Recall of MPs Bill Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Recall of MPs Bill

Gordon Banks Excerpts
Monday 27th October 2014

(9 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park Portrait Zac Goldsmith
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This is a point of difference. I do not believe that voters will attempt to recall—and they certainly would not succeed in recalling—anyone who is not a bad apple. I do not believe that voters will remove people over a policy difference. I made that point earlier. The question comes down to whether or not the hon. Gentleman trusts the voters. It is as simple as that. I cannot guarantee that frivolous attempts will not be made—of course I cannot—any more than I can guarantee what will happen in his seat or anyone else’s at the next election. Democracy is unpredictable, but ultimately I have confidence that voters will make the right decision.

Gordon Banks Portrait Gordon Banks (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Lab)
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The hon. Gentleman has talked about many technical points, so may I offer him a technical point? Would it not add to the level of democracy if the names and addresses of everybody among the 5% or 20% were made available to the public, just as a marked register is made available after an election, so that everybody could see who they were?