§ 2.57 p.m.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will reconsider their decision not to mark the bicentenary in 2001 of the creation of the United Kingdom.
§ The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)My Lords, although we have no plans at present for a formal commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the 1801 Act of Union between Great Britain and Ireland, we recognise the historic significance of that Act to the United Kingdom and, indeed, to the Republic of Ireland. Undoubtedly, we shall want to make reference to it during the course of next year. If there are proposals to mark the anniversary, we shall be interested to hear about them and shall consider whether it is appropriate to support them in any way.
§ Lord LairdMy Lords, I thank the Minister for his reply. However, does he not understand that there is a considerable amount of unease throughout the country about the Government's failure to mark in a significant way the 200th anniversary of the creation of the United Kingdom? Does he not believe that the contribution that the United Kingdom has made to world civilisation in the form of the industrial revolution, in the defence of freedom, culture and sport, and in passing on democratic values is worth 1365 celebrating specially? Will he at least confirm that the Government have no plans to spend the year 2001 apologising for the creation of the United Kingdom?
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonMy Lords, I can certainly confirm that. I can also make it absolutely clear that we are as proud of the distinguished history and traditions of this country as is the noble Lord.
§ Lord Mackay of ArdbrecknishMy Lords, if the Government are so reluctant to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the creation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, will they show the same reluctance about joining with us in 2007 to celebrate the creation of the United Kingdom, England and Scotland? Or, thanks to the devolution policies, do they believe that we shall still have a United Kingdom, given that the SNP is beating the Labour Party in the opinion polls?
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonMy Lords, I am glad to notice that the noble Lord believes that we shall still be the Government in 2007. Of course, I believe that there will be a United Kingdom in the year 2007. That has been made all the more certain by the devolution plans that we have introduced. Perhaps I can reiterate that we are as proud of the distinguished history and traditions of the Union as is everyone else in the House.