Railways Bill

Lord Katz Excerpts

Committee stage
Wednesday 16th September 2026 Grand Committee

[Lord in Waiting/Government Whip (Lord Katz) (Lab)]

My Lords, before we hear from the Minister in reply to this group, I would just like to be a bit pernickety and urge Back-Bench speakers, if they can, to speak before Front-Bench winders. It is not in the Companion, but I think that it is good custom and practice and aids the flow and understanding of debate. Without further ado, I will let the Minister respond.

[Lord Berkeley (Lab)]

What have I done wrong? I am terribly sorry.

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

My noble friend has done nothing wrong, as per the Companion, but usually in Committee Back-Benchers speak before the Front-Bench winders. It helps if noble Lords understand when people speak. Before we get into a long debate, it is not in the Companion, and we have freedom to speak and to intervene—it just helps the flow of debate, when we have a long Committee debate ahead of us.

[Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (GP)]

So, technically, because I am the only Green, I am a Front-Bench winder as well. I just want to establish the rules.

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

Green Members often speak as part of the Back Benches, but the noble Baroness is of course welcome to speak whenever.

[Lord Berkeley (Lab)]

I apologise to the Committee and in particular to the noble Baroness, Lady Pidgeon.

--- Later in debate ---

Amendment 90 withdrawn.

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

My Lords, given the lateness of the hour and the nature of the topic that we will be discussing, I suggest that we adjourn the Grand Committee.

Committee adjourned at 8.50 pm.