ROLE OF HOUSE OF COMMONS IN GOING TO WAR

Early day motion 410, tabled 5 December 2006 by Baroness Clark of Kilwinning (Labour). Signed by 72 members.

That this House notes that the Prime Minister under the Royal Prerogative does not have to consult Parliament before committing UK forces into armed conflict; believes that the Royal Prerogative is an outdated concept in the 21st century; further believes that the approval of Parliament should be sought when committing UK troops in armed conflict; further notes that 83 per cent. of the people surveyed in the 2004 State of the Nation Poll support the Prime Minister seeking parliamentary approval before committing the UK to war; and calls upon the Government to bring forward legislation to ensure that Parliament is consulted on any decision to commit UK forces into armed conflict rather than by use of the Royal Prerogative.

Signatures by party: Labour 49, Liberal Democrat 14, Conservative 3, Independent 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.