Private Members’ Bills

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 5:25 pm on 18 September 2023.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Edward Leigh Edward Leigh Conservative, Gainsborough 5:25, 18 September 2023

My hon. Friend has done a service to the House, because I suspect that the Government just did not like the idea of an independent-minded hon. Member being able to produce and debate 17 Bills. What is the harm of that? The fact is that these time-honoured processes are there for a purpose. They are designed to protect Back Benchers, who have very few other rights. From this saga, the Government should learn a lesson not to interfere with what we have always done in this House. These processes are designed to ensure that Back Benchers are given a voice.