European Union (Withdrawal) Bill

Lord Judd Excerpts

Wednesday 7th March 2018 Lords Chamber

Moved by

[Lord Judd]

67: After Clause 6, after (4)(b) insert—
“( ) protecting, enhancing and encouraging biodiversity,”

[Lord Judd (Lab)]

My Lords, I endorse every word that my noble friend said. There is nothing more important, it seems to me, for the qualitative future of the United Kingdom than the ground covered by these amendments. What kind of Britain do we want to leave to our children and grandchildren? Therefore, it seems that we have got tied up over how we can have firm policy in the future if we are to leave the European Union.

My amendment simply sanctions, I hope, what my noble friend said. She referred very strongly to biodiversity because it seems such a crucial issue. It needs very specific and precise attention; it needs to be covered very specifically in the legislation we are considering.

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Whitaker (Lab)]

My Lords, I add my support to this group of amendments for all the reasons so eloquently set out by noble Lords. It would indeed be a retrograde step if the Government did not take advantage of these amendments to provide safeguards for our citizens.

[Lord Judd]

My Lords, I hope we are not going to end up with a minimalist position whereby if there is anything in which we are found to be lagging behind Europe, it has to be incorporated in the arrangements being made for the future. I agree totally with those who said that the kind of Britain I want to leave to my children and grandchildren is one that is a beacon for the principles of human rights and equality, in which we are seen to be leaders in the world. From that standpoint, I hope we will take this opportunity to make sure that we are making the necessary arrangements to ensure this.

[Baroness Crawley]

My Lords, I also support these amendments. The further embedding of equality principles in our legislation is an argument we would all accept.