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Written Question
Sinn Fein
Tuesday 8th July 2014

Asked by: David Simpson (Democratic Unionist Party - Upper Bann)

Question to the Leader of the House:

To ask the Leader of the House, what his policy is on hon. Members of the Sinn Fein Party formally taking their seat in the House.

Answered by Lord Lansley

The Government's view is that all Members elected to Westminster should take their seats.

However, whether or not elected members choose to participate fully in the business of the House of Commons once elected is a decision for MPs themselves.

While the Government is of the view that their constituents would be more fully represented if Sinn Féin MPs participated in all aspects of business at Westminster, it is a matter for the electorate if they choose to vote for candidates who have expressed an alternative view.

Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 29 Jan 2013
Political Party Funding

"Does my hon. Friend agree that Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein, has clearly stated that there will never be any circumstance under which Sinn Fein MPs will take their seats in the mother of all Parliaments?..."
David Simpson - View Speech

View all David Simpson (DUP - Upper Bann) contributions to the debate on: Political Party Funding
Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 29 Jan 2013
Political Party Funding

"Does my hon. Friend agree that not only is there an inequality in this House, where all Members should be treated equally, but an inequality in the press and in the BBC today? If the Democratic Unionist party was identified as doing the things we are talking about, the press …..."
David Simpson - View Speech

View all David Simpson (DUP - Upper Bann) contributions to the debate on: Political Party Funding
Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 29 Jan 2013
Political Party Funding

"I have listened to what the Minister has said on the different points, but, as the Minister, he must accept that the situation is intolerable and needs to be addressed as soon as possible...."
David Simpson - View Speech

View all David Simpson (DUP - Upper Bann) contributions to the debate on: Political Party Funding
Speech in Westminster Hall - Tue 29 Jan 2013
Political Party Funding

"I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate. When we look at the economic situation in this country, where families have to struggle to make ends meet, a political party, over the lifetime of a Parliament, is receiving some £500,000. It does not come to this House, does not …..."
David Simpson - View Speech

View all David Simpson (DUP - Upper Bann) contributions to the debate on: Political Party Funding
Speech in Westminster Hall - Wed 30 Jun 2010
Parliamentary Allowances and Short Money

"Is my right hon. Friend aware that while other Members had to pay back money following the review of allowances, one Sinn Fein Member who claimed £18,000 last year for travelling to London, despite having come to London only once, has not had to pay back one penny?..."
David Simpson - View Speech

View all David Simpson (DUP - Upper Bann) contributions to the debate on: Parliamentary Allowances and Short Money