Guillotine On The European Communities (Amendment) Bill

EDM number 672 in 1997-98, proposed by Michael Howard on 21/01/1998.

That this House deplores the arrogant deployment of the guillotine on the European Communities (Amendment) Bill; observes that none of the three criteria for legitimate use of that Parliamentary device were evident in that debate; notes that no blocking attempts or filibustering were undertaken by any member of the Opposition; perceives that the need for a basic minimum of time for total analysis of a complex international treaty in committee stage has not been fulfilled; regrets the marked absence of substantial contributions from the Government benches, with the rare exception of brave backbench dissidents; and implores Her Majesty's Government to permit a full and open analysis of the agreements reached at Amsterdam to be undertaken in the House of Lords so that the objectionable elements of an unsatisfactory treaty may be fully exposed to public display.

This motion has been signed by a total of 27 MPs.