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Prime Minister's Incapacity Bill - Clause 1
14 January 2022
Lead MP
Peter Bone
Debate Type
Bill Debate
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Other Contributors: 4
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.
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
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.
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.
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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