Crime and Courts Bill [Lords] (Programme) ((No. 3)

Nigel Evans Excerpts

Monday 18th March 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Llwyd]

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for making that point, with which I agree fully.

The Executive are overriding completely the will of this place. The matters that we are not able to discuss are not minor ones; they are vital matters that concern people out there. They are not matters for the twittering classes of Westminster alone; they are vital matters that affect ordinary citizens up and down the UK. For example, we are dealing with automatic deportation and ensuring convention rights. We cannot be expected to run through such vital issues in a matter of minutes. I find the whole thing utterly unacceptable.

I was in Parliament in 1992 when the then Conservative Government thought better of such practices and provided time for debates to take place. Very rarely were debates truncated in this way. It is utterly unacceptable and I am sure that people outside this place will see that. We took a step forward this afternoon, but we are taking a major step back this evening.

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans)]

I call Mark Garnier—or even Edward.

[Sir Edward Garnier (Harborough) (Con)]

It is always great to be a legend in one’s own—whatever the saying is.

The Government’s response to the amendment is unwise and intolerable.

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

I will keep taking the tablets, Sir Edward.

[Mr Winnick]

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Would it not be appropriate for the Leader of the House to show respect for the views that have been expressed in the past 15 minutes and at least come to the Dispatch Box and make some comments? He is just sitting there grinning and showing indifference. What sort of respect does that show for the views of the House of Commons?

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

Clearly, that is not a matter for the Chair.

Question put, That the amendment be made.