Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)

My Lords, I will make my usual statement before we start proceedings today. I will keep it short to enable the debate to start as soon as possible. I thank noble Lords again for their kind words and constructive discussions during the past week. I continue to do my best to strive to find ways to assist the House in its scrutiny, balancing some difficult and often opposing positions. As I set out last week, following the House’s clear indication that it wants more time to consider the Bill, I will seek to adjourn the House not at 3 pm but at around 6 pm. Noble Lords will not be surprised to hear me say that, ultimately, it remains in the hands of the House, and noble Lords may seek to adjourn earlier by moving the Motion that the House be resumed. As we did last week, we will adjourn the Committee at a convenient point around 1 pm for a 40-minute break, to give those participating a chance to eat. I hope that noble Lords will make more progress than on previous days. I trust that they will continue to debate with respect for each other’s and different views, remembering that opposing views are just as sincerely held as theirs. We do not take interventions on interventions, and all interventions are opportunities to ask a short question, not to give another speech; I have asked the Whips to intervene if that it happens. Finally, on behalf of the whole House, I place on record our thanks to the staff of the House for their usual courtesy and professionalism and the excellent service that they provide to Members, not only today but every day. With that, I think we should move to the substance of the Bill and continue our debates.