Racial and Religious Hatred Bill

My Lords, before the Minster sits down I would like to thank her for her statement and for the widespread consultation she has initiated and which she has indicated will continue. We on these Benches have some sympathy with the Government’s position that there is a closer relationship between racial hatred and religious hatred than many people recognise. They are both issues of identity; they are not simply matters of choice. Nevertheless, as we argued—particularly on Second Reading—more robust exchange is allowed about religion than is appropriate to the subject of people’s racial heritage and background. I am glad that the Government are going to keep those elements separate. Unfortunately, the amendment tabled in the name of the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Southwell and myself was not properly debated in Committee. It overlapped substantially with the amendment tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Lester, but we kept in the words ““abusing”” and ““insulting””. I will therefore look with particular care at what the Government eventually come up with in this matter. Clearly, we are all united about having adequate provision for freedom of expression at all times. We on these Benches are particularly concerned about the likelihood limb. We will carefully scrutinise what the Government come up with. I hope that the Government will respond to the noble Lord, Lord Lester, and that we can get an agreement and a compromise on this matter before Third Reading.