Business of the House (Today)

Pete Wishart Excerpts

Monday 10th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD)]

From time to time during my career here, the procedures of the House have stood in the way of its intention. Often on these occasions, the matters have been resolved on the basis of, I suppose, allowing a more mature consideration, and with the Treasury Bench seeking the opportunity to take with it all the disparate opinions within the House, making it clear that nothing is being done that thwarts the will of the House to discuss a matter of such significance as the one under consideration today. Would it not therefore be appropriate for the Treasury Bench to take the opportunity of having more mature consideration and to withdraw this motion, proposing instead one that would meet the aspirations of those who either support or oppose—

[Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP)]

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give way?

[Sir Menzies Campbell]

I cannot give way.

[Pete Wishart]

rose—

[Sir Menzies Campbell]

I am not an expert on procedure, Mr Speaker, but I understand what is happening here.

--- Later in debate ---

[Sir Menzies Campbell]

We learn something new every day, Mr Speaker.

[Pete Wishart]

I am grateful to the right hon. and learned Gentleman. He can have his way: all he needs to do is to encourage his fellow Liberal Members to vote against the business motion. If it is defeated, the Government will have to go away, think again and present something sensible so that we can all debate what we want to debate. He should get the Liberals to vote against the business motion.

--- Later in debate ---

[Kevin Barron (Rother Valley) (Lab)]

In my 31 years in this Chamber I have never seen the nonsense we have got this afternoon ever happen under any Government. If it is without precedent, Mr Speaker, could we perhaps retire for half an hour or so, so the Government can put down a motion that is intelligible and that they could understand as well, so we can make a decision in a meaningful and proper way?

[Pete Wishart]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. It is quite clear that the Government Whips and those on the Treasury Bench have concocted some sort of conclusion to this utter shambles. May we not hear, right now, from the Home Secretary, the Justice Secretary or the Chief Whip? Let us get this over and done with. For goodness’ sake, there are people watching this who will be appalled at what is going on in the House. Put an end to it now!

[Mr Speaker]

I understand what people are saying, but procedure does allow other colleagues to speak and I do not want to deprive them of that opportunity if they still wish to contribute.