"My Lords, I have notified the Lord Speaker’s office and the Whips that I shall be moving Amendment 30, which stands in my name and those of the noble Baronesses, Lady Foster—who is unable to be with us today—and Lady Fox, and the noble Lord, Lord Empey. This group of …..." Lord Weir of Ballyholme - View Speech
"My Lords, I join with others in welcoming the robust yet civilised and courteous way in which this legislation has been debated. Obviously, at Third Reading, it is not appropriate to regurgitate all the arguments. However, given the significance of the Bill, it is also the case that it merits …..." Lord Weir of Ballyholme - View Speech
"My Lords, the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone, has warned in the last few days that the current draft of the proposed legislation treats terrorists better than veterans. We know that terrorists have the protection of weapons having been destroyed with no forensics. The documentation from terrorist organisations is …..." Lord Weir of Ballyholme - View Speech
"My Lords, this is an important group of amendments, particularly to those of us who have an interest in young people. It is very important that we have heard today a range of opinions on where age eligibility should lie. When dealing with age eligibility in this Bill, it seems …..." Lord Weir of Ballyholme - View Speech
"My Lords, it is always a pleasure to follow the noble Baroness, Lady Hoey. It is good to see that even a hoarse and croaky voice cannot silence her.
I am broadly in favour of the amendments in this group. I particularly commend Amendment 146, in the name of the …..." Lord Weir of Ballyholme - View Speech
"It is Committee, so I am entitled to speak in relation to that point.
The case that comes to my mind would highlight the absurdity of the position of simply having an immediate deportation: namely, the Russian agents involved in the Salisbury attempted murder. Had they been captured and convicted, …..." Lord Weir of Ballyholme - View Speech
"My Lords, I rise to deal with Amendments 58, 61 and 62, which are, largely speaking, probing amendments.
My noble friend Lord Morrow raised the question of whether the Government have breached their manifesto; far be it from me to suggest that. There are even some scurrilous rumours that they …..." Lord Weir of Ballyholme - View Speech