Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Bill [HL]

Debate between Lord Thomas of Gresford and Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent

3rd reading
Friday 13th June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

The noble Lord makes an excellent point. As the Attorney-General has made clear in several speeches, that is absolutely the intention and objective of this Government’s legislative programme.

I do not wish to repeat the reasons why the Government cannot support the Bill. We will continue our efforts to improve the secondary legislation that is laid before Parliament, including the documents that accompany it, but we do not agree that further legislation is the way. I am grateful to all noble Lords who have participated at all stages of this Private Member’s Bill and for the opportunity to discuss the importance of secondary legislation. As ever, your Lordships’ House’s ability to scrutinise is second to none.

[Lord Thomas of Gresford (LD)]

I am most grateful to the Minister and those who have spoken for the kind words that have been said.

European Union: Court of Justice

Debate between Lord Thomas of Gresford and Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent

Wednesday 26th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I hate to disappoint the noble Lord that he had to have me and not the Attorney-General; if he would like to talk to the Attorney-General, he is more than welcome to join me in the Not-Content Lobby this afternoon.

With regard to the Question, we are quite clear: we are not giving a running commentary on this. We will always act in the national interest to secure what is best for Britain, including British businesses and citizens, while keeping to the red lines that were clearly outlined in our manifesto.

[Lord Thomas of Gresford (LD)]

My Lords, what role does the European Court of Justice have in overseeing the Windsor Framework agreement and what steps will the Government take to improve access to that court by the Northern Ireland Government and Northern Ireland citizens?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

My Lords, the negotiated deal in the Windsor Framework and the update, Safeguarding the Union, had a very clear role. We are doing everything we can to deliver on Safeguarding the Union; as colleagues will know, I work regularly with noble Lords from Northern Ireland to do that, as do the rest of my colleagues on the Front Bench.

With regard to the role of the ECJ and associated courts, those are not specifically relevant to this, but I will update the House if I am wrong.