PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
TAPPING OF HON. MEMBERS' TELEPHONES (No. 2) (17 January 2006)

That this House condemns the planned proposals to abandon the Wilson Doctrine thereby permitting hon. Members' telephone lines to be tapped by HM security services; deplores this Government's irrational justification for spying on democratically elected representatives which, far from its stated aim of fighting terrorism, merely raises suspicions that any sensitive information gathered could be used for political gain by the Government of the day; recognises the vital importance of maintaining public confidence in this country's elected representatives as well as the political institutions they serve and that such plans damage the trust which the electorate place in politicians through the constitutional process of a general election; recognises the sanctity and supremacy of the parliamentary oath which ensures that parliamentarians operate with their constituents' best interests at heart; and reaffirms the belief that hon. Members are above all public servants and that suggesting hon. Members are potential instruments of terror is disrespectful of the public's ability to cast an informed judgement.

Sponsored by:
Roger Williams (Liberal Democrat)