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Coalition Government

My Lords, before the noble Lord twists my words, I mocked those who did one thing in another place and then come here and complain about the very behaviour in another place—it was quite specific. On reconciliation, yesterday the coalition Government were defeated on an amendment. On subsequent amendments, my noble friends and I offered meetings and reconciliation—the normal way of doing things. How were we rewarded? There was no agreement on finishing the Committee. I would love there to be a reconciliation. The noble Baroness and I, who are personally on very good terms, are very keen to find a way through this, but very soon, as the noble and learned Lord, Lord Falconer of Thoroton, said last night, the Bill will not be passed and there will not be a referendum on 5 May. That will be because the House of Lords has dragged its heels and we should think very carefully before we take that final step. I shall finish, because I have gone over time, by thanking all noble Lords who have taken part and the many noble Lords who have come in to listen during the day. It is a debate, no doubt, that we shall come back to again and again and I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Symons of Vernham Dean.