Clause 2 — Early parliamentary general elections

Part of Fixed-Term Parliaments Bill (Programme) (No. 2) – in the House of Commons at 4:30 pm on 24 November 2010.

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Photo of Christopher Chope Christopher Chope Conservative, Christchurch 4:30, 24 November 2010

Absolutely, Mr Hoyle. I am sorry, but the right hon. Member for Blackburn, who is a former Home Secretary and holder of many other important national offices, drew me down that road of speculation.

To sum up, the Government have a motive to cover either outcome of the AV referendum. It suits both parties in the coalition to prevent an early general election, which is why they want a fixed-term Parliament-they want to assure themselves of a longer period in office. I say only this: good luck to them, but they should not expect me to vote for the Bill tonight.