Lords debates parliamentary freedom of speech
24 May 2019
On Thursday 23 May, members of the House of Lords debated the potential conflict between the right of members to speak freely in Parliament and the obligation under the rule of law to obey court orders.
Members taking part included the convenor of the Campaign for an Effective Second Chamber and a former chief executive of the House of Commons.
- Catch up on Parliament TV
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript
- Lords Library note: Parliamentary Freedom of Speech and the Rule of Law
This was a general debate. They normally take place on a Thursday in the chamber. During debates, members are able to put their experience to good use, discussing current issues and drawing the government's attention to concerns.
The debate was proposed by Lord Brown of Eaton-under-Heywood (Crossbench), former justice of the Supreme Court and member of the House of Lords Procedure Committee.
Members taking part included:
- Lord Lisvane (Crossbench), former chief executive of the House of Commons
- Lord Norton of Louth (Conservative), convenor of the Campaign for an Effective Second Chamber
- Lord Thomas of Gresford (Liberal Democrat), former shadow attorney general
- Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe (Labour), former chief executive of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy
Lord Keen of Elie (Conservative), Advocate General for Scotland and Lords spokesperson in the Ministry of Justice, responded on behalf of the government.
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Image: PC