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Sir Richard Shepherd
10 March 2022
Lead MP
William Cash
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Standards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
William Cash raised concerns about sir richard shepherd 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
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.
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.
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
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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