Baroness Butler-Sloss (CB)

My Lords, for the reasons given by the noble Baronesses, Lady Finlay and the Lady Berger, I support all these amendments. Perhaps your Lordships, and particularly the Whips, will forgive me if, very briefly, I go slightly wider. I am one of the oldest Members of this House. I do not like the Bill but I am here, like other noble Lords, to try to make it work. It needs scrutiny and improvement. However, we must get it to Third Reading. If we do not, there is a very real danger that the reputation of this House, which not only I but all your Lordships care about deeply, will be irreparably eroded. This morning I listened to the “Today” programme. I agree with every word of what the noble Baroness, Lady Grey-Thompson, said, but there was a perception that we are being unreasonable. What we can do, perhaps, is not expect to be entitled, exercise self-restraint, deal with the amendments relatively briefly, and not make a point if someone has already spoken on the point you were going to make. We really must get to Third Reading. Forgive me for saying all that.