ROLE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN GOING TO WAR

Early day motion 2821, tabled 20 October 2006 by Neil Gerrard (Labour). Signed by 136 members.

That this House notes the recommendations of the Fifteenth Report of the House of Lords Select Committee on the Constitution regarding the role of Parliament in going to war and the need to seek parliamentary approval; further notes that a similar view has been expressed by organisations concerned with democracy such as Unlock Democracy (a joint initiative by Charter 88 and the New Politics Network) as well as by the House of Commons Public Administration Committee and by the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, the right hon. Member for Witney and the right hon. Member for North East Fife; and calls on the Government and Opposition Parties to support these recommendations by all backing new Standing Orders for this House, or some other appropriate mechanism, to give effect to them.

Signatures by party: Labour 72, Liberal Democrat 40, Conservative 12, Scottish National Party 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Independent 2, Independent Labour 1, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.