Royal Marriages and Succession to the Crown (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill

Part of Prayers – in the House of Commons at 9:49 am on 27 March 2009.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Evan Harris Evan Harris Shadow Science Minister 9:49, 27 March 2009

Exactly. Hon. Members have been dealing with the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill through the night. The list of repeals and amendments in that, and in the Coroners and Justice Bill, is massive compared with what is, in angling terms, a tiddler of a Bill—even though its amendments are very important.

The case is clear. The Bill is a competent vehicle to make the changes and it is the Government's last opportunity in this parliamentary term to achieve what they say they want to do. They have not shown me any barrier to doing it, and I would like to make the Secretary of State an offer. I will have a wager with him: if he is able to make the changes, even without the Bill, in this parliamentary term, I will provide a week's MP's salary to a charity of his choice in Blackburn—and, indeed, to a charity in Dewsbury.