CONDUCT OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE AND LEARNED MEMBER FOR FOLKESTONE AND HYTHE AND THE KOSOVO CONFLICT

Early day motion 635A1, tabled 13 May 1999 by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative). Signed by 32 members.

leave out from 'House' to end and add 'reiterates the full and unequivocal support expressed repeatedly by both sides of the House for the armed forces in action in the Balkans; believes that, especially on such a crucial issue, it is the proper duty and responsibility of Her Majesty's Opposition to scrutinise and where necessary criticise the shortcomings of the Government's conduct; further believes that Ministers should stop asking honourable Members for a blank cheque in this respect; notes with concern the Government's failure to respond to the substantive points made by honourable Members, and by those outside the House, concerning the lack of clarity in NATO's objectives and the lack of consistency in the means employed to carry them out; and condemns the approach which responds to such questions with wild allegations which subsequently have to be withdrawn.'.

Signatures by party: Conservative 32.