Business of the House

Chris Bryant Excerpts

Thursday 3rd June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Sir George Young]

Short money is available to Opposition parties; it is not available to Government parties. On the more general question, we are committed to a reform of party funding, and that was announced in the Queen’s Speech.

[Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab)]

May we have a debate in Government time—a full day debate, on the Floor of the House—on human rights around the world, in which we might discuss, for instance, the problem in Russia and the Government’s change of policy in relation to Russia, which is cutting all the programmes that engage with civil society in Russia and that make it possible for people to defend their rights against a very difficult regime, in a situation where very few people have an opportunity to put forward their legitimate rights and few people have an opportunity to assemble? Will he ensure that Ministers come to that debate and explain their change of policy on Russia?

[Sir George Young]

It sounds to me an ideal question to put to Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers when that time arises.