UK government's 'u-turn' on proxy voting for MPs is 'victory for some, but not for Stone' after continuing to disenfranchise some politicians and their electorate
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A ROSS MP has slammed a partial UK government 'u-turn' for not going far enough to ensure all members are not stopped from voting on business.
Jamie Stone has slammed the "desperately unfair" compromise after it continued to disenfranchise any MPs who were self-isolating to protect loved ones who are at greater risk from Covid-19.
His comments came after the government announced a u-turn over its highly-controversial "physical voting" policy, which would have disenfranchised many MPs who are shielding or have caring responsibilities.
However, the wording of the "Proxy Voting Standing Order" continues to exclude carers of disabled adults. Mr Stone, the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP, said he was the only MP in that category.
According to the motions laid out in the House of Commons order paper today (Thursday), proxy voting will only be allowed for members who are absent because:
- they are in "childbirth or care of an infant";
- or "because they themselves are at high risk from coronavirus for reasons that they are either ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ or ‘clinically vulnerable".
As Mr Stone explained earlier this week, he is a carer for his disabled wife. And he said he is therefore excluded from proxy voting as it currently stands in the order paper. Mr Stone said he was the only MP in the country in such a position.
Commenting on the u-turn, the Liberal Democrat MP said: "The right to speak up for my constituents and vote on their behalf is fundamental to my role as their MP.
"I was so excited when I found out that the government had listened to the House and decided to reinstate Virtual Parliament for MPs like me. I was even more thrilled to think I could vote by proxy!
"But looking at the order paper, I realise that this government still wants to silence me. Proxy voting is available to those who themselves are vulnerable and those who care for children. As the House may know, I fit neither category. I care for my wife.
"It seems to me desperately unfair that my personal circumstances should preclude me. What message does that send to the people of Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross? What message does that send to carers of disabled adults across the country?
"I am so pleased for my colleagues who will now be able to vote by proxy, but I implore the government to let me do the same."
