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Equitable Life

I strongly agree, and that is why it is especially important that we consider seriously all the contributions made during the debate. In summary, I want to speak about three matters—the motion before us, the Government’s pattern of behaviour over recent months and years, and how we might go forward. First, hon. Members who have not had the opportunity to study the motion in detail will see that it is almost word for word the same as early-day motion 1423. It has been updated to reflect developments with the addition of a small clause that does not materially affect the direction of the motion or, I hope, anybody’s willingness to support it. Early-day motion 1423 was signed by 336 Members of this House. Given that Ministers on the whole do not sign such motions, that shows that a very high proportion of hon. Members felt able to sign this one. In addition, the total of signatories includes 113 Labour Members, many of whom have spoken in the debate. Therefore, I do not take the view expressed by some Labour MPs that this is a partisan, party-political topic. The debate is about the integrity of the ombudsman and the material well-being of many hundreds of our constituents. I see it as an opportunity for MPs of all parties to follow through with their convictions and vote for the motion.