Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

Prime Minister's Incapacity Bill - Clause 1

14 January 2022 · 4 other contributors

Opened by Peter Bone Con Wellingborough

Parliamentary Procedure

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Peter Bone raised concerns about prime minister's incapacity bill - clause 1 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Prime Minister's Incapacity Bill aims to formalise a process for transferring powers temporarily when the Prime Minister is incapacitated.
  • The bill covers scenarios such as natural disasters or crises requiring immediate decision-making.
  • It ensures clarity on authority to prevent constitutional chaos and maintain government continuity.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Peter Bone Con Wellingborough

The Prime Minister's Incapacity Bill aims to formalise a process for the temporary transfer of powers when the Prime Minister is incapacitated. This includes scenarios such as natural disasters or crises where immediate decisions are required, like dealing with an aircraft diverted towards Buckingham Palace. The bill ensures there is clarity on who has authority in these situations to prevent constitutional chaos and ensure continuity of government.

Other contributors (4)
  • Sally-Ann Hart PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd

    Hart questioned the necessity of designated survivors, given the Cabinet system with collective responsibility and the Prime Minister as first among equals. She argued that this bill could undermine the flexibility in Britain's constitutional framework.

  • Simon Baynes Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

    Baynes suggested the bill interferes with the Queen’s prerogative, as the First Minister serves at Her Majesty's pleasure. He argued that subverting this appointment would undermine the Queen’s constitutional role.

  • Katherine Fletcher Con Crawley

    Fletcher expressed concerns about imposing rigid rules on an unwritten constitution, suggesting it could limit the flexibility and nimbleness of government responses to modern threats.

  • Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire

    Mohindra questioned whether the temporary Prime Minister would act independently or merely process decisions on behalf of an incapacitated Prime Minister, raising concerns about autonomy and decision-making capacity.

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