Thursday 20th July 2017

(7 years, 5 months ago)

Westminster Hall
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Westminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.

Each debate is chaired by an MP from the Panel of Chairs, rather than the Speaker or Deputy Speaker. A Government Minister will give the final speech, and no votes may be called on the debate topic.

This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record

Tobias Ellwood Portrait Mr Ellwood
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Yes, if the hon. Gentleman will be helpful and say that he might be reconsidering.

Mike Gapes Portrait Mike Gapes (in the Chair)
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Order. I do not think that interventions necessarily have to be helpful.

Wayne David Portrait Wayne David
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I am so pleased you said that, Mr Gapes. I was not going to introduce party politics into the debate, but as the Minister has done so, I want to make it absolutely clear that the Opposition want fairness and transparency, but that we also recognise that we live in a parliamentary democracy in which the rule of law is a cornerstone. I understand the operational necessities of conflict, but it is important that we always bear that in mind.