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Nuclear Defence Infrastructure: Parliamentary Scrutiny
24 January 2024
Lead MP
Martin Docherty-Hughes
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
DefenceParliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Martin Docherty-Hughes raised concerns about nuclear defence infrastructure: parliamentary scrutiny in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I did not know I was so popular with Government Back Benchers. The key theme of my speech was parliamentary scrutiny. He said that Parliament is sovereign everywhere, except in the nuclear deterrent. So let me remind him that when my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) became Prime Minister in 2016, one of the first key votes in this House was on the renewal of Trident, and the majority was 355 in favour.
Karl McCartney
Con
Lincoln
On a point of order regarding the decorum in the debate.
Eleanor Laing
Con
Richmond Park
Order. I am sorry to interrupt the hon. Lady, but I must say to other Members present that it is simply rude to talk. If whispering has to be done, then whisper.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
I congratulate the hon. Member for West Dunbartonshire (Martin Docherty-Hughes) on securing this important debate. It is true that we differ fundamentally on the issue of the deterrent. Indeed, there is such passion and commitment to it among Conservative Members that we have a fantastic turnout this evening.
Government Response
Order. I am sorry to interrupt the Minister. I have said this before but everybody seems to think it is funny to ignore it. It is fine to whisper if you need to communicate with one another, but it is simply rude to talk at the top of your voice, so that I can hear what people are saying on the Back Benches but I cannot hear the Minister. It is simply discourteous.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.