Speech in Lords Chamber - Thu 29 Jan 2026 Business Rates
"Of all the U-turns that have been executed since the Minister joined the Treasury team, whether on the family farm tax, business rates or the winter fuel payment, which is his favourite?..." Lord Gove - View Speech
"My Lords, I am wholly in agreement with the noble Lord, Lord Rooker, and my noble friend Lord Deben, that greater clarity, both from the promoter of the Bill and from the Front Bench, would assist the Committee in making sure its mind could be made up on these delicate …..." Lord Gove - View Speech
"I am grateful to the promoter of the Bill for that, but that is a broad defence of the legislation as written and it takes us to the critical question for the Minister, which relates both to resource and timing.
The Government have committed additional money for palliative care, for …..." Lord Gove - View Speech
"The noble and learned Lord made it clear that he felt that there needed to be further clarity in the Bill following the point made by my noble friend Lord Goodman about who would eventually provide the service. Is it the case that he believes that the Bill, as written …..." Lord Gove - View Speech
"I am very grateful. I note that the noble and learned Lord says he suspects that it would not. It might be of assistance, certainly to me if to no one else, if he, and indeed the Minister, could let me know, with greater clarity, whether or not my concerns …..." Lord Gove - View Speech
"My Lords, I will take just a minute or two. Words matter. In America, in legislation similar to that which we are entertaining, it is known as “medically assisted suicide”. Similar terminology is used in Switzerland. Those are both jurisdictions that have informed this debate. Recently, in the British Medical …..." Lord Gove - View Speech
"My Lords, I speak because I was persuaded by the case made by the noble Lord, Lord Carlile, but I recognise that there are inevitable questions that his case provokes, which have been reflected in the debate.
Of course, not everyone has been convinced. I am reassured by the strength …..." Lord Gove - View Speech
"I look forward to hearing what the Government believe the appropriate definition would be and what they understand that means in terms of the pressure on resources for the profession...." Lord Gove - View Speech
"My Lords, I support the intent behind the Motion of the noble and learned Lord, Lord Falconer. I believe that it is right that the House be given the opportunity to scrutinise the Bill in exhaustive detail, given the significance of the legislation and, as the noble Lord, Lord Stevens …..." Lord Gove - View Speech
"I did accept that, and if I did not make myself clear enough, let me make it absolutely clear: I consider it to be wise and gracious and I am grateful, but it is still no substitute for the legislative process itself and for legislators being satisfied that the acknowledgement …..." Lord Gove - View Speech