Terrorism Bill

My Lords, I owe being a Queen’s Counsel to Lord Ackner—which is a heavy responsibility. He said something of direct relevance to the Minister and what we are about to debate. It happened when we were in the Appellate Committee arguing a case called Pepper v. Hart. The Attorney-General was trying to persuade the Law Lords that what we say in this House should not be looked at by judges in interpreting dodgy legislation. Lord Ackner looked at him—I believe it was the noble and learned Lord, Lord Lyell of Markyate, who had to face this—and said, ““Mr Attorney, is the maxim, ‘think before you speak’ for Ministers incompatible with good governance?”” There was no reply.