In response to Mountbatten's words and realising the quick need to show solidarity with the Prime Minister to dispel any opposition, Lord Canning rose to his feet to be the first to greet and welcome back Bayliss to the House.
"My Lord Speaker, I wish to extend my hand of welcome to Lord Bayliss. Whilst I, like many in this House, remember with great shame the last days of his Lordship in this House before his long exile, it is nonetheless true that the loss to this nation of any of its noble Lords is always a cause for regret, however much they may disgrace themselves. In the present times of strife that we all face, any man willing with humility and dignity to stand with us here is a sorely needed friend indeed. The time has long since come for us put old emnities aside and stand shoulder to shoulder against the common foe. For this reason, I applaud Lord Bayliss for his reformed character and I hope, should his intentions prove sincere, that one day soon he may see his lands as Baron of Coventry restored to him by the good grace of Her Majesty."
Lord Canning stepped forwards and clasped Bayliss firmly by the hand, before returning to his seat amid a brief smattering of applause and cheers of agreement from many of the Lords, though a few of the older ones remained silent looking distinctly unhappy. The portly red face of the Duke of Leeds could be seen glowering at Bayliss with a look of the deepest contept, though he was in a clear minority of those present.
Sir Stanley Nelson <span style="color:#000066">Charles Canning </span><span style="color:#000066"> Foreign Secretary</span>