Today’s Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Today’s Business of the House

Jonathan Reynolds Excerpts
Thursday 26th March 2015

(9 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Hague of Richmond Portrait Mr Hague
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I agree with my hon. Friend that it can been seen in that light: the institution of a secret ballot would be an important strengthening—I will come on to this during the debate—of our parliamentary democracy. I noted earlier that there are Members, particularly Opposition Members, who feel constrained in expressing their views on this question, and indeed, have stayed silent during these exchanges. That is their right, but they do have a fear of expressing their views on this issue, as is very clear from this discussion.

Jonathan Reynolds Portrait Jonathan Reynolds (Stalybridge and Hyde) (Lab/Co-op)
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It pains me to say that the Leader of the House has today betrayed the House. May I simply ask him: when did he first make the decision to bring forward this matter for a vote today?

Lord Hague of Richmond Portrait Mr Hague
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The Government decided, when it became clear that there would be no further Lords amendments yesterday afternoon, to bring it before the House.