Sadiq Khan: Shadow Cabinet will abstain

Sadiq Khan MP, shadow justice secretary, said ahead of the Thursday vote:

“It isn’t – nor has it ever been – Labour’s policy to give prisoners the vote.

“It is important that MPs get to debate this issue, but despite numerous requests by me the government has refused to share the legal advice on which their decision to grant certain prisoners the vote is based nor have they answered the other questions I have asked. There are therefore questions about whether Thursday’s motion is compliant with our obligations under the European Convention of Human Rights. As a result, it is right that the shadow Cabinet abstain on Thursday.”