Representation of the People Bill

Debate between Lord Murphy of Torfaen and Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall

Committee stage
Monday 2nd November 2026 Lords Chamber

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees (Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall) (Lab)]

I advise the Committee that if Amendment 1 is agreed, I cannot call Amendment 2 by reason of pre-emption.

[Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Lab)]

My Lords, the noble Lord made a very interesting speech, most of which I disagreed with. I understand the issues, but to say that there is no mandate, constitutional basis or any political support for this measure is absolute nonsense. It was in the manifesto of the Labour Party. When people voted in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England, they voted, among other things, to agree to voting at 16, so I see no conceivable argument against it constitutionally because it is a constitutional principle—the bedrock of our constitution—that a manifesto commitment is the same as a referendum.