Page:Hansard (UK) - Vol 566 No. 40 August 29th 2013.pdf/68

1555  Vaz, Valerie Vickers, Martin Walker, Mr Charles Walley, Joan Ward, Mr David Watson, Mr Tom Watts, Mr Dave Weir, Mr Mike White, Chris Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Whitehead, Dr Alan Williams, Hywel Williams, Roger Williamson, Chris Wilson, Phil Wilson, Sammy Winnick, Mr David Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Wishart, Pete Wollaston, Dr Sarah Wood, Mike Wright, David Wright, Mr Iain Tellers for the Noes:

Nic Dakin and Julie Hilling

Question accordingly negatived.

[Interruption.]

Mr Speaker: Order. Mr MacNeil, you are like an erupting volcano. Calm yourself, man!

10.31 pm

Edward Miliband: On a point of order, Mr Speaker. There having been no motion passed by this House tonight, will the Prime Minister confirm to the House that, given the will of the House that has been expressed tonight, he will not use the royal prerogative to order the UK to be part of military action before there has been another vote in the House of Commons?

Mr Speaker: That is of course not a matter for the Chair, but the Prime Minister has heard the right hon. Gentleman's point of order, and he is welcome to respond.

The Prime Minister: Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. I can give that assurance. Let me say that the House has not voted for either motion tonight. I strongly believe in the need for a tough response to the use of chemical weapons, but I also believe in respecting the will of this House of Commons. It is very clear tonight that, while the House has not passed a motion, the British Parliament, reflecting the views of the British people, does not want to see British military action. I get that, and the Government will act accordingly.

Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the Prime Minister for that response.

Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I do not wish to detain the House for long, but I wish to raise a point of order on a separate matter from the one we have discussed this afternoon. While the eyes of the world have understandably been focused on the atrocities in Syria, I am saddened to say that the Government of Colombia have taken the opportunity to escalate the oppression, and even murder, of their own citizens. Huber Ballesteros, a prominent leader, has been imprisoned on trumped-up charges, and Juan Camilo Acosta has been shot dead for taking part in peaceful strike action. Have you, Mr Speaker, had any indication that Foreign Office Ministers intend to make a statement about the continued appalling murderous and oppressive situation in Colombia?

Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his point of order. I have received no indication of any intention by a Minister to make a statement on the subject. However, the House is scheduled to return on Monday and, knowing what an assiduous and indefatigable Member the hon. Gentleman is, I feel sure that he will use all the opportunities open to him to highlight his concerns and those of a great many others on this extremely concerning and problematic issue.

Resolved, That this House, at its rising this day, do adjourn until Monday 2 September.—(Greg Hands.)

10.34 pm

House adjourned.