Re: The Referendum Bill(draft bill)...
It seems some of *backbenchers* who wanted this vote are now saying they will abstain. Even though the government say it is a *free vote* they are advising their MPs to abstain.
We vote for our MPs to *look after our interests* in Parliament. So how can that be if they are allowed to abstain?
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Ordinary punters are allowed to abstain from voting, so look upon it as another example of proportional representation.
I think that it's the proposed amendment to the Queen's Speech regretting that the Queen's Speech made no reference to a referendum on the EU which the backbenchers are now saying they will abstain from voting for the amendment.
The Referendum bill which was published yesterday to appease the backbenchers could still become law and has not yet been debated in the House. If the bill does get to being debated and voted on then those backbenchers would presumably vote for it.
MPs have had the right to abstain for years. If a bill is being proposed by the Government but an MP of the party in government disagrees with the bill, they might abstain rather than vote against the bill. However if the whips have made it a three line whip, an MP who abstained could be in trouble. If the bill is only one or two line whip then they wouldn't.
I think that it's the proposed amendment to the Queen's Speech regretting that the Queen's Speech made no reference to a referendum on the EU which the backbenchers are now saying they will abstain from voting for the amendment.
The Referendum bill which was published yesterday to appease the backbenchers could still become law and has not yet been debated in the House. If the bill does get to being debated and voted on then those backbenchers would presumably vote for it.
MPs have had the right to abstain for years. If a bill is being proposed by the Government but an MP of the party in government disagrees with the bill, they might abstain rather than vote against the bill. However if the whips have made it a three line whip, an MP who abstained could be in trouble. If the bill is only one or two line whip then they wouldn't.
Agree with all you have said El but the point is *we the public* vote for our MPs to represent us not to *stand on the fence* by abstaining...
Joe, I think everyone should be compelled to vote. Okay damage you voting papers if that's what you want to do but at least vote...
Thrash em to within an inch of their live if they abstain. They wouldn't do it again Baz
Thrash em to within an inch of their live if they abstain. They wouldn't do it again Baz
Ok... you get my vote...
I wasn't being serious!
I have zero tolerance for proportional representation and Euro referenda. They are silly things.
Mine certainly doesn't
