Speech in Lords Chamber - Thu 18 Dec 2025 Tributes
"My Lords, in continuing these staff tributes from the Liberal Democrat Benches, I want to talk about three individuals. First, Ola Diya was a valued member of the housekeeping team. She spent just under 20 years as an early housekeeper, starting in Millbank House with the cleaning contractors and then …..." Lord Stoneham of Droxford - View Speech
"My Lords, I wanted to participate in this debate, obviously because of the valedictory speech from the noble Lord, Lord Hodgson, but also because it is a very important debate. I thank him for it. As everybody has said, he has been a respected Member of the House and a …..." Lord Stoneham of Droxford - View Speech
"My Lords, I declare an interest as a user of South Western, but on the Portsmouth line. I suggest that the noble Lord, Lord Strathcarron, buys a senior railcard. Is not one of the problems with the Government’s policy that they now get blamed for all the problems of the …..." Lord Stoneham of Droxford - View Speech
"My Lords, as a member of the usual channels, I regret that we have not reached an agreement. But I think it has to be recognised by the House that every Government ask for help when their legislative programme is under pressure. That is inevitable in a House where the …..." Lord Stoneham of Droxford - View Speech
"There are three good arguments for opposing this amendment. If we do not accept some flexibility, we are going to be here later and later at night. We are going to have more late sessions: that is the reality. The late sessions are not good for scrutiny. People of our …..." Lord Stoneham of Droxford - View Speech
"My Lords, I begin by placing on record our thanks to the doorkeepers. Their consistent and reliable presence is a key part of the daily functions of this House. Their professionalism and courtesy ensure that our proceedings are conducted in an orderly and dignified manner.
"My Lords, in the interests of her husband’s care, my noble friend Lady Walmsley has not been able to stay until this late hour; she sends her apologies to the House. I will speak on behalf of these Benches.
"My Lords, we have spent a lot of money on the entrance and another lot of money on the fencing, but we still have the bag searches being done inside that secure area, in a centre where a lot of people gather. When is somebody going to address the security …..." Lord Stoneham of Droxford - View Speech
"My Lords, my noble friend Lord Goddard is disappointed that he is unable to speak on this group this evening. Given the multiple groups of amendments concerning the fair work agency, we will restrict our comments to this group. The Department for Business and Trade has set out the rationale …..." Lord Stoneham of Droxford - View Speech
"My Lords, in my experience, it is not helpful to comment on the complexities of a dispute from a distance. However, I am sure everybody in this House supports the view that this dispute should be resolved soon in the interests of the residents of Birmingham and the reputation of …..." Lord Stoneham of Droxford - View Speech