Equality Bill

My Lords, I would like to make it clear that we support these amendments and the changes to the law that they would effect, but I will keep my remarks brief because we have little time in which to finish a large number of groups. This is, however, not the most appropriate time to get into discussions about Protocol 7, because there are wider issues to be addressed which deserve significant scrutiny. This is a debate for another time, and perhaps the Minister might be able to inform your Lordships when an appropriate time might be. In her Second Reading speech, she made reference to the fact that the Government would continue to seek a suitable legislative vehicle for these changes. Has she found such a vehicle yet? If so, can she give us a brief steer as to what vehicle is going to be used? Furthermore, can she confirm whether Amendment 129ZA is in fact necessary? The Question for Written Answer of the noble Lord, Lord Lester of Herne Hill, about what legislative changes would need to be made to enable the UK to ratify Protocol 7 was answered by the late Lord Williams of Mostyn, who said that the common law presumption of ““advancement”” would have to be altered. I am informed that the judgment of the House of Lords in the Stack and Dowden case has already changed the law in this respect. Am I correct in that assumption? If so, we recognise the good intentions of these amendments but regret that it may be that the noble Lord, Lord Lester of Herne Hill—I am nervous about ever saying this—is mistaken about the legal changes. However, where the noble Lord is concerned, I always stand to be corrected.