UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union

Bob Seely Excerpts

Wednesday 13th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Oh, very well—very briefly. [Interruption.] May I politely suggest that it might be advisable—

[Mr Bob Seely (Isle of Wight) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

I will take one who has signalled to me, the hon. Member for Wakefield, and then let us hear the statement by the Leader of the House. If there are then further points of order, I can take them afterwards.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

Yes, all right. The hon. Member for Airdrie and Shotts (Neil Gray) does not need to put up his hand as though he is in a classroom. It is not necessary.

[Mr Seely]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Does the will of the House trump the will of the people?

[Mr Speaker]

That is a very interesting philosophical question, and I am sure that the hon. Gentleman has focused on it. This House operates in accordance with its own procedures, including, importantly, with its Standing Orders. It is not for me to seek to interpret the will of the people. The hon. Gentleman is a most dedicated public servant who has now been in the House for a little over 18 months, and he may well feel that he is very close to his people—I do not say that in any pejorative spirit, but he may well feel he is—and that he is deeply attuned to the will of the people. I do not claim that I am, and it is not for the Speaker to be. It is for the Speaker to seek to facilitate the will of the legislature.