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Proceeding contribution from Nicholas Dakin (Labour) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 16 November 2010. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee of the Whole House (HC) on Fixed-term Parliaments Bill.


Fixed-term Parliaments Bill

My hon. Friend is making an eloquent and forceful argument, drawing on the arguments that we have heard before. She is saying very well that there is consensus in this House about fixed-term Parliaments, but that constitutional change should be undertaken very carefully to ensure that it creates a settlement that is sustainable and stable. Separating national elections from UK elections is an important part of that, because it makes for a crisper, more certain mandate from the people whom we have a duty to serve. When the people are going to the polls for the Assembly or the parliamentary elections, they should be clear that those are the prime elections to focus on. When there is a UK election, they can focus on that. For that reason, four-yearly terms would be much better at this time.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
518 c831-2 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Devolved matters Administration Legislatures General elections Fixed-term parliaments Dissolution Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Assembly National Assembly for Wales Parliament Scotland Wales Scottish Parliament
Legislation
Fixed-term Parliaments Bill 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk