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Identity Cards Bill

With this we may discuss Lords amendments Nos. 22N and 22O. These amendments were tabled in the other place by Lord Armstrong of Ilminster. They were accepted by my right hon. and noble Friend Baroness Scotland on behalf of the Government and passed by an overwhelming majority of 227. They were also supported by Conservative Front Benchers, although I am not sure that the right hon. Member for Haltemprice and Howden (David Davis) agreed with their decision. In fact, there are many rumours about his chagrin, which are no doubt exaggerated, but I am sure that with his characteristic statesmanship he will be able to put the House straight on any of his personal concerns. I note that Lord Armstrong’s proposals were not supported by the Liberal Democrats in the other place, who sought to take yet another opportunity to do whatever they could to destroy them. I sometimes think that it is a little sad that the greatest achievement in the Liberal Democrats’ history—the Parliament Act 1911—is being so betrayed by the Liberal Democrats who are currently in Parliament.