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Old 24-03-2008, 12:06 PM   #11 (permalink)
rjt
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Originally Posted by Smidgey View Post
I should hope that there is a free vote on every issue. Who is to decide what is an issue of conscience?

I would think raising taxes is an issue of conscience too.

Other than this, I agree with everything you write Rjt.
Well we have a party system and people whilst elected as individuals mainly stand on a party ticket so I would say there has to be some form of party organsiation otherwise no government would ver get its beusiness through.

However there has always been matters that have been above party politics. For example when Shadow Health Minister Ann Widecombe made claer to Mr Hague that her religous beleifs meant that she could never if secretary of state for health sanction sign orders which would open abortion clinics, Hague responed quite wisely and said of course she should not have to and that such a responsbility could be given to a junior minister.

This is in contrast to labour attitude to Civil Partnerships and gay adoption which was forced through on the payroll vote.

What you are advocating however ruins the risk of anarchy.
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