Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 10:55 am on 24 October 2025.
Lord Watson of Wyre Forest
Labour
10:55,
24 October 2025
My Lords, this has been a good-natured, thoughtful and very convivial debate. I am grateful for all contributions made today.
The noble Baroness, Lady Monckton of Dallington Forest, and the noble Lord, Lord Bailey, made very thoughtful contributions about wider policies that could be adopted to support the hospitality sector. I am sure that the front bench heard that. Many of their contributions, I hope, will be considered in the other place when it comes to the Budget and policy ahead. I have one small piece of advice for the noble Baroness, Lady Monckton, on the opening of her pub, from my limited experience of running bars, clubs and festivals. Of the 69 million people who live in this country, the last person she should take advice from on how to change a light bulb is Jeremy Clarkson.
I should have known that the genesis of this Bill was in the mind of the noble Lord, Lord Hayward, because it is clear, proportionate and practical. I am grateful for his support today in a way that I was not grateful for the convincing arguments he made to the Electoral Commission for the removal of Greets Green and Lyng ward from my Constituency in the boundary changes. That was a very important part of my life. None the less, I am grateful to him and to both Front Benches.
Bill read a second time and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.
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