Speech in Lords Chamber - Wed 20 May 2026 King’s Speech
"My Lords, there is much that is good in the measures in the King’s Speech and certainly much that is well intentioned. However, I am left with the uncomfortable feeling that, overall, the contents of the speech do not, in a phrase often used by the noble Lord, Lord Hennessy, …..." Lord Butler of Brockwell - View Speech
"My Lords, I am grateful for that reply. Is it not time that loot boxes were recognised for what they are—a form of gambling highly addictive to children? The last Government opted for industry-led regulation, but independent research shows that it is not being effectively applied. Will the Government act …..." Lord Butler of Brockwell - View Speech
"To ask His Majesty’s Government what progress they have made towards implementing protections for children from harmful in-game purchases, including loot boxes...." Lord Butler of Brockwell - View Speech
"My Lords, does the Minister agree with me that detailed codes of conduct can never ensure good behaviour, and constant allegations across the Dispatch Box of breaches of the code undermine public confidence in the integrity of public life rather than enhance it?..." Lord Butler of Brockwell - View Speech
"Can the Minister explain why no fewer than three witness statements were required from the Government? Are we to conclude that the Government did not make their position sufficiently clear in the first two statements?..." Lord Butler of Brockwell - View Speech
"My Lords, the Government stated that the decision not to proceed with a prosecution was entirely that of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Will the Minister acknowledge, in the light of the director’s subsequent statement, that the Government were being economical with the truth?..." Lord Butler of Brockwell - View Speech
"My Lords, I will briefly add one argument in support of my noble friend’s amendment. There is widespread criticism of the competence and indeed the commitment of some of those who have been appointed to this House. Many of us think that some of those criticisms have been justified. If …..." Lord Butler of Brockwell - View Speech
"Before the noble Baroness sits down, can she help me on a procedural point? If Amendment 13 were to be passed, Amendment 13A is clearly sensible. We are going to consider Amendment 13A first. Will it be possible to agree Amendment 13A and then vote against Amendment 13?..." Lord Butler of Brockwell - View Speech
"My Lords, if senior public servants cannot address their staff or answer their questions without first having cleared with Ministers everything they are going to say, they risk losing their public personal authority and becoming not leaders but puppets...." Lord Butler of Brockwell - View Speech
"To ask His Majesty’s Government what instructions they have given to the staff of the National Health Service, the Armed Forces and the Civil Service about speaking at public meetings of their professions...." Lord Butler of Brockwell - View Speech