The decision in favour of going to war was made with Conservative support. In the end, we are accountable not to the Whips. Clearly, we have a party system, and we are elected as party politicians, which I understand. By and large, on most things, we are guided by the Whips, but on some matters of fundamental principle, such as giving further powers to the EU or going to war, we must say, ““What I believe and what I believe my electorate want is more important even than what the Whips advise.”” I hesitate to say that while my Front-Bench colleagues are listening, but in the end, we must occasionally take a stand.
European Union Bill
Proceeding contribution from
Kelvin Hopkins
(Labour)
in the House of Commons on Monday, 24 January 2011.
It occurred during Debate on bills
and
Committee of the Whole House (HC) on European Union Bill.
About this proceeding contribution
Reference
522 c89 Session
2010-12Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamberSubjects
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