MC Bill in the Lords

During the lengthy debates in the House of Lords on the Mental Capacity Bill (now an Act), the Minister of State for Constitutional Affairs, Baroness Ashton of Upholland, proved a veritable Scheherezade with her narrative. If any meaningful amendment had been passed the Bill might have fallen for lack of time, because the Commons (owing to the Labour Whip) would not have accepted it. With her charming and tireless exposition of the story of the Bill, she staved off that possibility and enchanted most of the Bishops and Peers.

Bishop of St. Albans, 24th March: (Hansard) I want to place on record my personal belief that this is a very reasonable Bill. It is noble and humane in its purpose and will ensure that the most vulnerable in our society, which can be and may be each one of us here today, are accorded the dignity and respect that is coterminous with being human. So I wish the Bill every success on its journey.