All 1 Baroness Williams of Trafford contributions to the Public Order Act 2023

Read Bill Ministerial Extracts

Wed 19th Oct 2022

Public Order Bill Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate

Baroness Williams of Trafford

Main Page: Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative - Life peer)

Public Order Bill

Baroness Williams of Trafford Excerpts
Some Lords objected to the First Reading.
Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)
- View Speech - Hansard - -

My Lords, it has been suggested that we might adjourn for five minutes while we just double-check the rules.

--- Later in debate ---
Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)
- Hansard - -

My Lords, it might be helpful to read from the Companion about the status of a First Reading:

“The Question is put from the Woolsack. The first reading of a bill is agreed to without dissent or debate, both as a matter of courtesy and because the House has no knowledge of the contents of the bill until it is published.”


On that basis, I beg to move that this Bill is read a first time.

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Portrait Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab Co-op)
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

My Lords, that is a very helpful answer but if that is the case—and it is—why does the chair have to say “Content” or “Not Content”? Does it not make this House look even more stupid?

--- Later in debate ---
Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)
- Hansard - -

My Lords, it is a formal process for receiving a Bill.

Lord Kennedy of Southwark Portrait Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Can I just endorse the comments from the Government Chief Whip? It is a formal process; let us get on with the business.