Member

Briefly on Amendments 35, 44 and 57, around the interpretation of “reasonable excuse”, in our view courts should interpret “reasonable excuse” in terms of the words in the Bill and using normal rules of interpretation—no more, no less. It is not necessary to expand those rules of interpretation. I was also very taken with the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Faulks, because we will open up huge complications and complexity if we are to ask judges to direct juries on how to apply “reasonable excuse” above and beyond normal rules of interpretation and with regard to international agreements.