Business without Debate
Debate between John Spellar and Nigel Evans
John Spellar (Warley) (Lab)
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Once again, the Government Whips have blocked this measure, which is widely popular. I had hoped to not move it, as the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill promoted by the hon. Member for Crawley (Henry Smith) was due to be dealt with in Committee on Wednesday this week. Unfortunately, that was blocked—it is unclear whether by the Government, the Whips, or someone else—so how can we let the public, who really want this measure, know that there is something dodgy going on?
Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans)
I think the right hon. Member has done that in his own inimitable way.
Armenian Genocide (Recognition) Bill
Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second time.
Business without Debate
Debate between John Spellar and Nigel Evans
John Spellar (Warley) (Lab)
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. How might I convey to those outside who have taken a huge interest in the Bill that, although the House has shown support for the excellent Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill from the hon. Member for Crawley (Henry Smith), I am continuing to support the progress of this Bill to prevent the Government backsliding, as they have on previous occasions?
Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans)
The right hon. Gentleman has just skilfully done that.
Armenian Genocide (Recognition) Bill
Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second time.
Business without Debate
Debate between John Spellar and Nigel Evans
John Spellar (Warley) (Lab)
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. This Bill has overwhelming support both from the public and in this Chamber. Is there any way of getting it across to the public that the Government, having failed to produce their own promised Bill, are actually blocking this one, and to assure them that this Bill will be coming back in the next Parliament until we can get rid of this vile trade?
Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans)
I think the right hon. Gentleman has just done it.
Armenian Genocide (Recognition) Bill
Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second time.
Transparency and Consistency of Sentencing
Debate between John Spellar and Nigel Evans(12 years, 3 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab)
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Following remarks today by the United States Defence Secretary Leon Panetta that US forces in Afghanistan will step back from their lead combat role by the end of 2013, Downing street appears to have announced a similar policy for British troops at its press briefing this morning. Surely that should have been first announced to Parliament. Has Mr Speaker been approached by the Foreign Office, the Ministry of Defence or even the Prime Minister’s office saying that the Government wish to make a statement to Parliament either today or, at the very latest, on Monday?
Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans)
Thank you, Mr Spellar, for forward notice of that point of order. I have not received any information that the Prime Minister or any other Minister intends to make a statement today. Should that change, Members will be notified in the usual way.