Maiden speeches in Lords
1 July 2010
Four new Members made their maiden speeches in the House of Lords on Thursday 1 July in debates on local communities and foreign policy.
The Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, Bishop of Derby, Lord Knight of Weymouth and Lord McAvoy made contributions in a debate about Government proposals to devolve power to local communities.
- Video and audio: Watch the debate on local communities
- Lords Hansard: Read a transcript of the local communities debate
Baroness Hanham, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government responded on behalf of the Government.
Lord Maples, former Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, made his first speech in a debate on UK foreign policy objectives.
- Video and audio: Watch the debate on UK foreign policy
- Lords Hansard: Read a transcript of the UK foreign policy debate
Lord Howell of Guildford, Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office responded on behalf of the Government.
Further information
The term ‘maiden speech’ refers to the first time a new Member gives a speech in the House of the Lords. A maiden speech usually takes place during a general debate and is uncontroversial.