WILKES AND LIBERTY

Early day motion 1763, tabled 15 October 2003 by Lord Stratford (Labour). Signed by 57 members.

That this House notes that 17th October marks the anniversary of the birth of the great radical John Wilkes MP; pays tribute to the role of Mr Wilkes in the campaigns to secure the right of fully elected Members to take their seats, to report parliamentary debates in the press, to extend the franchise, to establish religious freedom, to abolish general warrants and to pave the way for parliamentary reform; further notes his support for the American War of Independence; and is ready to echo the cry 'Wilkes and Liberty' in memory of one of the 18th Century's most colourful and outstanding politicians.

Signatures by party: Labour 40, Liberal Democrat 8, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Conservative 2.