Rosebank Oil Field

Debate between Baroness Curran and Lord Harper

Thursday 29th October 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Curran (Lab)]

I have to make the same point again: I cannot be tempted into making any comment about that. The noble Earl made his point and it is on the record. I heard some challenges to him and some support for him; that is on the record.

[Lord Harper (Con)]

My Lords, did not the Chancellor really give the game away yesterday when he referred to Jackdaw and accidentally let the truth out, which was that the Energy Secretary was opposed to it, but the Prime Minister and the Chancellor said yes? Is not that exactly what we are going to see with the Rosebank decision? The Energy Secretary is against it, but the Prime Minister and the Chancellor know it is the right thing to do, that is what the Government are going to do, and if they do the right thing, we will support them.

[Baroness Curran (Lab)]

I understand the process and I understand politics. I understand why the noble Lord is making that point. But I have to say that it is quasi-judicial, and I can absolutely guarantee, because I know the Energy Secretary very well, that she has not made the decision, she will make the decision on the facts, and the Government will stand by that decision.

Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

Debate between Baroness Curran and Lord Harper

Monday 25th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Harper]

No. The franchise—those who can take part in the referendum on the voting system—are those people entitled to vote in Westminster parliamentary elections and, before the hon. Member for Rhondda jumps up, the small amendment that we have made, the addition of peers. The franchise is the same throughout the United Kingdom, so those entitled to vote in Westminster elections will be able to vote; the issue is simply to do with the mechanics of administering the polls to ensure that the elections are conducted using the most administratively sensible process.

[Margaret Curran]

The Minister may not be aware, but I am still a Member of the Scottish Parliament, and I feel obliged to point out to him that throughout the Parliament there are concerns about the coalition Government’s decision to hold the referendum on the same date as Scottish Parliament elections. People across the political spectrum in Scotland profoundly feel that that is a great disrespect to the Scottish Parliament, and I say that with great authority.