Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Bill [HL]

House of Lords, 8 February 2010.

Third Reading

Baroness Northover (Liberal Democrat)

My Lords, we on these Benches are absolutely delighted that this Bill has now been agreed in this House; we hope that it will speed its way through the other place. A number of noble Lords in this House have played a key role in getting to this point-not least the noble Lords, Lord Dubs and Lord Elton, and also my late lamented friend Lord Garden.

Cluster bombs are an appalling danger to civilians. They have no place in modern warfare and should be put beyond use. I am very glad that we have been able to play our part in ensuring that the UK can take a leading role in this regard.

Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative)

My Lords, from this side I endorse the remarks already made. We think this is an excellent Bill, and we are glad that it is about to pass.

Lord Dubs (Labour)

My Lords, I am delighted that we have got this far with the Bill. I hope the Commons will get a move on and pass it into law. There are children and people the world over who will be safer now as a result of this ban. It is a good news day for all of us.

Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead (Labour)

My Lords, I thank noble Lords for their comments. As the noble Lord, Lord Dubs, has said, we hope very much that this cluster munitions legislation will move swiftly through the Commons and that we will see the results it will bring for the many thousands of people across the world who will be safer because of it.

Bill passed and sent to the Commons.