To be fair it’s really focused on the long standing issue of animal welfare but like all good chairs he knew we would all be rather affected by the previous 5hrs so the chance to lighten the mood was helpful
And Puppy, Kitten & Ferret Smuggling also passed 2nd reading & is being supported by Gov 🥳
Thank you for your account. This is such an important issue and I'm so glad it is finally being had. Those who fought and died for it are here too. I'm talking it through with my daughter who is against it. It's amazing that our parliament is able to discuss it so sensibly and carefully.
Thank you so much for doing this, Ian. Your context and reporting is fantastic. I watched some of it on TV and like you say, I don't think I’ve ever seen a debate like it. A properly functioning parliament.
I wonder if Starmer will be given any credit for his crucial role in this. I don't understand the procedure but it's clear without expressing any opinion, his support for this debate is what ultimately made it happen.
Mr. Dunt, thank you very much
You've done a hell of a wonderful job; as the MPs in the Commons have
This reminds us that, from time to time, Parliaments do function
'He spoke of a man who had been reduced to committing suicide by walking in front of a train. He waited until 2am so he could minimise the interference to commuters. For some reason I found this act so affecting I was temporarily overcome with emotion.'
Perhaps if MPs were given a free vote on everything it would improve all parliamentary debate. Just imagine if they had to work for their money by listening to the arguments and voting for what they felt was best for the country, instead of merely toeing their party line and yahbooing the others.
Why a good PR system and changes to whipping would work
Effectively every MP would need to be convinced each time
Be nice if there was more cooperation and striving for win-win compromises rather than ‘yah-boo’ shouting
I listened to some of it on R5L and wondered why all debates couldn’t be like this. I don’t want boo-ha politics, members shouting and braying. I want reasoned debate that actually informs as this one did. I learnt a lot from the speeches I heard. Thanks for the earlier posts and this summary.
I felt moved by the sincerity that prevailed in the debate in the Commons today; it was a good day for democracy; a proud day for the tenacious & principled MP Kim Leadbeater who sponsored the bill so expertly.As for the PM, quietly he followed through on his promises & Parliament is better for it!
Ian, simply brilliant real time summary - many thanks for doing this. I’m so relieved that the Bill will progress, and that I subscribe to your excellent newsletter.
Thank you for the thread, Ian. Started reading it live on break at work this morning and just finished the rest just now, in an absolute flood of tears on the bus home. Possibly partially Black Friday retail trauma. But the humanity of the debate you described, and the hope of adult politics...!
The mother of parliaments gave me hope for representative democracy today in the era of backsliding. We appear to be still able to decide on difficult matters collectively. Having read your book "How Westminster works and why it doesn't", I appreciate the rarity of this moment. It needs celebrating!
Thank you, very interesting, look forward to others, although I suspect that they will not necessarily be as thoughtful and grown up (I mean the debates, not your comments)
Well done Ian. I’ve come to it after the vote but you’ve précised it brilliantly and respectfully (for all sides surprisingly). Probably not the same numbers as the other place but please don’t make it your last on here .
Thanks for the thread, Ian. I didn't listen to the debate but from your commentary it appears the debate brought the best out of the UK parliament process. Maybe the free vote helped improve quality of discussion and increased empathy? Either way, thanks for your time and thanks to the MPs too.
Thanks Ian, persuaded me to switch to a paid subscriber to Striking 13. Was a little worried that I might not qualify for the "fuck all" promo but pleased to see it's still in force!
I ditched The Other Place a while ago, semi-reluctantly tried Bluesky, and reading this thread reminded me what used to be great about Z the small blue bird...
Thank you @iandunt.bsky.social
Even though it's an hour since the vote I wanted to read your thread before looking at the news. Beautifully done; I'm in tears. And a good day for democracy.
@iandunt.bsky.social , thank you for this superb thread. After seeing two family members die suffering (not just pain) this matters to me, but I was travelling all day and so missed updates.
You’re right about the other thing. I much prefer my parliamentary commentary cunt-free.
Exceptional coverage by you. Lots of impressive stuff by our MPs today too. And I may be wholly wrong, but I kind of like the quintessentially British lunacy of going to the ferrets bill next. The mixed up nature of life, with the relative triviality sitting alongside a profound discussion of death.
Comments
And Puppy, Kitten & Ferret Smuggling also passed 2nd reading & is being supported by Gov 🥳
https://bsky.app/profile/conunitucl.bsky.social/post/3lc362rubdu2e
https://bsky.app/profile/dannychambers.bsky.social/post/3lc45jv22sk26
This was the single most impressive parliamentary debate we've seen in years.
https://iandunt.substack.com/p/assisted-dying-triumph-for-reformers
You've done a hell of a wonderful job; as the MPs in the Commons have
This reminds us that, from time to time, Parliaments do function
https://skywriter.blue/pages/iandunt.bsky.social/post/3lc37ekdsk226
But some governing out of Government.
Nah, don't believe it. :)
A day to be remembered for the right reasons.
Effectively every MP would need to be convinced each time
Be nice if there was more cooperation and striving for win-win compromises rather than ‘yah-boo’ shouting
If you want to pay for it go here (you get fuck all in returm, absolutely nothing) https://iandunt.substack.com/subscribe
There'll be more. See you soon.
Thank you.
While I acknowledge that there are valid reasons to have concerns about it, I'm glad the bill passed.
I don't imagine you are interested in covering the American Congress?!
Thank you
Even though it's an hour since the vote I wanted to read your thread before looking at the news. Beautifully done; I'm in tears. And a good day for democracy.
You’re right about the other thing. I much prefer my parliamentary commentary cunt-free.