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Proceeding contribution from Brian Binley (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Thursday, 10 February 2011. It occurred during Backbench debate on Voting by Prisoners.


Voting by Prisoners

I agree with the hon. Member for Glasgow South (Mr Harris), who is no longer in his place—[Interruption.] Ah, there he is. I agree with many of the words he spoke. I also agree with the hon. Member for Glasgow South West (Mr Davidson)who said that we had heard a lot from lawyers. They indeed play an important role—dare I say it, some might say too important a role—in this House. Many of my friends are lawyers, so I would not go there. It is ironic, however, that the problem we are debating today can be placed at the very door of lawyers. I feel that sometimes they ought to take responsibility for such problems; they are the people who we need to solve them, yet it is they who have left us with a massive issue about sovereignty. We need to reflect on it and ensure that this House—and, frankly, not the lawyers—take the decisions. I also find it ironic that constitutionalists are split on this issue. I shall mention just two—because they suit my case. The first authority I shall quote is not considered to be a raging Tory. Indeed—


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
523 c567-8 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Compensation Human rights Judgements European Court of Human Rights Prisoners Voting rights
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk