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Proceeding contribution from Vera Baird (Labour) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 18 January 2006. It occurred during Adjournment debate on First World War Soldiers (Pardons).


First World War Soldiers (Pardons)

I echo what the hon. Member for Kettering (Mr. Hollobone) said about the measured way in which the hon. Member for Mid-Norfolk (Mr. Simpson) is presenting the debate; the broad sweep of the historian is present, and I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on securing the debate and on the way in which he is conducting it. Before he moves on to recent events, may I raise the question of the case for an overall pardon, for which there has been strong lobbying? Both hon. Gentlemen have made the point that there may be distinctions to be drawn between individuals. Would there be any real reason why the statutory body, the Criminal Cases Review Commission, as an expert body that regularly refers cases back to the Court of Appeal and, equally, refuses many, should not be asked to look at all the files and to come to a view? Would that be better than the Secretary of State doing so?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
441 c244WH 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
Subjects
Army Capital punishment Prerogative of mercy Military law World War I
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk