Parliament idea for disruption - Wise

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Dul • nuuley YV Ist says wus, the automatic pointed out, "people orocedure 1s then to clear underestimate the amount the strangers' gallery and of business that goes debate whether to allow through Parliament, and the public in). if the normal Parliamentary ing arrangements with the 'WE ARE all aware that while Parnamental, procedure is not helpful to the introduction of constructive changes, it certainly lends itself obstruction" Audrey Wise wrote last week in a letter on behalf of the Labour Coordinating Committee to Tribune MPs.

"Normally this is not our method, but at a time when central government is disrupting and destroying local government, then MPs are justified in using every possible Parliamentary weapon against that government. i our . MPs fail to do this, then they are allowing the time to come when Labour councillors will be faced with impossible or illegal choices"

Through such Parliamentary obstruction, Audrey Wise argues,, the Tories plans to tie local councils hand and foot to central government "cuts policy can be beaten back - or at least a big boost can be given to the fight against them.

"Central government is disrupting and Audrey Wise told Socialist Organiser, 'the proposal is for obstructing this. I am not contemplating disorderly conduct or 'disruption' ', but using all the existing procedures to block government as much as pos: "ble.

«What is different is that we are now proposing a constant and consistent use of all these procedures.

MPs have no chance of preventing particular government Bills if action is confined just to those Bills.

The possibility of talking out legislation, which exists with Private Members' Bills like the Corrie anti-abortion bill, does not exist with government Bills because of the guillotine.

Nod "Dent") Ittien the scope for obstruction 'consent' is withdrawn, Tories.

Aud even if just by a few MPs.

•There are many possible suggestions, all of which have been used • Don't let any items go through on the nod.

• Object to every item.

• Call divisions at any time.

• Use the procedure of 1 spy strangers' (If any MP • Refuse to operate pair•'The two main objections to our proposals are that they would be 'irresponsible" and that they would create a dangerous 'precedent' for the next Labour government.

'But we are proposing to use existing procedure against a government intent on disrupting and destroying local government.

'None of the procedures were the creation of the Left, or even of the Labour Party. They are there because, theoretically, one of the functions of MPs is to restrain government...

•We are not asking MPs to do anything illegal, or to lose any salary. They will be faced with much less of a probiem than people contemplating going on strike, or councillors faced by surcharges or disqualification!

"One reason why the Tories don't use such methods more is because they've got the House of Lords... the only delaying tactic open to a Labour opposition is by using the procedures of the House of Commons.

"I pointed out in the letter to Tribune MPs that the Greater London Council Labour Group's policy includes 'parliamentary obstruction' • When : I've been explaining this tactic over the last week, it has been very well received.

"It puts the MPs in the front line, trying to defend Labour councillors, local services, and local jobs!'