Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Sir Richard Shepherd

10 March 2022 · 7 other contributors

Opened by William Cash Con Stone

BrexitDemocracy & ElectionsParliamentary Procedure

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

William Cash raised concerns about sir richard shepherd in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Bill Cash paid tribute to Richard Shepherd for his long service and principled stances on parliamentary sovereignty and European integration.
  • Cash highlighted Shepherd's role in the Protection of Official Information Bill and his advocacy for freedom of information and whistleblower protection.
  • Minister Eleanor Laing acknowledged Shepherd's independent voice and dedication to defending parliamentary sovereignty and whistleblowers' rights.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

William Cash Con Stone

Bill Cash paid tribute to his dear friend, Richard Shepherd, a Back Bencher for over three decades who was known for his passionate speeches against European integration and in favour of parliamentary sovereignty. Cash highlighted Shepherd's achievements including the Protection of Official Information Bill which largely became law and his role as a leading voice on freedom of information and whistleblower protection. He also emphasised Shepherd's principled stance, particularly during debates about Maastricht Treaty, where he argued for the importance of the United Kingdom retaining control over its laws. Cash shared personal anecdotes about lunching with Shepherd in Italian restaurants and recalled him as a gentle but powerful speaker whose emotional speeches left an indelible mark on those who heard them. He also read tributes from fellow MPs including Sir Graham Brady, Mr Jones, Mr Whittingdale, Sir Edward Leigh, Mr Bone, Andrew Rosindell, Sir Christopher Chope, Mr Baron, and several others, all praising Shepherd's integrity and dedication to upholding the liberties of the British people.

Other contributors (7)
  • Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

    Jenkin paid tribute to Richard Shepherd for his principled stance against devolution, predicting its divisive impact on Scotland. He highlighted the word 'consanguinity' used by Shepherd to describe Britain’s shared heritage.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Lewis praised Shepherd for setting an example of independent thinking and integrity, noting his own admiration for Shepherd's speech against the Maastricht Treaty. He mentioned that even after 25 years in Parliament, he still looks up to Shepherd’s legacy.

  • Richard Bacon Con South Norfolk

    Bacon expressed his admiration for Richard Shepherd who was a beacon of hope when Bacon lived abroad and struggled to understand British politics. He quoted Shepherd's final sentence from the Maastricht debate, which has been influential in Bacon's political career.

  • John Hayes Con South Holland and The Deepings

    Hayes described Richard Shepherd as a gentle soul who charmed everyone with his humility and kindness. He shared how Shepherd accepted an invitation to speak at a luncheon function in Lincolnshire, leaving a lasting impression on the community.

  • Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green

    Duncan Smith thanked Richard Shepherd for his guidance when he first arrived in Parliament. He highlighted Shepherd's principled stance on freedom of information and whistleblower rights, even challenging Margaret Thatcher.

  • Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford

    Francois praised Shepherd’s unwavering belief that the UK would regain control over its destiny. He noted that Shepherd was a man of principle who combined charm with good humour.

  • Eleanor Laing Con Wyre Forest

    Laing highlighted Richard Shepherd's passionate defence of parliamentary rights, especially his opposition to timetable motions and guillotine debates. She also noted that Shepherd sought the role of Speaker and received 136 votes.

Government Response

Eleanor Laing

Minister Eleanor Laing expressed her gratitude to Sir William Cash for securing the debate and allowing the House to pay tribute to Richard Shepherd. She praised him as a passionate parliamentarian who defended parliamentary sovereignty and whistleblowers' rights with great conviction. Laing noted that Shepherd was remembered by his colleagues as an independent voice who never shied away from controversial debates, particularly during the Maastricht Treaty discussions. She highlighted his love for democracy and history, exemplified by his invitation to a local historian to visit Westminster Hall where Charles I received his death sentence. Laing concluded by saying that Shepherd was greatly loved and respected in Aldridge-Brownhills for 36 years and that he remains an influential figure in the House of Commons.

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