Proceeding contribution from Lord Wallace of Tankerness (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Lords on Tuesday, 1 March 2011. It occurred during Debate on bill on Fixed-term Parliaments Bill.
Fixed-term Parliaments Bill
That is not the position, because the Bill provides for a 14-day period following a vote of no confidence in which it could be seen whether another Government could be formed. That is not the same thing as going to the Palace the morning after a vote of confidence on a majority of one. If manipulation is possible under this Bill—unless the fixed terms are rigid, it is impossible to avoid—the opportunity for manipulation under a Dissolution on a simple majority of one is even greater. However, the important point is identified by the Constitution Committee: it would be seen as an abuse. That would be a matter for political debate and political comment and the electorate are the ultimate arbiters.
Secondary information
- Type
- Proceeding contribution
- Reference
- 725 c1047
- Session
- 2010-12
- Chamber / Committee
- House of Lords chamber
- Subjects
- Devolved matters Legislatures General elections Fixed-term parliaments Dissolution Northern Ireland Parliament Scotland Wales Censure motions
- Legislation
- Fixed-term Parliaments Bill 2010-12
- Link
- View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk
Librarians' tools
- Timestamp
- 2025-03-28 23:13:16 +0000
- URI
- http://data.parliament.uk/pimsdata/hansard/CONTRIBUTION_719251
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