Early Parliamentary General Election Bill

Lord Clarke of Nottingham Excerpts

2nd reading: House of Commons
Tuesday 29th October 2019 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

My hon. Friend is entirely right and he speaks for his constituency; they want to deliver Brexit, he wants to deliver Brexit, but Opposition Members just want to spin it out forever, until the 12th of never. When the 12th of never eventually comes around, they will devise one of their complicated parliamentary procedures and move a motion for a further delay and a further extension. I have to say that this delay is becoming seriously damaging to the national interest, because families cannot plan and businesses cannot plan. Not only is the climate of uncertainty corroding trust in politics, but it is beginning to hold everybody back from making vital everyday decisions that are important for the health of our economy—decisions on buying new homes, hiring new staff and making new investments. The performance of the UK economy is, frankly, miraculous, given the stasis here in Parliament.

[Mr Kenneth Clarke (Rushcliffe) (Ind)]

rose—

[The Prime Minister]

That is why I hope that so many of our colleagues will support this Bill today, including the Father of the House, for whom I have the highest respect.

[Mr Clarke]

My right hon. Friend was one of those who delayed Brexit in March by voting against departure then on the deal that had then been negotiated. He did get a majority of 30 for his deal in principle last week, and if the subsequent time of this House had been devoted to the Committee and Report stage of the House, following the ordinary principles of government, we would be well on our way to leaving in the middle of November. I respectfully say to my right hon. Friend: can he find a slightly better basis for fighting this election when we get to the campaign in due course?

[The Prime Minister]

I am afraid that my right hon. and learned Friend is in error; I voted for the withdrawal Bill. I hope that he will vote for this Bill today to get Brexit done.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Clarke]

indicated assent.

[The Prime Minister]

I take his nod as assent to that proposition, because that is the way—