Coroners and Justice Bill
John Bercow supports retention of a clause which removes the so-called Waddington free speech amendment of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008.
John Bercow (Buckingham) (Con): Does the Minister recall the comment made by the distinguished lawyer, Lord Thomas of Gresford:
“Freedom of speech is not derived by clauses inserted into every statute for the avoidance of doubt.”—[ Official Report, House of Lords, 21 April 2008; Vol. 700, c. 1373.]
There may be doubt in Lord Waddington’s mind, but I do not think that there is doubt more widely. The measure was carried, on a pathetic turnout, by 81 votes to 57, and it is time we got rid of it.
Bridget Prentice: The hon. Gentleman, as always, puts the argument so eloquently that I simply endorse what he says.