PARDON FOR ALAN TURING

Early day motion 1200, tabled 18 March 2014 by John Leech (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 28 members.

That this House welcomes the long overdue pardon of Alan Turing, the man revered for his vital contribution to Britain's war effort by inventing the machine that broke the Enigma code and who received a criminal conviction for having a sexual relationship with another man; deplores the fact he was forced to take oestrogen therapy or be sent to prison if he did not comply; expresses sorrow that he went on to take his own life as a result; further notes that there were 75,895 other gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people who were unfairly convicted for similar offences; and calls on the Government to ensure that they too receive pardons.

Signatures by party: Labour 14, Liberal Democrat 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Alliance 1, Green 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1.