Pairing Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office
Monday 23rd July 2018

(6 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Lidington Portrait Mr Lidington
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We all remember when my hon. Friend was seriously unwell and had to be absent from the House for a time. He, like many others in all political parties over the years, has benefited from the informal arrangements that the Whips Offices of the different parties have negotiated on pairing. In the furore over events last week, it is important that we do not lose sight of the important tool that the pairing system offers in relation to effective pastoral care for right hon. and hon. Members.

Maggie Throup Portrait Maggie Throup (Erewash) (Con)
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that we hold a unique position of privilege, that on matters of such importance as Brexit legislation our constituents therefore expect us to vote in person on their behalf whenever possible, and that just one high-profile error should not change the system we have in place?