Arrangement of Business

Lord Lansley Excerpts

Friday 27th February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Watkins of Tavistock (CB)]

My Lords, I want to make the point that the Companion asks us not to read long speeches if people have already made the points in the section that we are discussing. When we were dealing with the Mental Health Act, which I think was equally important, I had written long speeches that I then reduced by saying that I completely agreed with points that had been made by other Peers. I would encourage us to adopt a similar approach in our debate today.

[Lord Lansley (Con)]

My Lords, I have listened to many hours of debate, but I have only spoken to one group so far. I have other amendments in one group later, which I think are very important, but they are 30 groups ahead. I have not taken a position for or against the Bill in principle. We should do our job, which is to make the Bill, as far as we can, fit for purpose and then return it to the other place. We are not going to achieve that unless we each take a personal responsibility to make that happen. For my part, I want to tell noble Lords that I will withdraw or not move my remaining amendments in Committee and consider very carefully which amendments are essential for Report. Otherwise, we cannot meet our obligations.

[Lord Moore of Etchingham (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, I take the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Rooker, and other noble Lords about courtesy in relation to our proceedings. It would be helpful for those of us who are trying to amend the Bill to be told at the time when we are filibustering, because we do not think we are filibustering and we think we are debating the Bill. We would value some guidance if Peers on the other side were to jump up and say it at the time rather than in the papers or on the radio later.