Lord Taverne
Liberal Democrat - Life peer
Became Member: 5th February 1996
Left House: 7th March 2025 (Retired)
Lord Taverne is not a member of any APPGs
1 Former APPG membership
Humanist
Science and Technology Committee (Lords)
1st Dec 2004 - 26th Nov 2008
Science and Technology Committee
1st Dec 2004 - 26th Nov 2008
Science and Technology: Sub-Committee I
6th Jun 2005 - 30th Oct 2007
Committee on the Assisted Dying for the terminally ill Bill
30th Nov 2004 - 7th Apr 2005
Committee On Animals In Scientific Procedures
28th Jun 2001 - 16th Jul 2002
Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England
6th Dec 2000 - 11th May 2001
Division Voting information
Lord Taverne has voted in 816 divisions, and
29 times against the majority of their Party.
View All Lord Taverne Division Votes
17 Nov 2020 - Fire Safety Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 78 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 284 Noes - 267
Lord Taverne voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 78 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 284 Noes - 267
21 Oct 2020 - Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 80 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 168 Noes - 254
Lord Taverne voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 80 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 168 Noes - 254
15 Jun 2020 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 8 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 67 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 355 Noes - 77
Lord Taverne voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 8 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 67 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 355 Noes - 77
11 Feb 2015 - Deregulation Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 7 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 50 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 197 Noes - 208
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 7 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 50 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 197 Noes - 208
10 Feb 2015 - Recall of MPs Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 64 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 195 Noes - 213
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 64 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 195 Noes - 213
5 Feb 2015 - Deregulation Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 11 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 45 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 178 Noes - 175
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 11 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 45 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 178 Noes - 175
7 Apr 2014 - Immigration Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 23 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 39 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 242 Noes - 180
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 23 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 39 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 242 Noes - 180
29 Jan 2014 - Children and Families Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 27 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 28 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 222 Noes - 197
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 27 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 28 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 222 Noes - 197
13 Jan 2014 - Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 28 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 29 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 213 Noes - 195
Lord Taverne voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 28 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 29 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 213 Noes - 195
8 Jan 2014 - Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 16 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 54 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 306 Noes - 178
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 16 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 54 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 306 Noes - 178
16 Oct 2013 - Care Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 3 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 62 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 247 Noes - 218
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 3 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 62 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 247 Noes - 218
22 Apr 2013 - Growth and Infrastructure Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 17 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 47 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 260 Noes - 191
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 17 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 47 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 260 Noes - 191
22 Apr 2013 - Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 18 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 30 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 181 Noes - 168
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 18 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 30 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 181 Noes - 168
26 Mar 2013 - Justice and Security Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 21 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 31 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 65 Noes - 141
Lord Taverne voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 21 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 31 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 65 Noes - 141
5 Feb 2013 - Defamation Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 60 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 201 Noes - 193
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 60 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 201 Noes - 193
10 Dec 2012 - Crime and Courts Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 54 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 206 Noes - -1
Lord Taverne voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 54 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 206 Noes - -1
22 Oct 2012 - Local Government Finance Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 16 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 28 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 203 Noes - 165
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 16 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 28 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 203 Noes - 165
26 Mar 2012 - Procedure of the House - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 17 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 39 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 319 Noes - 96
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 17 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 39 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 319 Noes - 96
5 Mar 2012 - Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 5 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 50 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 235 Noes - 190
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 5 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 50 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 235 Noes - 190
13 Jul 2011 - European Union Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 9 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 62 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 210 Noes - 244
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 9 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 62 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 210 Noes - 244
13 Jul 2011 - European Union Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 9 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 54 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 148 Noes - 215
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 9 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 54 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 148 Noes - 215
15 Jun 2011 - Estates of Deceased Persons (Forfeiture Rule and Law of Succession) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 9 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 59 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 242 Noes - 209
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 9 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 59 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 242 Noes - 209
15 Jun 2011 - Estates of Deceased Persons (Forfeiture Rule and Law of Succession) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 18 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 47 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 209 Noes - 203
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 18 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 47 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 209 Noes - 203
13 Jun 2011 - European Union Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 6 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 58 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 213 Noes - 209
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 6 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 58 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 213 Noes - 209
13 Jun 2011 - European Union Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 58 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 187 Noes - 188
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 58 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 187 Noes - 188
8 Jun 2011 - European Union Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 6 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 58 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 221 Noes - 216
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 6 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 58 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 221 Noes - 216
20 Mar 2007 - Fraud (Trials without a Jury) Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 56 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 216 Noes - 143
Lord Taverne voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Liberal Democrat No votes vs 56 Liberal Democrat Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 216 Noes - 143
14 Mar 2007 - House of Lords: Reform - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 15 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 42 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 361 Noes - 121
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 15 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 42 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 361 Noes - 121
30 Oct 2006 - Education and Inspections Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 8 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 37 Noes - 119
Lord Taverne voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Liberal Democrat Aye votes vs 8 Liberal Democrat No votes
Tally: Ayes - 37 Noes - 119
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 Henley (Conservative)
(10 debate interactions)
(10 debate interactions)
Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative)
(7 debate interactions)
(7 debate interactions)
Department Debates
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
(34 debate contributions)
(34 debate contributions)
Home Office
(25 debate contributions)
(25 debate contributions)
Department for Exiting the European Union
(20 debate contributions)
(20 debate contributions)
Ministry of Justice
(17 debate contributions)
(17 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act 2017
(1,946 words contributed)
(1,946 words contributed)
European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020
(897 words contributed)
(897 words contributed)
Trade Bill 2017-19
(854 words contributed)
(854 words contributed)
Agriculture Act 2020
(626 words contributed)
(626 words contributed)
Lords initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Lord Taverne, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
2 Bills introduced by Lord Taverne
Introduced: 28th January 2020
A bill to provide for bishops of the Church of England no longer to be entitled to membership of the House of Lords
A Bill to entitle students granted discretionary leave to remain to be charged tuition fees and maintenance support on the same basis as home students; and for connected purposes
Last Event -
1st Reading: House Of Lords
Thursday 11th June 2015
Thursday 11th June 2015
Lord Taverne has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting
Latest 2 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
8th Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of schools practising religiously selective admissions; what proportion of school places are subject to such selection; and what plans they have, if any, to include this information in school statistics.
Over one third of state funded schools in England are designated as having a religious character, although not all include faith-based oversubscription criteria in their admission arrangements.
The department does not collect information on the number of schools that include faith-based criteria in their admission arrangements, nor the proportion of places allocated on the basis of faith. We have no plans to collect this information or to include this information in school statistics.
Baroness Barran
Shadow Minister (Education)
Shadow Minister (Education)
8th Mar 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the poll conducted by Populus showing that 67 per cent of Catholics, 71 per cent of Christians overall, and 60 per cent of the public as a whole, support keeping the 50 per cent cap on faith-based admissions to religious schools, (2) figures set out in the official 2016 schools census showing that Church of England and other Christian free schools subject to that cap take more then three times as many pupils from Asian backgrounds as Church of England and other Christian schools that select all their places on religious grounds, (3) the extent to which Catholic state schools in England select all their places on the basis of religion, and (4) whether new Catholic schools can be opened when that cap is in place; and whether they intend to review their policy of abolishing that cap.
The department will consider a range of evidence, including opinion polls and official statistics, as part of the process for deciding how to take forward the proposals contained in the ‘Schools that work for everyone’ consultation including in relation to the 50% cap on faith admissions.
The department does not collect information about the level of use of faith oversubscription criteria in any school.
The department is considering proposals on the future of the 50% cap and will respond in due course.