Vol. 783 Wednesday No. 3 21 June 2017

PARLIAMENTARYDEBATES (HANSARD) OFFICIAL REPORT

ORDEROFBUSINESS

Queen’s Speech...... 5 Death of a Former Member: Lord Joffe Announcement ...... 7 Select Vestries Bill First Reading ...... 7 Queen’s Speech Debate (1st Day) ...... 8 Senior Deputy Speaker ...... 25 Principal Deputy Chairman of Committees ...... 25 Lords wishing to be supplied with these Daily Reports should give notice to this effect to the Printed Paper Office. No proofs of Daily Reports are provided. Corrections for the bound volume which Lords wish to suggest to the report of their speeches should be clearly indicated in a copy of the Daily Report, which, with the column numbers concerned shown on the front cover, should be sent to the Editor of Debates, House of Lords, within 14 days of the date of the Daily Report. This issue of the Official Report is also available on the Internet at https://hansard.parliament.uk/lords/2017-06-21

The first time a Member speaks to a new piece of parliamentary business, the following abbreviations are used to show their party affiliation: Abbreviation Party/Group CB Cross Bench Con Conservative DUP Democratic Unionist Party GP Green Party Ind Lab Independent Labour Ind LD Independent Liberal Democrat Ind SD Independent Social Democrat Ind UU Independent Ulster Unionist Lab Labour LD Liberal Democrat LD Ind Liberal Democrat Independent Non-afl Non-affiliated PC Plaid Cymru UKIP UK Independence Party UUP Ulster Unionist Party

No party affiliation is given for Members serving the House in a formal capacity, the Lords spiritual, Members on leave of absence or Members who are otherwise disqualified from sitting in the House. © Parliamentary Copyright House of Lords 2017, this publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT

PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF STATE THE CABINET PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt. Hon. Theresa May, MP FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE AND MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE—The Rt. Hon. Damian Green, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt. Hon. Philip Hammond, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT—The Rt. Hon. Amber Rudd, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS—The Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXITING THE EUROPEAN UNION—The Rt. Hon. David Davis, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE—The Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Fallon, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH—The Rt. Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR JUSTICE—The Rt. Hon. David Lidington, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EDUCATION AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt. Hon. Justine Greening, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE—The Rt. Hon. Liam Fox, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR BUSINESS,ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY—The Rt. Hon. Greg Clark, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS—The Rt. Hon. Michael Gove, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT—The Rt. Hon. Chris Grayling, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT—The Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid, MP (Ministerial Champion for the Midlands Engine) AND LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS—The Rt. Hon. Baroness Evans of Bowes Park SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt. Hon. David Mundell, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES—The Rt. Hon. Alun Cairns, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND—The Rt. Hon. James Brokenshire, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—The Rt. Hon. Priti Patel, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,MEDIA AND SPORT—The Rt. Hon. Karen Bradley, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WORK AND PENSIONS—The Rt. Hon. David Gauke, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—The Rt. Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY—The Rt. Hon. Elizabeth Truss, MP LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS—The Rt. Hon. Andrea Leadsom, MP CHIEF WHIP (PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY)—The Rt. Hon. Gavin Williamson, MP ATTORNEY GENERAL—The Rt. Hon. Jeremy Wright, QC MP MINISTER OF STATE FOR IMMIGRATION—The Rt. Hon. Brandon Lewis, MP DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND MINISTERS Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Greg Clark, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Jo Johnson, MP (Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation) § Claire Perry, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Margot James, MP (Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility) Richard Harrington, MP Lord Prior of Brampton Cabinet Office— PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt. Hon. Theresa May, MP LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS—The Rt. Hon. Andrea Leadsom, MP MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE AND FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Damian Green, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—Chris Skidmore, MP (Minister for the Constitution) CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—The Rt. Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—Caroline Nokes, MP Communities and Local Government— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid, MP (Ministerial Champion for the Midlands Engine) MINISTER OF STATE—Alok Sharma, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Marcus Jones, MP (Minister for Local Government) Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth (Minister for Faith and Integration) § Jake Berry, MP Culture, Media and Sport— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Karen Bradley, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Matt Hancock, MP (Minister for Digital) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Tracey Crouch, MP (Minister for Sport and Civil Society) Lord Ashton of Hyde § John Glen, MP (Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism) Defence— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Fallon, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— ii

The Rt. Hon. § Mark Lancaster, TD, MP

PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Harriet Baldwin, MP (Minister for Defence Procurement) The Rt. Hon. Tobias Ellwood, MP Education—

SECRETARY OF STATE AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt. Hon. Justine Greening, MP

MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt. Hon. Nick Gibb, MP (Minister for School Standards) Jo Johnson, MP (Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation) § The Rt. Hon. Anne Milton, MP Robert Goodwill, MP

PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Lord Nash (Minister for the School System) Environment, Food and Rural Affairs—

SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Michael Gove, MP

MINISTER OF STATE—George Eustice, MP (Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food)

PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Thérèse Coffey, MP (Minister for the Environment and Rural Life Opportunities) Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Minister for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity) Exiting the European Union—

SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. David Davis, MP

MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Baroness Anelay of St Johns, DBE

PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Robin Walker, MP Steve Baker, MP Foreign and Commonwealth Office—

SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson, MP

MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Duncan, KCMG MP (Minister for Europe and the Americas) The Rt. Hon. Alistair Burt, MP (Minister for the Middle East) § Rory Stewart, OBE MP (Minister for Africa) § The Rt. Hon. Mark Field, MP (Minister for Asia and the Pacific) Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Minister for the Commonwealth and the UN) Health—

SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP

MINISTER OF STATE—Philip Dunne, MP

PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Lord O’Shaughnessy § Steve Brine, MP Jackie Doyle-Price, MP Home Office—

SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Amber Rudd, MP

MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt. Hon. Brandon Lewis, MP (Minister for Immigration) Nick Hurd, MP (Minister for Policing and the Fire Service) The Rt. Hon. Ben Wallace, MP (Minister for Security) Baroness Williams of Trafford

PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE— Sarah Newton, MP (Minister for Vulnerability, Safeguarding and Countering Extremism) International Development—

SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Priti Patel, MP

MINISTERS OF STATE— Rory Stewart, OBE, MP § The Rt. Hon. Lord Bates The Rt. Hon. Alistair Burt, MP § iii

International Trade— SECRETARY OF STATE AND PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE—The Rt. Hon. Liam Fox, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt. Hon. Greg Hands, MP (Minister for Trade and Investment) Lord Price, CVO (Minister for Trade Policy)

PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Mark Garnier, MP Justice—

LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. David Lidington, MP

MINISTER OF STATE—Dominic Raab, MP

PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Sam Gyimah, MP (Minister for Prisons and Probation) Dr Phillip Lee, MP (Minister for Youth Justice, Victims, Female Offenders and Offender Health)

ADVOCATE GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND AND MINISTRY OF JUSTICE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE LORDS—Lord Keen of Elie, QC Law Officers—

ATTORNEY GENERAL—The Rt. Hon. Jeremy Wright, QC, MP

SOLICITOR GENERAL—Robert Buckland, QC, MP

ADVOCATE GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND—Lord Keen of Elie, QC (Ministry of Justice Spokesperson for the Lords) Leader of the House of Commons—

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS—The Rt. Hon. Andrea Leadsom, MP

PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY OF STATE AND DEPUTY LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS—Michael Ellis, MP Leader of the House of Lords—

LORD PRIVY SEAL AND LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS—The Rt. Hon. Baroness Evans of Bowes Park

DEPUTY LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS—The Rt. Hon. Earl Howe § Northern Ireland—

SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. James Brokenshire, MP

PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Chloe Smith, MP § Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth § Scotland Office—

SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. David Mundell, MP

PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Dr Ian Duncan Transport—

SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Chris Grayling, MP

MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. John Hayes, CBE MP

PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Paul Maynard, MP Jesse Norman, MP Lord Callanan Treasury—

CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt. Hon. Philip Hammond, MP

CHIEF SECRETARY—The Rt. Hon. Elizabeth Truss, MP

FINANCIAL SECRETARY—The Rt. Hon. Mel Stride, MP

EXCHEQUER SECRETARY—Andrew Jones, MP

ECONOMIC SECRETARY—Stephen Barclay, MP

LORDS COMMISSIONERS— The Rt. Hon. David Evennett, MP Guto Bebb, MP § David Rutley, MP Heather Wheeler, MP Mark Spencer, MP Andrew Griffiths, MP

ASSISTANT WHIPS— , MP Graham Stuart, MP Rebecca Harris, MP Nigel Adams, MP Andrew Stephenson, MP Chloe Smith, MP § , MP Craig Whittaker, MP iv

Wales Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. Alun Cairns, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Guto Bebb, MP § Work and Pensions— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt. Hon. David Gauke, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Damian Hinds, MP (Minister for Employment) Penny Mordaunt, MP (Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Baroness Buscombe Guy Opperman, MP (Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion) Caroline Dinenage, MP (Minister for Family Support, Housing and Child Maintenance) Her Majesty’s Household— —The Rt. Hon. Earl Peel, GCVO, DL LORD STEWARD—The —Lord Vestey, KCVO PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY AND CHIEF WHIP—The Rt. Hon. Gavin Williamson, MP TREASURER AND DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP—Julian Smith, MP COMPTROLLER—Christopher Pincher, MP VICE CHAMBERLAIN—Chris Heaton-Harris, MP Government Whips, House of Lords— CAPTAIN OF THE HONOURABLE CORPS OF GENTLEMEN-AT-ARMS AND CHIEF WHIP—The Rt. Hon. Lord Taylor of Holbeach, CBE CAPTAIN OF THE QUEEN’S BODYGUARD OF THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD AND DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP—The BARONESSES IN WAITING— Baroness Goldie, DL Baroness Buscombe Baroness Vere of Norbiton Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen Baroness Sugg, CBE LORDS IN WAITING— Lord Ashton of Hyde § Viscount Younger of Leckie The Rt. Hon. Lord Young of Cookham, CH Lord O’Shaughnessy § § Members of the Government listed under more than one department HOUSE OF LORDS

PRINCIPAL OFFICE HOLDERS AND SENIOR STAFF

LORD SPEAKER—The Rt. Hon. Lord Fowler SENIOR DEPUTY SPEAKER—The Rt. Hon. Lord McFall of Alcluith PRINCIPAL DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES—Lord Boswell of Aynho CLERK OF THE PARLIAMENTS—E.C. Ollard CLERK ASSISTANT—S.P. Burton READING CLERK AND CLERK OF THE OVERSEAS OFFICE—J. Vaughan GENTLEMAN USHER OF THE BLACK ROD AND SERJEANT-AT-ARMS—Lieutenant General David Leakey, CMG, CBE COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS—Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, CBE COUNSEL TO THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES—J. Cooper CLERK OF COMMITTEES—Dr F. P. Tudor DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES—C. V. Woodall FINANCE DIRECTOR—J.P. Smith (acting) DIRECTOR OF PARLIAMENTARY DIGITAL SERVICE—R. Greig DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES—T. V. Mohan CLERK OF LEGISLATION—A. Makower PRINCIPAL CLERK OF SELECT COMMITTEES—C. Johnson, DPhil REGISTRAR OF LORDS’INTERESTS—Tom Wilson

21 June 2017

5 Queen’s Speech [21 JUNE 2017] Queen’s Speech 6

House of Lords My Government will make further progress to tackle the gender pay gap and discrimination against people Wednesday 21 June 2017 on the basis of their race, faith, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Queen’s Speech Legislation will be brought forward to protect the victims of domestic violence and abuse. 11.30 am My Government will reform mental health legislation and ensure that mental health is prioritised in the The Queen, seated on the Throne and attended by Her National Health Service in England. Officers of State, commanded that the Gentleman Usher Proposals will be brought forward to ban unfair of the Black Rod should let the Commons know that it tenant fees, promote fairness and transparency in the was Her Majesty’s pleasure that they attend Her housing market, and help ensure more homes are immediately in this House. built. When they had come with their Speaker, Her Majesty My Ministers will work to improve social care and was pleased to speak as follows: will bring forward proposals for consultation. “My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, My Government will ensure fairer markets for my Government’s priority is to secure the best possible consumers. This will include bringing forward measures deal as the country leaves the European Union. My to help tackle unfair practices in the energy market to Ministers are committed to working with Parliament, help reduce energy bills. the devolved Administrations, business and others to A priority will be to build a more united country, build the widest possible consensus on the country’s strengthening the social, economic and cultural bonds future outside the European Union. between England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and A Bill will be introduced to repeal the European Wales. Communities Act and provide certainty for individuals My Government will work in co-operation with the and businesses. This will be complemented by legislation devolved Administrations, and it will work with all the to ensure that the United Kingdom makes a success of parties in Northern Ireland to support the return of Brexit, establishing new national policies on immigration, devolved government. international sanctions, nuclear safeguards, agriculture A new law will ensure that the United Kingdom and fisheries. retains its world-class regime protecting personal data, My Government will seek to maintain a deep and and proposals for a new digital charter will be brought special partnership with European allies and to forge forward to ensure that the United Kingdom is the new trading relationships across the globe. New Bills safest place to be online. on trade and customs will help to implement an Legislation will also be introduced to modernise the independent trade policy, and support will be given to courts system and to help reduce motor insurance help British businesses export to markets around the premiums. world. My Government will initiate a full public inquiry My Ministers will strengthen the economy so that it into the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower, to ascertain the supports the creation of jobs and generates the tax causes and ensure that the appropriate lessons are revenues needed to invest in the National Health Service, learned. schools and other public services. Tosupport victims, my Government will take forward My Government will continue to improve the public measures to introduce an independent public advocate, finances while keeping taxes low.It will spread prosperity who will act for bereaved families after a public disaster and opportunity across the country through a new, and support them at public inquests. modern industrial strategy. My Government will work to attract investment in My Ministers will continue to invest in our gallant infrastructure to support economic growth. Legislation Armed Forces, meeting the NATO commitment to will be introduced to ensure the United Kingdom spend at least 2% of national income on defence, and remains a world leader in new industries, including delivering on the Armed Forces covenant across the electric cars and commercial satellites. A new Bill will United Kingdom. also be brought forward to deliver the next phase of My Government will bring forward proposals to high-speed rail. ensure that critical national infrastructure is protected My Government will continue to work to ensure to safeguard national security. that every child has the opportunity to attend a good A commission for countering extremism will be school and that all schools are fairly funded. My established to support the Government in stamping Ministers will work to ensure people have the skills out extremist ideology in all its forms, both across they need for the high-skilled, high-wage jobs of the society and on the internet, so it is denied a safe space future, including through a major reform of technical to spread. education. In the light of the terrorist attacks in Manchester The national living wage will be increased so that and , my Government’scounterterrorism strategy people who are on the lowest pay benefit from the will be reviewed to ensure that the police and security same improvements in earnings as higher-paid workers. services have all the powers they need, and that the My Ministers will seek to enhance rights and protections length of custodial sentences for terrorism-related offences in the modern workplace. is sufficient to keep the population safe. My Ministers 7 Queen’s Speech [LORDS] Queen’s Speech (1st Day) 8 will ensure that the United Kingdom’s leading role on Queen’s Speech the world stage is maintained and enhanced as it leaves Debate (1st Day) the European Union. As a permanent member of the United Nations 3.51 pm Security Council, committed to spending 0.7% of The Lord Speaker (Lord Fowler): My Lords, I have national income on international development, my to acquaint the House that Her Majesty was pleased Government will continue to drive international efforts this morning to make a most gracious Speech from the that increase global security and project British values Throne to both Houses of Parliament assembled in around the world. the House of Lords. Copies of the gracious Speech are My Government will work to find sustainable political available in the Printed Paper Office. I have, for the solutions to conflicts across the Middle East. It will convenience of the House, arranged for the terms of work to tackle the threat of terrorism at source by the gracious Speech to be published in the Official continuing the United Kingdom’s leading role in Report. international military action to destroy Daesh in Iraq and Syria. It will also lead efforts to reform the international system to improve the United Kingdom’s Motion for an Humble Address ability to tackle mass migration, alleviate poverty and Moved by Lord Forsyth of Drumlean end modern slavery. My Government will continue to support international That an humble Address be presented to Her action against climate change, including the Majesty as follows: implementation of the Paris Agreement. “Most Gracious Sovereign—We, Your Majesty’s Prince Philip and I look forward to welcoming most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Lords Spiritual Their Majesties King Felipe and Queen Letizia of and Temporal in Parliament assembled, beg leave Spain on a state visit in July. to thank Your Majesty for the most gracious Speech My Government will host the Commonwealth Summit which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses in April of next year to cement its relevance to this and of Parliament”. future generations. 3.52 pm Members of the House of Commons, estimates for the public services will be laid before you. Lord Forsyth of Drumlean (Con): My Lords, may I My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, begin by thanking the Leader of the House and the other measures will be laid before you. Chief Whip for inviting me to move this Motion for I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest the Humble Address? It is a singular and unexpected upon your counsels”. honour, and I confess that I feel like I did the other day when a very attractive young lady offered me her seat 11.46 am on the Tube. However, I imagine that my noble friend Lady Bertin—who will second the Motion—and I are The House adjourned during pleasure. part of the campaign by the Chief Whip to woo the youth vote after the result of the general election. 3.30 pm My first task is to express our thanks to Her A minute’s silence was observed in memory of the Majesty the Queen for honouring our House with her victims of recent events. presence to deliver the gracious Speech from the Throne. The whole House will also want to send our best Prayers—read by the Lord Bishop of Bristol. wishes to His Royal Highness Prince Philip, who, sadly, was unable to attend this morning. We are Several noble Lords took the oath or made the solemn grateful for the outstanding support which he has affirmation, and signed an undertaking to abide by the given to her Majesty, for his service in defence of our Code of Conduct. country, and for his contribution to countless charities and good causes. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is but one example. It is now celebrating Death of a Former Member 60 years of offering young people the chance to shine, Announcement to serve others and to embrace new challenges and activities in more than 140 countries.There are 2.4 million 3.51 pm recipients of the award in the United Kingdom alone, The Lord Speaker (Lord Fowler): My Lords, I regret and even your Lordships may be among them. We are to inform the House of the death of the noble Lord, also grateful to His Royal Highness the Prince of Lord Joffe, on 18 June. On behalf of the House, I Wales for his presence today. The work of the Prince’s extend our condolences to the noble Lord’s family and Trust is but one of the many initiatives he has taken to friends. the benefit of our country. I understand that Her Majesty the Queen has never Select Vestries Bill missed a day at Royal Ascot since her coronation. First Reading I hope that there was sufficient time today for her to maintain that tradition and that she will be rewarded 3.51 pm for her outstanding devotion to duty by her horse Dartmouth repeating last year’s success and bringing The Bill was read a first time pro forma. her total up to an impressive 24 Royal Ascot winners. 9 Queen’s Speech (1st Day) [21 JUNE 2017] Queen’s Speech (1st Day) 10

I know little about racing, and bet on horses if I like The Jacobite cry “Down with the Elector” might have the name, so my tips for Ascot this week are: Queen’s been more appropriate, as the SNP lost 21, or 40%, of Trust, Top Beak and Queen of Time. its seats. The Scottish Tories, led by the outstanding At church on Sunday, our rector informed us that Ruth Davidson—who, incidentally, was first spotted we were entering ordinary time in the Church’s calendar. by my noble friend Lady Fall—won 12 more seats and Well, it might feel like that on the Bishops’ Benches the other unionist parties a further nine. Fundraising but it certainly does not feel like that on these Benches, by the SNP for a new independence referendum is for it is a pretty extraordinary period in politics. Our reported as having been cancelled. Nicola Sturgeon Prime Minister, it seemed, could walk on water a few says that she is considering her position on Indyref2 months ago and is now subject to vile attacks on all and our United Kingdom has been saved from further sides. She does not deserve this; nor is it in our nationalist-inspired instability. The Prime Minister, by country’s interest to trash our Prime Minister at a time facing down their demands for a second referendum, of great uncertainty.She is a good, competent, Christian has set back the cause of separatists—to coin a phrase— woman, who served for a record period as Home for a generation. Secretary in a department traditionally seen as an It looked like a good election for Labour. Indeed, it elephants’ graveyard. She may not be a flashy PR is behaving as if it won it, despite being 56 seats behind campaigner but she has the skills and experience needed the Tories. And the new, rapturous enthusiasm on the to govern and navigate the Scylla and Charybdis that Benches opposite for Jeremy Corbyn, is matched only is Brexit. Our national security is threatened by fanatical by their relief that he is not running the country—go terrorists and the negotiations began this week to on, smile. Oh yes, Labour now certainly has momentum, secure our future as an independent country. Alea but sadly for them, Momentum now has Labour. This iacta est—the die has been cast. We are, by law, leaving was not in the plan. As Robert Burns explained to an the European Union in March 2019, and the months 18th-century mouse: ahead should be devoted to getting the best deal for “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men jobs and prosperity for our United Kingdom. Surely Gang aft agley, we can all agree on that. I believe that we have a duty An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain, to unite behind the Prime Minister at this time in the For promis’d joy!”. wider interests of our country. In my party’s case there is little joy, as 33 good colleagues While fighting the election campaign, the Prime were defeated and we have lost our overall majority, Minister had to deal with the atrocities in Manchester despite a record number of votes. We got 318 seats and and Southwark, and now the appalling attack on Muslim I expected 375—375 turns out to be the number of worshippers in Finsbury Park and the unspeakable seats in which the Liberals lost their deposits campaigning horror of the fire in Kensington. The unimaginable for a rerun of the referendum. trauma of the men, women and children trapped in This brings me to the most important commitment that inferno and the loss to their families has, as Her in the gracious Speech for this new, long Parliament: Majesty pointed out, shocked and saddened the whole ensuring that our country takes full advantage of the country. I recall the same sickening feeling as a new opportunities open to us as we leave the European Minister in the Scottish Office in 1988 when 228 oil- Union. There is serious work to do, and this House workers were trapped on the burning offshore platform knows its duty and can—and I am sure will—continue Piper Alpha and 167 people were drowned or burned to make a constructive contribution to delivering Brexit to death. The public inquiry, conducted by the noble and building a new partnership with our European and learned Lord, Lord Cullen of Whitekirk, reported friends. in 13 months with 100 expert-led recommendations, The Chancellor of the Exchequer has rightly which fundamentally changed the safety culture of the emphasised the importance of securing jobs and prosperity whole oil and gas industry—not just in the North Sea as we leave the European Union. Free trade is central but across the world. This example of effective action to achieving that economic objective. One thing Donald is what is promised in the gracious Speech following Trump and Jean-Claude Juncker have in common is the Grenfell Tower catastrophe. In addition, immediate their hostility to free trade. Yet the case for it is not just measures are required to ensure that people living in economic, it is a moral case. It is estimated that more high-rise buildings and social housing can be assured than a billion lives have been lifted out of extreme of their safety and that the survivors and families of poverty by trade since 1981. Encouraging free trade the victims of this tragic fire are housed and supported brings prosperity, social stability and ultimately global in every way possible. That is what the Prime Minister security. has ordered should be done. Now, let us face it: the election campaign was not One in 12 of the world’s population under the age the Tory party’sfinest hour. There were some unexpected of 28 is living in India, where the EU has no trade highlights, however. Alex Salmond— deal. Scotch whisky is subject to a massive tariff in a market a fraction of which could keep distilleries Noble Lords: Oh! going to the crack of doom. Coffee is the second most-traded commodity after oil in the world. The Lord Forsyth of Drumlean: I knew I could unite this entire continent of Africa exports coffee to the European House. Alex Salmond, in the words of his beloved Union amounting to $2.4 billion, while Germany alone “Flower of Scotland”, was sent “homeward tae think earns far more at $3.8 billion on exports of coffee. again”. He left quoting Walter Scott’s poem about my How can this be? The EU customs union has no tariff noble friend Lord Dundee’s famous Jacobite relative: on raw beans, but any added-value product is penalised. “You have not seen the last of my bonnet and me!”. This ensures that added value is retained inside the 11 Queen’s Speech (1st Day) [LORDS] Queen’s Speech (1st Day) 12

[LORD FORSYTH OF DRUMLEAN] speedily ushered out of this Chamber and shown to Union and denied to poorer African countries, which the officials’ Box, where I sat for some time not results in higher prices in our shops. The EU tariff on wanting to cause a scene. Our doorkeepers are wonderful, decaffeinated coffee from a third country is subject to but they are quite right to be security conscious. I do a duty of 9%. A similar story applies to cocoa and the not think anyone had told them that Peers, rather like duty on chocolate is even more egregious. policemen, are getting younger these days. I welcome the commitment in the gracious Speech Today, as you can see, I have written my speech on on mental health services. This is something the Prime paper. I considered goatskin parchment, but then Minister has championed, together with my right remembered that I was meant to be a moderniser. honourable friend Dr Liam Fox, who is particularly Some noble Lords may know that I was David Cameron’s concerned as Secretary of State for Defence with press secretary—and, while I have huge admiration for those service men and women suffering from post- my former boss, it is fair to say that he gave me one or traumatic stress disorder. Norman Lamb too—I hope two PR challenges over the years. However, faced with my mentioning him will not damage his leadership an unforeseen delay to the Queen’s Speech, I do not chances—has been a tireless campaigner as a Liberal think that even I could have come up with “slow-drying Minister in the coalition Government and as a Back- ink on vellum”. I have to hand it to my successors in Bencher. More recently, Prince William and Prince No. 10 for that stroke of genius. Harry have spoken out to encourage people to see I am sure the whole House will join me in praising mental illness like any other health issue. In this context, my noble friend Lord Forsyth for his speech, which I urge the Government to focus on one area of great was full of eloquence, passion and wit. He is a very concern: the number one killer of young men in Britain daunting act to follow. I second so much of what he today is suicide, accounting for about one-quarter of said, particularly his support for our PM. Not only is all deaths in men aged between 20 and 34. Men are he a great speaker, he is also a great public servant, three times more likely to take their own lives than and it is about public service that I will speak briefly women. We need to reach out to men suffering from today. We in this country have a culture of public depression and find ways to neutralise any sense of service of which we can be proud. We have seen this stigma or shame which may prevent them from seeking brought into sharp focus over recent months in a the help they need. series of terrible tragedies: Westminster, Manchester, As a Minister of State many years ago responsible London Bridge, Borough Market, Grenfell Tower and for prisons in the Home Office, and later as Secretary Finsbury Park Mosque. We have seen police officers of State more than 20 years ago, I was acutely conscious risk their lives to disarm terrorists. PC Palmer did not of the number of people who end up behind bars who just risk his life; he gave it. suffer from bipolar disorders, depression and other I considered joining the police force after university conditions. I recall with great sadness visiting Cornton and still sometimes wonder whether I should have—but Vale in my constituency in Stirling—which I am I also wonder whether I would have had the necessary delighted to say has been returned to Conservative courage. Just a week ago we saw firefighters run into a representation—on Christmas Day when another young burning tower: for all they knew, one that was about to woman had taken her life. Mental illness has been the collapse. A relative of one of the survivors yesterday poor relation for far too long and I am sure the whole spoke about how he saw firemen who cared so much House will support reform. more for the people in that building than for themselves. I conclude by turning to the substance of the Motion. Let us not forget also the general public: the diverse We are surely blessed that we do not have a presidential communities in north Kensington working together to system of government in our country, and we have help those so hideously affected by the fire; a community’s been doubly blessed by the wonderful service and determination in Finsbury Park to fight hate, showing inspiration which Her Majesty the Queen has given to that, overwhelmingly, people want love and kindness our country and the Commonwealth. Long may she to overcome division; and, over and again, the sheer reign over us. I beg to move the Motion for an Humble bravery of the man and the woman in the street. We Address to Her Majesty. have seen that this country has courage and decency at its core. 4.06 pm We have also seen this strong thread of public service shared by people of every age, background, Baroness Bertin (Con): My Lords, I beg to second ethnicity, religion and gender. This ethos is above my noble friend’s Motion for an humble Address. party politics and should encourage political opponents My noble friend Lady Goldie reflected last year to respect each other as decent human beings who go that it feels somewhat strange to say “an humble into public life to make the country better, even if they Address”—but then so, too, does not shaking a Peer’s disagree on the route. At times of national importance, hand when you first meet them and still saying “good such as now, we need to face down divisions rather morning” when it is two in the afternoon. I cannot than inflame them. pretend that I understand these eccentricities, but I am I will share two thoughts. First, Brexit is not our beginning to get used to them. only challenge and it must not be allowed to suck the It is a great honour—and something of a surprise—to energy from the other huge problems that we face as a be speaking here today. I am still at that early stage in country and as a society. Secondly, there are areas, this place when receiving a note from the Chief Whip including Brexit, where we are divided, but we must do saying that he would like a word does not necessarily all we can to heal conflict and seek to achieve consensus. mean a good thing. It is only a few months since I was There can be no greater figures of national unity or 13 Queen’s Speech (1st Day) [21 JUNE 2017] Queen’s Speech (1st Day) 14 greater public servants than Her Majesty the Queen sage and an up-and-coming new Peer. I am sure the and His Royal Highness Prince Philip. They have noble Lord, Lord Forsyth, would agree that it is been, and remain, the mother and father of all public amazing how quickly you can move from one to the servants. Their contribution is immeasurable; we owe other. them so much. I hope that Prince Philip has a speedy recovery and that the Queen was on time for the 2.30 However, that has not always worked out. In and had some winners. March 1974, Lady Birk was paired for the debate with Lord Taylor of Mansfield. He certainly qualified Politics matter: not the ideology or the colour of as “experienced”. A former MP,he was then 79 years-old your team, but the practical good of what your policies and was a regular attender in your Lordships’ House do for people. I feel sure that this gracious Speech will into his 90s. Lady Birk later became a Government stand out as doing exactly that. Setting aside the Whip. Unfortunately, as she made her way to the Brexit colossus, important areas are covered in the Chamber for the debate, she tripped, fell and cut her speech, such as mental health and discrimination, head, so was unable to take part. The new Leader of where we have an opportunity to improve many people’s the House for the new Labour Government, Lord lives and also nourish society as a whole. I am particularly Shepherd, had to find a replacement with just minutes pleased to see a reference to disability discrimination. to go. He alighted on Lord Brockway, who entered I have spoken before in this House of my own experience the Chamber preparing his speech in his mind because of disability. My little brother had severe cerebral he did not have time to write anything down. Then, as palsy. Sadly, he did not quite reach adulthood, but I ever, he spoke with great style and thoughtfulness. remember how concerned we as a family were that However, it was commented at the time that, at the his life post his 18th birthday should be rich and age of 86, he could hardly be described as “up and fulfilled. It is therefore important that we use this coming”. Session to try to bring an end to the inequality faced by many disabled people hoping to find work. There is The noble Lord, Lord Forsyth, made a typically a mountain of evidence showing that employing disabled combative speech with very strong support for the people is good not only for society but for business. It Prime Minister.He highlighted his own political passions. is not just an act of sympathy but makes good commercial I welcome the comments he made on mental health, sense. on which there was general agreement around your I also welcome a draft Bill on domestic abuse. Lordships’House.There was not quite the same agreement According to the ONS, seven women a month are for his comments on the European Union but that killed by a current or former partner. I think we can all debate will continue as this extraordinarily long Session agree that this is a shocking statistic that has no place of Parliament goes on. in a civilised society. In his earlier life, the noble Lord, Lord Forsyth, was The security services and police do a magnificent identified as a champion of the emerging new Conservative job in their enormous task of keeping us safe. I thinking and policies. He pioneered outsourcing and welcome the announcement in the gracious Speech of privatisation in local government with great gusto. As the review of the Government’scounterterrorism strategy one article put it, he was preaching Thatcherism before to ensure that they have all the powers they need. the word was even coined and even before Margaret This longer Session will be full of challenges.Parliament Thatcher knew such a thing existed. Just think: if and all those in it will need to be resilient, resourceful history had been slightly different, there may never and diligent as never before. However, I will end on a have been Thatcherism—only Forsythism. positive note, with something said by the most reverend Primate the Archbishop of Canterbury in your Lordships’ A combative and conviction politician, the noble House not so long ago, expressing a view with which I Lord has had a long and distinguished career in profoundly agree. He said that this country is “deeply Parliament, including as Secretary of State for embedded” with a, Scotland. I am told by Scottish friends that a great “sense of destiny and of hope. We can catch hold of that hope claim to fame is his bringing the Stone of Destiny to and be that agile, flourishing and entrepreneurial society that will Edinburgh Castle and the premier of the film “Braveheart” benefit both the poorest and richest”.—[Official Report, 5/7/16; to Stirling Castle. However, no comments on the noble col. 1861.] Lord would be complete without a tribute to his In this spirit, I beg to second the Motion. amazing charitable work. Many give of their time and money but few would dare to climb the highest mountains Motion to Adjourn in Africa, Antarctica and the Americas as he has done Moved by Baroness Smith of Basildon for those causes he supports. That this debate be adjourned until tomorrow. The noble Baroness, Lady Bertin, shares the noble Lord’s commitment to charity and is a trustee of the 4.16 pm charity KIDS, which supports children with disabilities Baroness Smith of Basildon (Lab): My Lords, first, I and their families—something that, as she said today, join those wishing the Duke of Edinburgh a speedy has a personal resonance for her. As the youngest and recovery, and thank Her Majesty and the Prince of one of the newest Members of your Lordships’ Wales for being here with us today for the Queen’s House, she still brings considerable experience of Speech. government and Parliament, having worked for David We just heard two excellent speeches. It is a Cameron from 2005 until he resigned as Prime Minister. parliamentary tradition that the proposer and She is highly regarded by all those who have worked seconder of the Humble Address be a wise, experienced with her. 15 Queen’s Speech (1st Day) [LORDS] Queen’s Speech (1st Day) 16

[BARONESS SMITH OF BASILDON] initial talks with Michel Barnier yesterday, privately When the noble Baroness made her maiden speech, wished that the Government had accepted your Lordships’ I was touched by a passage which impressed many of House’s amendment on protecting the rights of EU us. She said: nationals and thus settled the issue, so that he could “A benchmark of a civilised society is how we care for the focus on other matters. Despite the Prime Minister’s most vulnerable and, equally, how cared for they themselves complaints, there was nothing extraordinary or unusual feel”.—[Official Report, 2/12/16; col. 443.] about our tabling of amendments, the debates and the Her speeches since then have shown her commitment votes. It is what we do. On these Benches, we will to those with disabilities and learning disabilities, and continue to be a robust, challenging and responsible today she has also shown us her natural wit and a Opposition, recognising the conventions of your thoughtful approach. We look forward to hearing Lordships’ House. more from her. As an unelected House, this House has recognised The last time this House met was on 27 April. So the primacy of the other place—the House of much has happened in that time. The terrorist attacks Commons—and always will. That was the central in Manchester,London Bridge and outside the Finsbury premise recognised in the Salisbury/Addison convention, Park mosque have shocked, saddened and angered us reinforced in the Wakeham report in 2000 and the all. As a nation, we have been clear that we will not report of the Joint Committee on Conventions chaired allow such evil to compromise our democracy, but we by my noble friend Lord Cunningham of Felling in continue to be deeply affected as we recall those who 2005. Following the election of a minority Government, have lost their lives and those whose lives are for ever there has been discussion about whether the conventions changed. The sheer horror of the fire at Grenfell of this House still apply, so let us be clear what they Tower, with the final number of fatalities not yet are. The Salisbury/Addison convention recognised the known, has left hundreds homeless and so many deeply legitimacy and the mandate of that great 1945 Labour shaken and traumatised. As well as the inquiries into Government, who had a majority of 146 in the House the causes and the response, it also raises deeper of Commons but only a handful of Peers in your questions about our society that must be seriously and Lordships’ House. The agreement in essence held that, genuinely addressed in the weeks and months to come. given that majority, this House would not vote against In all of this, we pay tribute to the dedicated, caring manifesto items at Second Reading or introduce wrecking and professional work of our police, our fire service, amendments. Whenever our conventions have been our National Health Service staff and all those who re-examined, the starting point and the endpoint have put the needs of others first as they sought to help. In remained the same. This House recognises the primacy their responses we saw the best of humanity. of the Commons, and that is how we have always The backdrop for this election and its aftermath conducted ourselves. has been challenging; it has also been emotional. It What is also clear in those reports, and from our was also quite an unusual election. It was not due for own experiences, is that the House of Commons has another three years so when the Prime Minister announced primacy, not the Executive or Government. Your she wanted to sweep aside the Fixed-term Parliaments Lordships’ House can advise, scrutinise and propose Act and have an early election, she took the country, amendments to the other place, but at the end of the Parliament and, indeed, her own party by surprise—and, day, the House of Commons, as the elected House, is perhaps, for granted. But she was clear about her entitled not to accept that advice, however wise we rationale: it was about returning her as Prime Minister may think it is. That makes the process sound a bit with a larger majority, to provide strong and stable more confrontational than it generally is when in so leadership, with a clear mandate for the kind of Brexit many cases, as we know, the terms and principles of she had outlined. Apparently it had nothing to do our amendments are accepted by the other place. That with a 21-point lead in the opinion polls. She claimed is where the Strathclyde report went wrong—in trying that the country was coming together but Westminster to confuse the House of Commons with the Government. was not. She added that, They are not the same. The Queen’s Speech in 2016 “unelected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight was very clear on this. It said: us every step of the way … So we need a general election and we “My Ministers will uphold the sovereignty of Parliament and need one now”. the primacy of the House of Commons”.—[Official Report, That was the only way, she said, to guarantee certainty 18/5/16; col. 3.] for the years ahead. Well, we now have neither strong We agreed with that then and we agree with it now. leadership nor certainty, and certainty is not provided If the Government are ever able to do a deal with just by announcing that we will skip the next Queen’s the DUP, the details should be published along with Speech, unusually, and have a two-year Session of the costs. There must be transparency. There must also Parliament. be transparency about the legality and the political We should challenge the premise on which the implications for the Good Friday agreement, to which election was called. The Prime Minister had her mandate. the UK Government are recognised as a co-guarantor. She had an overall majority of 17 in the House of They should act with rigorous impartiality towards all Commons—how long ago that must seem now as she political parties in Northern Ireland. However, even sits round the table trying to broker a deal with the with a deal, I suspect that there are a number of issues DUP.When the Prime Minister called the election, she on which a Conservative/DUP Government might not had just got her Brexit Article 50 Bill through Parliament, find all the MPs of their respective parties in total unamended—the “clean”Bill that she wanted—although agreement, particularly if the Prime Minister fails to I wonder if David Davis, as he left the rather short put jobs and the economy of this country at the heart 17 Queen’s Speech (1st Day) [21 JUNE 2017] Queen’s Speech (1st Day) 18 of Brexit negotiations. So—I want to be very clear on families through any official process or inquiry that this—should the House of Commons send this House can sometimes seem distant and not have their needs legislation that has been amended from the Government’s at its centre. That office must be fully independent and original intentions, their Ministers should not seek to resourced and must not in any way be used to avoid use your Lordships’ House to thwart the mandate of the normal legal processes or potential legal action or the democratically elected House. The Government be linked in any way to legal aid, which should not be do not have the mandate that the Prime Minister ruled out for such cases. sought. The Government have also pledged to review their This is the Prime Minister’s first Queen’s Speech counterterrorism strategy. With the expertise and and it is clearly not the speech that she originally knowledge in your Lordships’ House, we will want planned. It has been delayed and shorn of so much fully to engage with any review and discussions that promised social legislation, and it is the first in decades seek to make our community safer and to prevent such to be delivered without a parliamentary majority. If it criminal and terrorist atrocities as we have seen. When was delayed to wait for the ethereal deal with the the Prime Minister announced as her starting point DUP, that is even more chaotic than we first thought. that she was prepared to tear up the Human Rights Perhaps it is chaos without coalition. Act if it “got in the way”, she was perhaps just looking The first three paragraphs of the gracious Speech at the issue from the wrong end of the telescope. The are on Brexit. First, there are warm words about greatest and foremost human right is the right to life, getting the best possible deal and working with others— and the first duty of any Government is the safety and and then the harsh reality. Interestingly, the words security of their citizens. Before any rush to new “great repeal Bill” are not even mentioned, perhaps legislation, the starting point should be to examine because such legislation was so misnamed. In addition existing laws, and their enforcement and resourcing. to new legislation on trade and customs, the Government This needs wise judgment. It requires intelligence and have identified five areas where new national policies experience and must be effectively resourced. We have are required with, presumably, new primary legislation: to ask ourselves questions. If we had more police on immigration, on international sanctions, on nuclear officers and more community officers and the capacity safeguards, on agriculture and on fisheries. These areas for intelligence operations, would that make a difference? will be complex and often very technical. The detail of We know that our police and security services have these Bills will be crucial, so I urge the Government to foiled numerous attacks, so do they need new powers publish their proposals early. I hope that the noble or are the existing ones adequate but in need of better Baroness will take this away and consider it. It would resourcing? Should we better resource the border agency? ensure meaningful consultation so that we can look at How do we prevent people becoming radicalised them in some detail, because small mistakes could through misplaced ideology or racial hatred? Unless have serious consequences for our nation. we examine the hardest questions, we do ourselves and our communities an injustice. On the other Bills referred to, I, like the noble Lord, Lord Forsyth, picked up on the mental health Bill. This Queen’s Speech is as much about what is not There is a serious and immediate need to improve in it as what is in it. The promised commitments in mental health services and we look forward to seeing the Conservative Party manifesto on scrapping the the proposals. Previous promises that there should be pension triple-lock, the means-testing of winter fuel parity of esteem between physical and mental health payments, grammar schools, even yet another promise services have not been met. Just saying something does for a further vote on fox hunting and many other not make it happen but, with good will and appropriate commitments have bitten the dust, despite this now resources, new legislation has the potential to make a being a two-year Session. Were they ditched for a deal real difference. Like the noble Baroness, we also welcome that may never be agreed? Despite the issue dominating stronger action to tackle domestic violence and abuse. part of the election campaign, the Government still Since 2010, cuts to local authority funding have seen could not find room for anything meaningful on social one in six specialist refuges close in England, and care, other than perhaps that it should be improved one-third of all referrals are currently turned away. and there will be proposals at some later, unspecified Refuges are key to tackling this crime, and I hope they date. are seen by the Government as part of the solution. Finally, it seems that the spaceflight Bill has been Perhaps this is also an opportunity to revisit the announced again; we want to leave the EU and fly off coalition Government’s policy that removed legal aid into outer space. I do not know if this is an attempt to from victims of domestic violence in child custody seek voters elsewhere, but I say to the Government cases. that, before they head off into new worlds, they should The promised full public inquiry into the horror of focus on transport on planet Earth. We have the Grenfell Tower is welcome, and it must be to learn ongoing, never-ending chaos of Southern Rail and lessons and to hold those responsible to account. still no firm decision on a third runway. Those who have suffered must have their voices heard, There are some positive individual proposals in the and process and information must be open, be totally gracious Speech, but on the whole it is undoubtedly a transparent and hold the confidence of the local disappointment. Half-echoing Ted Heath’s infamous community and those affected. We welcome that the “Who governs?” when calling and losing the February Government have taken up the issues raised by my 1974 general election, the Prime Minister went to the noble friend Lord Wills in his Private Member’s Bill to country on the dividing lines of strong and stable introduce an independent public advocate. Such an government or a coalition of chaos. How she must advocate should play a key role in supporting bereaved regret using those words. In calling the election, she 19 Queen’s Speech (1st Day) [LORDS] Queen’s Speech (1st Day) 20

[BARONESS SMITH OF BASILDON] particularly fatal acerbic barb. This, however, is nowhere has unfortunately weakened herself and the Government. near as worrying as when I was a Minister and the These are troubling times for our country, with so noble Lord rose to intervene on a Treasury Question. many difficult issues needing a strong and capable Then I knew that the Government, and more particularly Government. In such times, Governments have to rise me, were really in trouble. to the challenge. Those key issues that affect, and even The noble Baroness, Lady Bertin, made an excellent blight, the lives of so many of our citizens were not speech. She is the youngest Member of your Lordships’ effectively addressed in the Speech. Should this Session House. I was once the youngest life Peer in your last two years, the bulk of the legislation will be Lordships’ House, and I know how daunting it is to Brexit-related but the issues that people are worried speak to an audience whose average age is several about, such as housing, jobs, quality of life and their decades older than one’s own. This is, of course, one hopes for future generations will not be improved by of life’s few problems that diminishes with the years, the measures put before us today. but in the case of the noble Baroness it is clearly not a As the Official Opposition—indeed, as a Government problem even now. Her speech had all the hallmarks in waiting—we will continue to maintain our of a consummate wordsmith. constitutional role of scrutiny and challenge with I must apologise to the House that this speech is not responsibility, and at all times act in the best interests as polished as I would have liked, but when I sat down of our nation in the challenges we all face. I beg to to write it towards the end of last week I was unable to move that this debate be adjourned until tomorrow. make much progress. Everywhere was confusion. Was there a Conservative deal with the DUP? Had our 4.35 pm Brexit negotiating stance softened? Had we indeed Lord Newby (LD): My Lords, each year, in advance reached, to quote the breathless Times headline of last of the Queen’s Speech, we receive our Writ of Summons. week, the end of austerity? And which, if any, of the Normally when I glance at it, I smile rather complacently Conservative manifesto pledges had not been jettisoned when I see that we are being summoned to consider on the grounds that they were too unpopular to pass “arduous and urgent affairs” and “imminent perils”. the Commons? This year, however, those words seem only too apt. We I thought then that I would write the speech at the are indeed, as the Queen herself put it, living in weekend, but Sunday came and the fog had not lifted. sombre times, which she must feel even more keenly The only new announcement was that because it was today with the illness of the Duke of Edinburgh. We proving so difficult to write this year’s Queen’s Speech wish him well. the Government had decided not to have one next year Recent weeks have seen a spate of quite horrific at all. Perhaps, I thought, Monday would bring clarity. events. I too would like to pay tribute to the victims of It did not. Tuesday? No better. Although we now have the terrorist attacks in Manchester, London Bridge a speech, it leaves all the big questions facing the and Finsbury Park, and to those who lost their lives in Government and the country completely unanswered. the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower. The terrorists who The recent terrorist attacks and the Grenfell Tower carried out the attacks in Manchester and London fire have both in their different ways illuminated rifts hate our tolerance and the freedom it brings. The in our society that appear to be widening rather than attacks were meant to divide us, but the response from closing. They both demand a thoughtful and the local communities and the country more generally proportionate response from government, but there is was to unite, to show compassion and to support the no sign of that in the Queen’s Speech. victims and their families. I commend in particular the Those specific events, appalling though they are, actions of the imam of the Finsbury Park mosque, happened against the backdrop of two more systemic Mohammed Mahmoud, whose calm, decisive intervention crises facing the country as a whole. The first relates to prevented further injuries and violence. public services and the public finances. On education, That same generosity of spirit has been shown in the Government are planning a 7% real-terms cut in recent days to those who lost their homes and all their spending per pupil. In health, as more and more possessions in the Grenfell Tower fire. The alacrity hospital trusts run up large deficits, it is impossible to with which so many people gave their time, money and see how current levels of patient service can do anything possessions to help the victims was truly remarkable. I other than decline further. On social care, we face a also pay tribute, from these Benches, to the emergency funding crisis which the Conservative manifesto made services for their professional and courageous responses no serious attempt to resolve at all. Following the to all these tragedies. The police, fire service, ambulance debacle of the dementia tax, we now also have no idea crews and medical professionals acted with bravery what the Government plan to do to limit the amount and huge dedication. They have humbled us all. that individuals might pay for their care. It is a great pleasure to echo the Leader of the Overall, the Conservative manifesto treated the Opposition, the noble Baroness, Lady Smith of Basildon, electorate like children when it came to money. We in congratulating the proposer and seconder of the were told not to worry our pretty little heads about humble Address. The noble Lord, Lord Forsyth, made how a raft of spending pledges were to be met, because a speech of characteristic energy and wit. The House the all-wise Government would ensure that it was will be aware that there are times—many times—when okay. It was hardly surprising that the Institute for the noble Lord does not quite see eye to eye with the Fiscal Studies said that they were “not being honest” Liberal Democrats. It is always rather worrying when with the electorate, and that they would have to raise making a speech to see the noble Lord readying himself either taxes or borrowing beyond their current plans if to intervene with what one often rightly fears will be a the quality of public services, including the NHS, were 21 Queen’s Speech (1st Day) [21 JUNE 2017] Queen’s Speech (1st Day) 22 not to decline. We therefore do not know in reality defending the indefensible as Brexit Minister, and we how the Government will pay for their plans, nor welcome the noble Baroness, Lady Anelay, to her new indeed what those plans really are. role. We wish her luck; she may need it. We do, however, know that the economy is in real There has been some debate about the effect of the trouble. We have the lowest growth in the G7, inflation election result on the application of the Salisbury is rising fast, real wages are falling, and as a result convention. On these Benches, we are clear: we will consumer expenditure is starting to fall. This all stems carefully scrutinise every piece of legislation which from the fall in the pound brought about by Brexit, the comes before us and judge it on its merits. There are second major crisis facing the country. The election clearly some measures in the Queen’s Speech with was called ostensibly to give the Government a larger which we will agree—for example, the reform of mental majority and therefore a stronger hand in the Brexit health legislation and the new rights for tenants. But if negotiations. In reality it was a cynical attempt to use we think that a Bill contains measures which are a brief window of opportunity with what they saw as a damaging to the country, we will seek to ask the weak Labour leadership and a temporarily robust Commons to think again. The balance of forces in the economy to shore up the Conservatives’ own fortunes. Commons now means that the Government will face They failed to read the history of Ted Heath’s attempt daily problems getting their legislation through there, to fight a single-issue election in 1974, and they have but when legislation eventually comes to your Lordships’ reaped the consequences. House, we will give it exactly the same degree of As a result, and as the Brexit talks begin with a scrutiny as we have in the past. massive climbdown over timetabling, our weakened The current situation in the Commons is obviously Prime Minister and squabbling Ministers have made a muddle. We do not know whether the Conservatives us worse than a laughing stock across Europe. We will do a formal deal with the DUP. If they do, there have become an object of pity, with prayers for our will be concerns about security, human rights and well-being being said last weekend across Germany funding. Most importantly, there will be concerns and with newspapers across the continent saying yesterday about how the Conservatives can possibly be honest that the Government have already thrown in the towel brokers in the ongoing implementation of the Good on the Brexit talks. Friday agreement. In these circumstances, it is imperative that the Government provide full transparency of any There is clearly no majority in the Commons or deal that is entered into. It is only by making the the country for the harsh form of Brexit which the agreement public and allowing the details to be open Government presented at the election. There is to public scrutiny that the electorate can be satisfied certainly no majority for the idea that no deal is better that the Prime Minister is acting in the national interest, than a bad deal. For noble Lords opposite who have not just that of her party. argued that the there was no alternative to this harsh approach, I suggest they have a word with the Chancellor, The Prime Minister called this election purely to who is clearly desperately trying to moderate it. He, at strengthen her position and that of the Conservatives. least, knows that Brexit will be bad for jobs, public She has achieved the opposite. At this time of national finances and investment and is trying to limit the crisis, and in the absence of a majority Government, damage. Parliament assumes a particular responsibility to provide a sense of direction for the country. We on these My party has made it clear that we will be looking Benchestaketheseresponsibilitieswithextremeseriousness to work across Parliament to try to achieve the least and will play our part in bringing the country through worst Brexit possible. We agree with the Prime Minister our current travails and into a better future. in her speech of 25 April last year that any Brexit will make us poorer, less secure and less influential, but it 4.49 pm is incumbent on us all to try to mitigate the cost The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Evans of Bowes Park) incurred by any final Brexit deal. (Con): My Lords, it is a pleasure to follow the noble We will, however, continue to argue that the people, Baroness, Lady Smith, and the noble Lord, Lord having started the Brexit process, should have the final Newby, and to support her Motion. I also join all say. I believe that every poll on the subject over the noble Lords in wishing the Duke of Edinburgh a past couple of months has shown a majority of speedy recovery. respondents now saying that they thought that the It is a great honour to stand here again as Leader of Brexit decision was a mistake, and a poll published the House following the general election. Now that it over the weekend showed that a majority now want to is over, this House will once again play an important have a final say on the outcome of the negotiations. constitutional role, ensuring that our collective expertise During the Article 50 proceedings in your Lordships’ is used to improve the legislation in front of us and to House, the noble Baroness, Lady Smith of Basildon, debate the important issues of the day. I have been argued that Labour could support such a confirmatory grateful as Leader to have had as my opposite numbers referendum if public opinion was asking for it. I trust the noble Baroness and the noble Lord. While we have that that remains the Labour Party’s position. very robust exchanges at the Dispatch Box, I can In this period of unparalleled uncertainty, we are of reveal that, behind the scenes, we actually have quite course delighted that in your Lordships’ House we friendly and constructive relationships, which are vital have retained strong and stable leadership, and we to the running of this House. I very much hope that welcome the Leader and Chief Whip back in their they continue through this Parliament. previous roles. We are sorry, but unsurprised, that the It is also a pleasure to add my congratulations to noble Lord, Lord Bridges, felt unable to carry on those already expressed to my noble friends Lord Forsyth 23 Queen’s Speech (1st Day) [LORDS] Queen’s Speech (1st Day) 24

[BARONESS EVANS OF BOWES PARK] With regard to the unimaginable tragedy at Grenfell and Lady Bertin for moving and seconding the humble Tower, the Government are committed to ensuring Address. My noble friend Lord Forsyth has had a long that all those affected get the right support as quickly and illustrious parliamentary career, both in your as possible and are rehoused at the earliest opportunity. Lordships’ House and in the other place. After serving There will be a full public inquiry into those tragic as the chairman of the Scottish Conservative party events and, as the noble Baroness, Lady Smith, said, under Lady Thatcher, he became the Secretary of residents’ voices must be heard, so the Government State for Scotland between 1995 and 1997—the last will provide funding for their legal representation to time that Scotland had about a dozen Conservative make sure that that happens. I am sure noble Lords Members in the other place. As a strong supporter of will want to discuss what we can learn from this awful the union, it was very clear from his remarks that he tragedy over the coming weeks and months ahead. was at least delighted with the results in Scotland. The legislative programme laid out today is about My noble friend Lady Bertin is the youngest Member recognising and grasping the opportunities that lie of the House. As someone who was also at one point ahead for the UK as we leave the EU. It is about the youngest Member of this House, we share a few delivering Brexit in a way that works for all parts of things in common. While in my early days here I was the UK, while building a stronger, fairer country by not ushered into the officials’ Box, I was regularly strengthening our economy, tackling injustice and mistaken for a researcher and had to show my pass on promoting opportunity and aspiration. While the election many occasions to confirm who I was. While I, perhaps result was not the one that we hoped for,this Government luckily, dodged the bullet of giving a seconding speech, will respond with humility and resolve to the message youth has been no impediment to my noble friend that we were sent by the electorate. We will work hard today, who, as everyone has said, has made an excellent every day to gain the trust and confidence of the contribution. British people. First, we need to get Brexit right and so we will have On these great days, we recognise the work of the a busy legislative Session, which, your Lordships will House authorities in making today such a success; be aware, will last for the next two years, with a they always ensure the smooth running of your Lordships’ number of Bills geared towards making a success of House. I know that all noble Lords will join me in leaving the EU. Much has been said recently about thanking all staff for their hard work and good humour, what the general election signified about Britain’sdecision which is hugely appreciated by us all. While we now to leave the EU. The fact is that over 80% of the see a different make-up in relation to Members of the electorate backed the two major parties, both of which other place, there have been a few changes in your campaigned on manifestos that said we should honour Lordships’ House, too. A number of noble Lords have the democratic decision of the British people. While recently made the decision to retire, and I extend my this Government will be one that consults and listens, deepest gratitude to them for their many years of we are clear that we are going to see Brexit through, dedicated service and offer my warmest wishes for a working with Parliament, business, the devolved relaxing retirement. Sixty-six noble Lords have chosen Administrations and others to ensure a smooth and to retire since 2014, showing that reforms to this orderly withdrawal. House can be successfully implemented if they have support across all Benches. Secondly, last year’s referendum vote was not just a vote to leave the EU; it was a profound and justified There have also been a number of changes on the expression that our country often does not work in the Government’s Front Bench, to which the noble way that it should for millions of ordinary working Lord referred. I am very grateful to those who families. For that reason, we will work to build a have stepped into new roles, but I put on record my stronger economy so that we can improve people’s thanks to those stepping down from Front Bench living standards and fund the public services on which roles—the noble Lords, Lord Bridges and Lord Dunlop, we all depend. At the same time, we will work to build and the noble Baronesses, Lady Neville-Rolfe and a fairer society where people can go as far as their Lady Shields. I look forward to their continuing work talents will take them and no one is held back because in the House. of their background. As the noble Baroness highlighted, As we have heard, since we last met, our country we will improve protection for victims of domestic has endured a number of terrible events: the terrorist violence and we will make further progress to tackle attacks on a concert at Manchester Arena, on London discrimination on the basis of mental health—as was Bridge and Borough Market and, only this week, on so powerfully expressed by my noble friend Lord worshippers outside a mosque in Finsbury Park—and, Forsyth—sexuality, faith, disability, gender or race. of course, there was the devastating fire in west London Thirdly, keeping our country safe is the first duty of last week. I know, and we have heard, that the whole any Government. We will bring forward measures to House is united in horror at these events, and we all give those who bravely serve our country in the Armed express our deepest sympathy and support for the Forces more flexibility in the way they live and work victims, their families and loved ones. I would like to and to ensure that critical national infrastructure is join noble Lords in applauding the professionalism protected to safeguard our national security. We will and bravery of our emergency services—the police, also set up a new commission for countering extremism. ambulance, fire and health services—in the care of Finally, the Government will do everything in their those affected. The stories of heroism and generosity power to strengthen our union, taking seriously our that have emerged from these tragic events are a sign responsibility to govern for the whole country and of the strength of our great country and people. seeking to work closely with the devolved Administrations. 25 Queen’s Speech (1st Day)[21 JUNE 2017] Hereditary Peers: By-elections 26

We will also work with all parties in Northern Ireland Oath to support the return of devolved government that we all wish to see. Lord Cameron of Dillington took the oath, and signed This is a Government with purpose: we are determined an undertaking to abide by the Code of Conduct. to deliver the best Brexit deal; intent on building a stronger economy and a fairer society; committed to keeping our country safe, enhancing our standing in the wider world; and bringing our United Kingdom Stoppages in the Streets closer together. We want, as I know noble Lords across this House do, to put ourselves at the service of It was ordered that the Commissioner of Police of the millions of ordinary working people for whom we will Metropolis do take care that the passages through the work every day in the national interest. I support the streets leading to this House be kept free and open and Motion. that no obstruction be permitted to hinder the passage of Lords to and from this House during the sitting of Debate adjourned until tomorrow. Parliament; or to hinder Lords in the pursuit of their parliamentary duties on the Parliamentary Estate; and Chairman of Committees (Senior Deputy that the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod attending Speaker) this House do communicate this Order to the Commissioner. 4.58 pm Moved by Baroness Evans of Bowes Park Members of the House That the noble Lord, Lord McFall of Alcluith, be appointed as Chairman of Committees (to be It was ordered that a list of Members of the House, known as Senior Deputy Speaker) for this Session. prepared by the Clerk of the Parliaments, be printed. Motion agreed nemine dissentiente. Hereditary Peers: By-elections Principal Deputy Chairman of Committees (Chairman of the European Union The Clerk of the Parliaments laid before the House, in Committee) accordance with Standing Order 10(5), a register of Moved by Baroness Evans of Bowes Park hereditary peers (other than peers of Ireland) who wish to stand in any by-election for membership of the House That the noble Lord, Lord Boswell of Aynho, be held in accordance with section 2(4) of the House of appointed Principal Deputy Chairman of Committees Lords Act 1999; it was ordered that the register be (to be known as Chairman of the European Union published. Committee) for this Session. Motion agreed nemine dissentiente. House adjourned at 5 pm.