Catalan Independence Referendum
Debate between Adrian Bailey and Hugh Gaffney(7 years, 1 month ago)
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Hugh Gaffney (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (Lab)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for securing this debate. I am going to speak very briefly. The events we have seen over recent days and weeks are essentially state-sanctioned police brutality and abuse. There cannot be any tolerance or space for that in Europe—or any other part of the world, for that matter. We saw young people, women, older people—innocent, well-mannered Spaniards—abused, bloodied and attacked for having their say and expressing their views. I welcome the exercise of democracy, and I will always defend people’s right to vote and play their part in the democratic process.
Mr Adrian Bailey (in the Chair)
Order. The hon. Gentleman can make an intervention, but not a speech.
Hugh Gaffney
I fully support this debate. I personally do not believe in independence, but I believe in democracy. Last week, we saw disgraceful scenes, and we should have condemned them earlier than we did. I will finish on this point. I have tabled early-day motion 333, and I hope hon. Members will support it.
Mr Adrian Bailey (in the Chair)
Order. That was a mini-speech. The hon. Gentleman has the right to make an intervention if the speaker is prepared to give way, but he does not have the right to make a speech.