A Scottish Labour peer has issued an apology after making a controversial remark in the House of Lords. George Foulkes found himself in a dispute over speaking order during a debate on a Tuesday afternoon session. The incident occurred when Viscount Stansgate, the son of former Labour MP Tony Benn, rose to speak, and a bishop in the chamber also stood up, implying it was their turn to speak. Despite calls from Tory Lords for the bishops to have a chance to speak, Foulkes insisted it was Labour’s turn, dismissing the bishop by saying, “To hell with the bishop.” This comment caused a stir in the chamber, with audible groans heard.
Following the debate, Foulkes publicly apologized in the chamber for his remark. He expressed regret, stating, “My Lords, during the second Oral Question, I made a comment regarding giving priority to Bishops at Question Time. I sincerely apologise for any offence or upset that has caused, particularly to the Bishops.” Foulkes, a former Labour MP and MSP, has a history of political service, representing Carrick, Cumnock, and Doon Valley as an MP from 1979 to 2005, and later serving as a Lothians MSP from 2007 to 2011.
The incident has brought attention to Labour’s plans to eliminate hereditary peers in the House of Lords. This move would prevent peers from inheriting their place in the chamber based on family ties. Some Conservative members have argued that hereditary peers hold more relevance in the Lords than Church of England bishops, of which there are currently 26 in the chamber.
Overall, Lord Foulkes’ comment and subsequent apology have raised discussions about respect and protocol within the House of Lords. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining decorum and civility in parliamentary debates and proceedings.