European Union (Referendum) Bill

Jacob Rees-Mogg Excerpts

Friday 8th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

We shall shortly begin with new clause 1, but not before I have heard the point of order from Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg.

[Jacob Rees-Mogg]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. It is stated clearly in “Erskine May” that the vote must go with the voice. Many hon. Members shouted Aye; none voted in favour. Will you investigate the question of whether any Members who shouted Aye then voted No?

[Mr Speaker]

I am extremely grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his point of order and I respect the spirit in which he has raised it. My understanding of the situation is that a Member who shouts Aye must not then vote in the contrary direction, or vice versa. I do not think, although I entirely respect the spirit of the hon. Gentleman’s point, that it reflects in this case because a Member is not obliged to vote simply because he or she has shouted. What he or she must not do is shout one way and vote the other. But the point that the hon. Gentleman has raised is an important one, and I thank him for raising it.