Westminster Hall Debate on Bill of Rights, Articles 9 and 13
18 March 2011 (updated on 18 March 2011)
John Hemming, Liberal Democrat MP for Birmingham, Yardley, moved a debate in Westminster Hall on Thursday 17 March on Articles 9 and 13 of the Bill of Rights and the role of Parliament in dealing with all grievances and the importance of freedom of communication between constituents and Members.
Watch and read the views expressed by MPs during the debate.
- Video and Audio: Articles 9 and 13 of the Bill of Rights
- Commons Hansard: Articles 9 and 13 of the Bill of Rights
Some background
Broadly, the debate aimed to consider points laid down in the Bill of Rights 1688 [Article 9] that, "...the Freedome of Speech and Debates or Proceedings in Parlyament ought not to be impeached or questioned in any Court or Place out of Parlyament."
And in Article 13: "And that for Redresse of all Grievances and for the amending strengthening and preserveing of the Lawes Parlyaments ought to be held frequently."
The debate aimed to emphasise that the bill contains points about the right of individuals to talk to MPs, perhaps with a grievance, without interference from courts and lawyers.
The Bill of Rights 1688 can be found on the government's legislation website.
Westminster Hall debates
Westminster Hall adjournment debates allow MPs to discuss issues of local or personal interest which rarely have time to be debated in the main Chamber of the House of Commons. MPs can discuss a variety of issues and receive a response from a government Minister.