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Political Parties and Elections Bill

I am grateful to the Minister for speaking to the government amendments and for touching on our Amendment 85, which the Government have also supported. Having heard his explanation, we accept the government amendments, which shows the value of seeking consensus and cross-party support for the various parts of the Bill. Having said that we accept the government amendments, I make it clear that I will not move my Amendments 81, 86, 92, 94, 96 and 111. However, I will take the opportunity to move Amendment 85, in my name and that of my noble friend Lord Bates, because I am buoyed up by the presence of the Minister’s name on the amendment. I shall therefore move that amendment and trust that I will have the Government’s support.