Business of the House

Richard Tice Excerpts

Thursday 19th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

My hon. Friend has made some extremely valid points about our democracy and our sovereignty in this country. I see that the leader of the Reform party is in his place—

[Richard Tice (Boston and Skegness) (Reform)]

Deputy leader.

[Lucy Powell]

I am sorry—the deputy leader. He gave up his leadership role to someone else at some point, I recall. Anyway, the deputy leader.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

I think I now have to go to Richard Tice!

[Richard Tice]

Thank you, Mr Speaker—as the deputy leader of Reform UK.

Along with, I think, millions of other British citizens, I was shocked to read the exposé in The Times that Britain has become the “western capital” for the use of sharia courts. May we have a debate on this issue in the new year? In my view, the use of sharia courts to make unofficial rulings about marriages, divorces and family life has no place in the United Kingdom.

[Lucy Powell]

I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his place. I am sure that his leader is somewhere far more important, perhaps in a studio or abroad, getting an airing. I hear what he has had to say, and I am sure we all agree that the courts that are recognised in this country are UK, British and English courts, which is entirely right.