PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL FOR PARTICIPATION IN ARMED CONFLICT

Early day motion 506, tabled 13 January 2005 by Neil Gerrard (Labour). Signed by 149 members.

That this House believes that the decision to deploy British armed forces in conflict is of the most serious nature possible; notes that this is a decision to be taken by Ministers via the Royal Prerogative and that Parliament has no right to decide on the matter or even to be consulted; notes that the Public Administration Select Committee has recommended in its report of 4th March 2004 that this situation should be ended and that Parliament should have the right to decide this matter in advance, or in cases of emergency retrospectively; commends the Armed Forces (Parliamentary Approval for Participation in Armed Conflict) Bill introduced by the honourable Member for Walthamstow, and supported by honourable members from other parties; and urges the Government to provide time for this Bill to be debated and to support the Bill.

Signatures by party: Labour 86, Liberal Democrat 36, Labour/Co-operative 8, Conservative 7, Scottish National Party 5, Plaid Cymru 4, Independent 2, UUP 1.