Washminster

Washminster
Washminster

Tuesday 26 February 2008

Named!

Extraordinary scenes in the House of Commons a few minutes ago. Liberal Democrat MP Ed Davey was 'named' by the Deputy Speaker - and required to leave the chamber. A few moments later the entire Liberal Democratic Party walked out!

The procedure for 'naming' a member was described in a recent report of the Modernisation Committee -

"S.O. No. 43 gives the Chair power to order a Member or Members whose conduct is grossly disorderly to withdraw from the House for the remainder of the day's sitting. In a more serious situation, or if the powers available under S.O. No. 42 and S.O. No. 43 have proved insufficient, S.O. No. 44 permits the Chair to name a Member who has disregarded the authority of the Chair, or has persistently or wilfully obstructed the business of the House by abusing its rules or otherwise."

The first report from the BBC said "Lib Dem frontbencher Edward Davey has been ordered out of the Commons, after angry protests to the deputy speaker.

Mr Davey was annoyed at the Speaker's decision not to allow MPs to debate and vote on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union.

Deputy Speaker Michael Lord had already warned Mr Davey and fellow Lib Dems to respect the Speaker.

Mr Davey repeatedly protested, saying he was being "gagged" and saying "it's a debate the British people want".