Lords debates Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill

The aim of the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill is to prevent public bodies from participating in boycotts, divestment and sanctions campaigns against overseas states and territories, based on moral or political disapproval.

Debate on the draft law

During second reading, members discuss the main topics in the bill and draw attention to specific concerns or areas where they think amendments (changes) are needed.

Members speaking

Contributing members included:

• Baroness Blower (Labour), vice president of Movement for the Abolition of War
• Baroness Deech (Crossbench), former board member of the Law Commission
• Lord Etherton (Crossbench), former high court judge
• Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws (Labour), co-chair of the International Bar Association Human Rights Institute
• Baroness Lister of Burtersett (Labour), professor of social policy
• Lord Shipley (Liberal Democrats), former Newcastle City councillor and board member of One North East
• Baroness Warsi (Conservative), adviser to humanitarian relief organisation, Mercy Corps.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe (Conservative), Minister of State in the Cabinet Office, opened the debate and responded on behalf of the government.

Get involved

Watch and read the debate

• Watch the debate on Parliament TV.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore further information

Find out more about the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Next steps

Committee stage, the chance for line by line examination of the bill, is scheduled to begin on 20 March.

Image: House of Lords / Annabel Moeller