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Lord Kirkhope

Lord Kirkhope

@LordKirkhope

Approving the new Chinese Embassy is not a show of weakness but an acceptance of reality
Foreign affairs
By Lord Kirkhope
Approving the new Chinese Embassy is not a show of weakness but an acceptance of reality
The government’s decision to grant planning permission for China’s proposed new embassy at Royal Mint Court, near the Tower of London, will no doubt prompt strong reactions.
We cannot afford to miss this opportunity for a deal with Europe
Foreign affairs
By Lord Kirkhope
We cannot afford to miss this opportunity for a deal with Europe
After years of drift in UK–EU relations, there is now a clear opportunity to put substance behind our shared security interests.
The future of the Conservative Party depends on embracing moderation
Home affairs
By Lord Kirkhope
The future of the Conservative Party depends on embracing moderation
Four Conservative leadership candidates remain. Soon, MPs will reduce that list to just two for the wider party membership to vote on.
The House of Lords deserves some respect
Parliament
By Lord Kirkhope
The House of Lords deserves some respect
When discussing the future of the House of Lords, it is imperative that we begin by examining the Upper Chamber’s role, function, and its relationship with the House of Commons.
Lords Diary – Lord Kirkhope
Home affairs
By Lord Kirkhope
Lords Diary – Lord Kirkhope
From Conservative infighting over Rwanda to chairing webinars on AI regulation and UK-EU co-operation
Leaving the ECHR now would be unwise
Home affairs
By Lord Kirkhope
Leaving the ECHR now would be unwise
In a landmark decision just after 10am on November 15, the United Kingdom Supreme Court delivered its verdict on the government’s plan to send refugees to Rwanda.
A less combative approach is needed to tackle illegal migration
Home affairs
By Lord Kirkhope
A less combative approach is needed to tackle illegal migration
In January, the Prime Minister unveiled his five pledges: halve inflation this year, grow the economy, reduce national debt, tackle NHS waiting lists, and “stop the boats”. Rishi Sunak has my full support as he pursues these goals, but if I were in government, I would achieve some in a slightly different manner.
Illegal Migration Bill undermines the rule of law and criminalises innocent victims
Home affairs
By Lord Kirkhope
Illegal Migration Bill undermines the rule of law and criminalises innocent victims
Whilst I recognise the need to “stop the boats” and believe the Prime Minister is right to consider it a priority of the government, as a former immigration minister, spokesperson in the European Parliament and lawyer, I have significant concerns about the Illegal Migration Bill.
Lords Diary: Lord Kirkhope
Home affairs
By Lord Kirkhope
Lords Diary: Lord Kirkhope
I remember watching Her late Majesty’s coronation as a child in 1953, in front of a 17-inch black and white television screen. That was a new chapter in our nation’s history, and I feel optimistic as we celebrate the start of this new Carolean age
The Retained EU Law Bill will give ministers a blank cheque to bypass Parliament
Brexit
By Lord Kirkhope
The Retained EU Law Bill will give ministers a blank cheque to bypass Parliament
The government’s Retained EU Law Bill will be debated today in the House of Lords and I anticipate it being met with opposition from across our House.
Investment zones can work – but only if we follow the success of Thatcher’s model
Communities
By Lord Kirkhope
Investment zones can work – but only if we follow the success of Thatcher’s model
As a Member of Parliament during Margaret Thatcher’s premiership, listening to the new Chancellor’s mini-Budget I was struck by how many of the new announcements were, in fact, not new.
We must ditch Brexit plan to diverge from EU data protection regulations
Home affairs
By Lord Kirkhope
We must ditch Brexit plan to diverge from EU data protection regulations
Under Boris Johnson, the government has been seeking to diverge with the European Union on data protection regulations and, as non-EU member, we legally can do this.
Proposals to offshore asylum seekers to Rwanda are simply unacceptable
Home affairs
By Lord Kirkhope
Proposals to offshore asylum seekers to Rwanda are simply unacceptable
As a former United Kingdom immigration minister, I have always held the view that a primary responsibility of any government should be to keep the people safe from internal and external threats.