 Conservative Aye votes vs 25 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 15 Noes - 84
4 Jun 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 65 Conservative Aye votes vs 79 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 148 Noes - 390
24 Apr 2013 - Procedure of the House - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 20 Conservative Aye votes vs 157 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 209 Noes - 243
4 Mar 2013 - Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 9 Conservative Aye votes vs 113 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 256 Noes - 153
28 Feb 2013 - House of Lords: Membership - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 31 Conservative No votes vs 35 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 217 Noes - 45
25 Jan 2012 - Welfare Reform Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 34 Conservative Aye votes vs 96 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 270 Noes - 128
15 Nov 2011 - Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 2 Conservative Aye votes vs 112 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 165 Noes - 168
15 Jun 2011 - Estates of Deceased Persons (Forfeiture Rule and Law of Succession) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 5 Conservative Aye votes vs 128 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 242 Noes - 209
28 Mar 2011 - Public Bodies Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 3 Conservative Aye votes vs 115 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 198 Noes - 191
7 Apr 2010 - Children, Schools and Families Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 7 Conservative No votes vs 34 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 96 Noes - 70
15 Jan 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 42 Conservative No votes vs 51 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 96 Noes - 268
31 Oct 2006 - Armed Forces Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 2 Conservative Aye votes vs 44 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 60 Noes - 208
13 Apr 2021 - Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Conservative Aye votes vs 214 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 333 Noes - 228
28 Apr 2021 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021 - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 36 Conservative Aye votes vs 156 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 93 Noes - 418
28 Apr 2021 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021 - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 26 Conservative Aye votes vs 151 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 63 Noes - 401
28 Apr 2021 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021 - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 34 Conservative Aye votes vs 144 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 70 Noes - 409
26 Oct 2021 - Environment Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 8 Conservative Aye votes vs 161 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 223 Noes - 172
26 Oct 2021 - Environment Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 7 Conservative Aye votes vs 158 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 207 Noes - 172
26 Oct 2021 - Environment Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 18 Conservative Aye votes vs 59 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 213 Noes - 60
23 Nov 2021 - Armed Forces Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 6 Conservative Aye votes vs 169 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 219 Noes - 173
28 Feb 2022 - Nationality and Borders Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 6 Conservative Aye votes vs 141 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 237 Noes - 154
3 Mar 2022 - Health and Care Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 3 Conservative Aye votes vs 116 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 171 Noes - 119
3 Mar 2022 - Health and Care Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Mackay of Clashfern voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 5 Conservative Aye votes vs 88 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 110 Noes - 91
View All Lord Mackay of Clashfern Division Votes

All Debates

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lord Pannick (Crossbench)
(28 debate interactions)
Lord Keen of Elie (Conservative)
Shadow Minister (Justice)
(24 debate interactions)
Lord McNally (Liberal Democrat)
(22 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Scotland Office
(111 debate contributions)
Department of Health and Social Care
(88 debate contributions)
Home Office
(86 debate contributions)
Ministry of Justice
(69 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018
(13,565 words contributed)
Higher Education and Research Act 2017
(9,821 words contributed)
Fisheries Act 2020
(4,695 words contributed)
United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020
(3,996 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Lord Mackay of Clashfern's debates

Lords initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Lord Mackay of Clashfern, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.


Lord Mackay of Clashfern has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

Lord Mackay of Clashfern has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 4 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
16th Apr 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the merits of peer-to-peer support groups in improving foster care retention.

The independent review into the fostering system, ‘Foster Care in England’, published 6 February 2018, and the Education Select Committee report, published 22 December 2017, considered the recruitment and retention of foster parents and the support foster parents receive, including peer support. The department is carefully considering the recommendations and the government response will be published later this year.

In addition, the department funds projects to support foster families through the Children’s Social Care Innovation Programme. This includes the Mockingbird Family Model. One of that project’s aims is to increase rates of foster parent recruitment and retention, which includes providing peer support to foster parents. The project will be subject to rigorous independent evaluation and will inform the evidence base of what works in children’s social care.

16th Apr 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage local authorities to improve the quality of their responses to enquiries about fostering.

Foster Care in England, an independent review of the fostering system, published on 6 February 2018, and the Education Select Committee report, published on 22 December 2017, made a number of recommendations relating to the recruitment and retention of foster parents. The reports include specific recommendations regarding initial enquiries into fostering, as well as improving the exit interview process and advocacy for children in foster care. We are carefully considering the recommendations made by both reports and the government response will be published in the coming months.

16th Apr 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to making it mandatory for local authorities to conduct exit interviews with every foster carer who leaves the role.

Foster Care in England, an independent review of the fostering system, published on 6 February 2018, and the Education Select Committee report, published on 22 December 2017, made a number of recommendations relating to the recruitment and retention of foster parents. The reports include specific recommendations regarding initial enquiries into fostering, as well as improving the exit interview process and advocacy for children in foster care. We are carefully considering the recommendations made by both reports and the government response will be published in the coming months.

16th Apr 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to raise the awareness of children in foster care of their right to advocacy services.

Foster Care in England, an independent review of the fostering system, published on 6 February 2018, and the Education Select Committee report, published on 22 December 2017, made a number of recommendations relating to the recruitment and retention of foster parents. The reports include specific recommendations regarding initial enquiries into fostering, as well as improving the exit interview process and advocacy for children in foster care. We are carefully considering the recommendations made by both reports and the government response will be published in the coming months.