MP: Last night was a shambles
Last night Labour’s motion opposing fracking would have taken control of the Order Paper away from the Government to pass a Bill on 29th November to ban fracking outright – this was unusual, as an opposition party would have dictated the order of business, something no government could allow. There was due to be a subsequent Government amendment supporting fracking as long as local consent was obtained.
Responding to the events of last night, John said,
“I am yet to be convinced about fracking but, whatever one’s view, Labour was wrong to politicise the issue in their motion by trying to take control of the Order Paper and business of the House – this is something no government could accept. Instead, Labour could have tabled a simple motion opposing fracking, and the result might have been very different."
“There should have been a subsequent vote last night on the Government’s amendment supporting fracking, which I had informed the whips that I would not be supporting given my views. However, in the general confusion last night this vote did not happen.”
“There is no doubt that last night was a shambles, although I did not see any of the alleged bullying. There can never be a repeat of these scenes, the like of which I have not experienced in my over 20 years in Parliament. No 10 and the Whips’ Office need to get a grip and bring in more experienced hands. Last night was an obvious Labour elephant trap, and the Government fell right into it.”
