Early Parliamentary General Election Bill

Debate between Jess Phillips and Bob Seely

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

[Mr Seely]

Again, my right hon. Friend makes a perceptive point. It is not from lack of trying. We have had two withdrawal Bills. We have almost got to the point of a “take your pick” withdrawal Bill. We had one this summer, which Labour Members relentlessly voted against. Now many of them wish that they had not done so, because, funnily enough, they like the new withdrawal Bill even less.

[Jess Phillips]

The Prime Minister voted against it.

[Mr Seely]

He did, but then he voted for the last one. [Interruption.] Does the hon. Lady wish to intervene?

[Jess Phillips]

No, carry on Bob.

[Mr Seely]

Thank you so much.

Early Parliamentary General Election

Debate between Jess Phillips and Bob Seely

Wednesday 4th September 2019 Commons Chamber

[Jess Phillips]

I entirely agree.

I am going to speak for Brenda in Bristol, although there are plenty of Brendas in Birmingham. I do not think that we should have a general election, and I will not vote for one. I also think that we should not have a conference recess and we should not prorogue Parliament. We are currently involved in a national crisis. This is not a game. This is not some toy that we can play with.

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

Will the hon. Lady give way?

[Jess Phillips]

I am not going to give way any more. I apologise, but I have given way plenty of times already.

If we were to go out into the street and ask them, the British public would say that they think we should be in here doing our job. They think that we are away from here too often anyway. I am appalled by the Prorogation—and from now on let us call it the shutting down of Parliament, because I literally hate the word “Prorogation” and the people outside probably do not understand what we are talking about half the time. The shutting down of Parliament has essentially killed a Bill that I have worked on for two and a half years; it is something that people in this House have deeply held feelings on, and I am meant to believe that the Prime Minister is really doing this because he has a vision for the people in this country. He has a vision that comes to him every night, and it is his own face. I will vote against an election until the end of October—until this is sorted—because the British public want me here working for them, and that is what I will do.