"I shall speak briefly to the three amendments that I have tabled in this group, to start off with. First, Amendment 472A would slightly tighten up the requirement for the panel to speak to the person’s proxy, when they have a proxy. Currently, as the Bill is drafted, they may …..." Lord Harper - View Speech
"That is very helpful. It enables me to make this point, because this is where we have a disagreement. It gives the sponsor of the Bill the opportunity to set out why the Bill is drafted as it is. I will set out why I think my noble friend’s amendment …..." Lord Harper - View Speech
"I do. The reason why I partly agree with my noble friend Lord Jackson is that I had a look at what the Court of Protection does in terms of publicity—the bit that the noble Baroness, Lady Hayter, objected to. It publishes hearings in advance—not 28 days—but it does not …..." Lord Harper - View Speech
"That is helpful in one sense because it is helpful to have fleshed out the noble and learned Lord’s intention. It is not helpful in the sense that he has made the Bill less attractive to me than I thought it was. I thought the presumption was more that it …..." Lord Harper - View Speech
"With respect, perhaps the noble Baroness should listen to what the Government Chief Whip said about treating people with kindness, courtesy and respect. I started by thanking the Government Chief Whip for his helpful observation to avoid confusion when we adjourn mid-group. I was only responding to the points that …..." Lord Harper - View Speech
"Again, the groans do not suggest that people are listening with courtesy and respect. I have been in this Chamber for every single minute of debate on this Bill and have listened to every contribution, even those that I fundamentally do not agree with, with courtesy and respect. I think …..." Lord Harper - View Speech
"My Lords, I have a couple of points to make on this group of amendments. Let me start on a note of agreement with the Bill’s sponsor, the noble and learned Lord, Lord Falconer, who has in this group Amendment 131A, which would require:
"I think that is right and that that is a concern. The noble Baroness, Lady Fox, set it out very well. There are two approaches in this group of amendments to deal with that issue, and I want to explain why I have come down on one side rather than …..." Lord Harper - View Speech
"These are difficult issues, but the panel is being asked to authorise their death, so this is a serious issue. I accept that this is uncomfortable, and I am not suggesting the entire panel would rock up at their home, but at least one member of the panel ought to …..." Lord Harper - View Speech