Derek McDowell (Labour)

I am happy to be associated with the expression of thanks to the Minister. I said earlier that we had one major lesson to learn from the most recent referendum campaign and the experience of last year – the people and their support cannot be taken for granted. That is right. It also shows that there is room for idealism. I have always believed, as I have said a number of times in this House and elsewhere, that the major project of our generation is to ensure the war and divisions in equality and poverty which characterised the last century do not characterise this one. When those arguments are powerfully and cogently made, more than enough people are willing to give it a good audience and vote accordingly by endorsing the project.

This is another one of those nuts and bolts days where we make our little contribution towards that greater project.

Question put and agreed to.

Sitting suspended at 3.23 p.m. and resumed at 5 p.m.