Short’s bill demands parliamentary backing for war

Claire Short will be tabling a Private Member’s Bill that would require a House of Commons’ vote of approval for military action before the deployment of troops.

The former International Development Secretary came third in the Private Member’s Bill ballot yesterday, which should see parliamentary time made available for the bill.

In the event of urgent action being required, a future government would have to justify its actions to Parliament after the event.

Rob Bailey, co-director of Charter88, which has been campaigning on this issue, said: “Going to war is one of the most important decisions a country can take, but our democratically elected Parliament has no formal right to debate the issue, as the Prime Minister uses the Royal Prerogative to make the decision. This is not compatible with 21st century democracy, there is massive support both within the House and the public for change.”