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Change procedure to require MPs to formally record reasons for abstention

Submitted by Luc Tidy on Sunday 2nd July 2023

Published on Tuesday 1st August 2023

Current status: Closed

Closed: Thursday 1st February 2024

Signatures: 38

Relevant Departments

Petition Action

Change procedure to require MPs to formally record reasons for abstention

Petition Details

When a division is called, a vote is taken, and participating MPs' positions are recorded. However, when an MP abstains, there is no clear record provided. This procedural change aims to reduce ambiguity and ensure transparency by requiring MPs to formally state their reasons for abstaining.

Additional Information

Currently, constituents face a disadvantage when evaluating their representatives if they abstain from voting, as there is limited information available. Reasons for an abstention could include; the impartiality of the chair, party abstentionist policy, personal choice to abstain, procedural reasons, constituency or ministerial duties, or other unforeseen circumstances.

This procedural change aims to eliminate this ambiguity by requiring a clear reason for abstention, ensuring transparency for constituents.


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