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Proceeding contribution from Austin Mitchell (Labour) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 20 October 2010. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee of the Whole House (HC) on Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill.


Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

The Liberals are in a determined rush to sign their own death warrant. I cannot judge them. I am trying to help them, because people should not sign their own death warrant while the balance of the mind is disturbed. I am trying to take power of attorney over them. The Liberal leader's constituency—Sheffield, Hallam—will be abolished under the Bill, so a winnable seat in Sheffield will go. He might have told his party, ““At this stage in the coalition, chaps, we need a futile gesture. I want you to agree to give up your seats for this Bill.”” It could be that that went on, although I do not know the internal processes of the Liberals. Some of my best friends are Liberals, but I will not speak for them. I am trying to help them by tabling amendments such as the one to which my hon. Friend referred and amendment 259, which would keep the number of MPs at 650.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
516 c1050-1 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Boundary commissions Constituency size Alternative vote Elections House of Lords House of Commons Distribution of seats General elections Northern Ireland Members National Assembly for Wales Referendums Peers Scotland Statistics Voting methods Wales Reviews
Legislation
Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk