Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Cabinet Office
Tuesday 15th February 2011

(13 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Mark Harper Portrait Mr Harper
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

No, I think that the decision should ultimately be made by the elected House, which is why I will ask hon. Members on both sides of the House to disagree with the Lords amendment. I hope, following the logic of my hon. Friend’s argument, that he will support the Government in the Lobby.

Lord Jackson of Peterborough Portrait Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con)
- Hansard - -

Does the Minister acknowledge, as we are facing a considerable and potentially irreversible constitutional change, that a precedent has been set by the Scotland Act 1978, which made provision for a turnout threshold? That was among the reasons why the then Labour Government subsequently foundered, following the withdrawal of support by the Scottish National party. So a precedent has already been set for a turnout threshold.