Parliament - Campaigns, Speeches & Links

Speeches
Campaigns
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House of Parliament

Picture of speaker Lenthall asserting the privileges of the House of Commons when Charles came to arrest the Five Members. 1642

The Houses of Parliament (House of Lords and House of Commons) are in London near Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. (brief outline of history etc.)

Campaigns that Andrew is involved in and actively works for:

Freedom of Information Bill

The Bill, which was drafted by the Campaign for Freedom of Information, was introduced under the 10-minute rule procedure on 18 November 1998. The Bill was a shortened version of the Campaign's previous draft bills.

The Bill was introduced by Andrew Mackinlay MP (Lab, Thurrock) and co-sponsored by:  Dr David Clark MP (Lab), the former Cabinet minister responsible for FoI; Chris Mullin MP (Lab), chair of the Home Affairs select committee; Rhodri Morgan MP (Lab), chair of the Public Administration select committee; Archy Kirkwood MP (Lib Dem), chair of the Social Security select committee; Tony Wright MP (Lab); Mark Fisher MP (Lab); Ronnie Campbell MP (Lab); Richard Shepherd MP (Con); Roseanna Cunningham MP (SNP); Elfyn Llwyd MP (Plaid Cymru); and Martin Bell MP (Independent).

The same Bill, with minor amendments, had been introduced in the House of Lords by the Conservative peer, Lord Lucas of Crudwell, and received a second reading in February 1999. Although neither Bill reached the Statute Book if helped to persuade the Government to enact their own Bill in fulfillment of their election promises. This is now law.

Andrew Mackinlay said "The legislation brought forward by the Labour Government is 300% better than nothing!" However, he argues that it is deeply disappointing that it is so restrictive when there is a desperate need for greater openness and transparency in all areas of government and public life.

In particular, he believes our security services are out of control and unaccountable. They along with the police should not be excluded from Freedom of Information legislation.

Shot at Dawn - Pardon for executed WWI soldiers

Just over 300 British Empire soldiers were executed during World War I having been found guilty of charges ranging from cowardice, desertion, disobedience, sleeping at posts, throwing away arms and hitting a superior officer.


Andrew MacKinlay argues that all of the court martials were flawed, rules and natural justice were denied and many suffered from shell-shock. Both the Conservative and Labour Governments have denied the requests for pardons. The campaign continues!

House of Commons Information Office Government information service answering queries from the public about the work of the House, its committees, membership, practices and traditions. They also arrange permits for overseas visitors to tour the Palace of Westminster.
House of Commons Extensive guide to the parliamentary system with lists of all MPs, Bills, Acts, Early Day Motions, Hansard's record of their golden utterances in debates and much, much more. Home Politics & Government : Britain : Departments : Westminster
Constituency Locata Find out who your MP is by entering your postcode, home address or constituency.

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