Equitable Life (Payments) Bill

Debate between Geoffrey Clifton-Brown and Stephen Timms

Tuesday 14th September 2010 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Timms]

If I remember correctly, there was a statement in January 2009 in response to the ombudsman’s report.

Precisely the people who promised the earth before the election have now decided to sell EMAG down the river. It is a breathtaking breach of trust.

[Geoffrey Clifton-Brown]

Is this not a bit rich, coming from the right hon. Gentleman, for whom I have a great deal of respect? He had 13 years in which to sort this problem out. He obfuscated the ombudsman not once but twice, and then refused to implement the ombudsman’s ruling. This whole issue could have been resolved by now. We need not have been debating it today if his Government had just got on and done it.

[Stephen Timms]

I think I am right in saying that the hon. Gentleman was one of those who signed the pledge. He will now need to work extremely hard to persuade his hon. Friends on the Front Bench to deliver what he and so many of his hon. Friends have signed up to.