Baroness Finn (Con)

My Lords, our first amendment —to insert a purpose clause—has a clear and simple aim. The Bill grants sweeping powers, many of which can be altered and wielded through secondary legislation. Our purpose clause would ensure that any Administration exercising powers under the Bill will be tied to the core purpose that we have defined: to identify and prevent fraud, to recover public funds lost through fraud and error, and to strengthen mechanisms used to reduce fraud across public services. As we begin Committee, we do so with a clear and constructive purpose. We support the principle of the Bill and share the goal of tackling fraud against the public purse. But as I said at Second Reading, support for the goal must not mean silence about the means. Our focus now must be on ensuring that the legislation is as effective, proportionate and accountable as it needs to be. Through our amendments and contributions, we aim to improve the Bill—strengthening its safeguards, clarifying its powers and ensuring proper oversight. In doing so, we hope to help shape a framework that is both robust in its fight against fraud and respectful of the principles of fairness and transparency. We look forward to working with the Government and colleagues across the Committee to achieve that outcome. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.