Hi All,
Following the abysmal voting last week, I have decided to write (by email) to all the cowardly 292 MPs who failed to put in their votes for such an important issue. The letter (attached) includes a link to the "Crimes Against Humanity" video by Dr. Reiner Fuellmich.
I will be signing it with my full name and address but will also need your support in the form of a list of names at the end of the letter (see examples at end of letter) I only need name and constituency. If you prefer to include your full name and address, that's fine. I am counting on getting 50+ names before I send it out sometime tomorrow. Remember, you can always add your partner's or friends and relatives names to give us more numbers. I am sure having this list at the end of the letter will make a difference (hmmmm). If you are comfortable with it, please send your names to tgeorcelin@gmail.com with subject matter 'Covid Act Extension'. I just want to ensure that these MPs cannot later plead ignorance.
Any comments/suggestions welcome.
I have now added a spread sheet with the MP details for those of you who would prefer to send selectively and/or use a modified template.
Best Regards
MickeyG
Another reply from abstainee:
Re: Coronavirus Act (Case Ref: BB74891)
Inbox
Ben Bradshaw <ben.bradshaw.mp@parliament.uk>
5:10 PM (14 minutes ago)
to me
Dear Michael,
Thank you for your email regarding the Coronavirus Act.
As I am sure you can appreciate, as you do not live in my constituency, you are not a constituent of mine. However, please find below the response that I have given constituents raising similar concerns.
Presented by the Government with a highly unsatisfactory all-or-nothing decision, you are right to note that the Labour Party did not oppose extension of these emergency measures last week, in the sole interest of keeping the public safe, halting the spread of the virus and protecting our NHS.
The shadow Home Secretary, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, led Labour’s response in the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Review of Temporary Provisions) debate, and I echo his message to the Government that things cannot go on as they are. Announcements about measures have been made overnight, with no proper notice and no proper power of review, and Government Ministers have appeared on national media with absolutely no idea of what the rules are.
As you may be aware, my colleague and Labour’s shadow health secretary, Jonathan Ashworth MP, has repeatedly raised concerns about the two-year sunset clause in the absence of regular reviews and called for parliamentary votes on the renewal or revocation of the Bill (now Act) at regular intervals. As he says, “it is important that various measures in the Bill, some interfering with liberties and others deregulating standards, may be turned on and off.” His full statement, and involvement in the Second Reading can be found here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2020-03-23/debates/F4D06B4F-56CD-4B60-8306-BAB6D78AC7CF/CoronavirusBill.
Throughout this crisis, the Labour Party has led constructive opposition to this Conservative Government. There has been a catalogue of failings since March and the Labour Party has routinely called for clarity and consistency from Boris Johnson and his Government.
Sir Graham Brady’s tabled amendment to the renewal of the Coronavirus Act would have forced greater parliamentary scrutiny on any restrictions imposed and would require the Government to subject any changes to a debate and vote before it can be enforced. I and my colleagues in the Labour Party would have supported this amendment if it had been selected by the Speaker, and I am deeply disappointed at the compromise the Tory rebels came to with the Government. It is a meaningless non-concession, and these powers for a debate and vote only apply to ‘significant national measures’ and commits only to consult Parliament ‘wherever possible’. If you follow me on Twitter, you may be aware that I made clear my dismay at this outcome at the time:
https://twitter.com/BenPBradshaw/status/1311314545319841792?s=20
https://twitter.com/BenPBradshaw/status/1311318406218555392?s=20
More immediately, it is imperative that the Government sets out a comprehensive roadmap this winter in order to ensure that the strategy of localised lockdowns works more effectively than it has been doing. We are at a critical point in this crisis, and it is crucial that such severe restrictions on people’s liberty are be subjected to immediate parliamentary and democratic scrutiny, not months after they have been first enforced.
I can assure you that I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that this legislation remains in place only for as long as necessary, and that any emergency measures are in the public interest.
With very best wishes,
Ben Bradshaw MP