Maria Eagle MP, Justice Minister
Dominic Grieve MP, Shadow Justice Secretary
Today after the screening of The Fear Factory, at The Empire Cinema, Leicester Square, Dominic Grieve, who appeared in the film, had agreed to take part on the Q&A Panel. However, on Friday he informed the people who made the film that he could not attend because on Monday there is a three line whip.
When I was informed of the chickening out and the so-called reason for so doing, I said that I did not believe him.
Maria Eagle, who is also in the film, not only attended the screening but also took part on the panel. I gave her a rough ride. When I raised the issue of someone else, Enver Solomon, sitting behind a notice reading "Dominic Grieve MP", and his failure to attend and the stated reason, Maria Eagle responded that there is no three line whip today!
Sorry John you are simply wrong on this. They do indeed have a three-line whip tonight, as you will be able to see by checking the division lists on Hansard tomorrow. It is an Opposition Day debate.
ReplyDeleteThe two parties do not necessarily have the same whipping arrangements. For instance, this being a Conservative motion, they will want everyone in force. If the Government is sure that they can win, they will not. They may be aware that the LibDems will not be voting with the Conservatives.
I hope you will retract this comment.
Robert: I am only reporting what I heard with my own ears. Even allowing for there being a 3 line whip tonight, the screening was scheduled for 10:30AM but actually started 20 minutes late, and the film length being 1 hour. The Q&A started right afterwards, also an hour. Still plenty of time to attend both events.
ReplyDeleteAt least for the time being, the post remains as published. Moreover, I have issued a press release to the press association. If it is picked up, then it will all come out in the wash.