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Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

I am grateful to my noble friend for reminding me of an unfortunate fact. We all lament the very limited perspective that still obtains at the other end on the work in this House. We often see instances of that failure to appreciate the contribution that we make. In these circumstances, the Leader of the House must take responsibility for the actions that he pursues, and I shall not attribute it to others while I have before me the noble Lord who is answerable and responsible for this legislation. I am making an obvious appeal to him that he appreciates that. We shall continue to demonstrate that and to argue the case of principle, not with filibustering but with reasoned argument on very important amendments. The noble Lord should appreciate that now is the time to breaks the log-jam. That is the point of being in government. It is the Government who have power, not the Opposition, who produce bows and arrows against the rolling tanks of government—particularly when that Government have a majority not only in the other House but, in political terms, in this House too. That is what is transforming the nature of, and the atmosphere in, this House. I am eager that we should recover our poise and sustain our reputation. I am eager that we should co-operate with each other to produce the best effects in legislation. However, this Bill and the basis on which it is being done, along with the attitude that underpins it, are the ruination of us all.