Jade CharlesGideon Benedyk
Press Officers, Michaelmas 2017
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Cambridge, 25 December 2018
Press Release:05.10.2017
This House Has No Confidence in Her Majesty’s Government
Proposition 1:
Charles Clarke, the former Home Secretary defined the debate as a strict debate solely focused on whether there is confidence in HM government, not HM opposition. Clarke comments on the allegations of HM the Queen herself lacking confidence in the government and how there are increasing numbers of backbenchers and indeed frontbenchers looking to unsettle the government. Clarkes believes Brexit is the predominant reason as to why there should no confidence in HM government. The Brexit cabinet ministers to Clarke misunderstand the EU and cannot work with the EU thus lack a rational ability to achieve what the UK requires in this Brexit process. Clarke fears that the government will leave without an agreement with the EU, something “that is extremely serious for the government”. Clarke believes it is not just Brexit, but also, welfare and housing crises. On immigration, Clarke believes that May fails to deal with immigration and bringing numbers down but again focuses on the suppose “failure” on housing. On national infrastructure projects, Clarke sees industrial disputes as part and parcel of his perceived failure of government in able to improve or control these issues. Clarke says Britain requires strong government, and the current one cannot achieve that with the current array of senior ministers.
Opposition 1:
Henry Mitson, Chair of CUCA opened by saying that Her Majesty’s view has no relevance in this debate but if you are going to vote for the motion you must have faith in the opposition. He said that David Davies is doing a fantastic job with Brexit and doing what people voted for. He says that in one has faith in Jeremy Corbyn as he is weak and misguided. If we were to have another election in the middle of negotiations it would be a disaster as the no deal option would become the only option. It should not matter where you are from but how hard you work that should determine your success. He says spending is down and unemployment is up, a pathway out of poverty. Being employed is the first step towards a brighter future and the help to buy scheme is helping to ensure that. If you vote for the proposition you are voting for Corbyn and endorsing some dangerous views and profoundly unrealistic ideas. This socialist leader promises far more than he can do.
Proposition 2:
Catherine Mayer- Seemingly more of a campaign speech, Mayer assessed the reality for women in the UK with discrimination, particularly in the workplace. Mayer argues the government should increase social infrastructural development to aid women.Mayer continued on a focus on the issues she believes that holds women back from getting involved in, and rising in politics.
Opposition 2:
Stephen Barkley opened by saying it is the Conservatives who gave people a choice over their sovereignty regardless of the result. Even the prime minister, David Cameron respected the people’s choice. The Labour party doesn’t trust the public with their money as it wants to tax and spend. This government has put 1.8 million children into schools and given them more freedom of choice. Why would a ‘Netflix generation’ want their parents not to have a say and be ruled by Corbyn? People were given a choice on Brexit and the Conservative party believes in trusting people.
Proposition 3:
Mark Hendrick delivered scripted remarks exclusively on Brexit. He argued that the Conservative Party’s dealing of Brexit has been ‘short of a disaster’. The increasing popular of UKIP led to the calling of the referendum campaign which was a disastrous campaign ran by David Cameron. Theresa May’s running unopposed did not make this much better. She called the election which led to a hung Parliament – is this really strong and stable leadership? Hendrick continued to detail the negative consequences of Brexit – the pound fell by 9% since the EU Referendum.David Cameron put his party before the country. Theresa May put her party before the country and the country rejected it. Boris Johnson put himself before both the party and the country.
Opposition 4:
Andrew Mitchell opened by stating that contemporary debate in Britain is characterised by acrimony, citing the example of 87 percent of MPs receiving threats of violence, which he claims puts people off going into politics. Asserts that we most move on from this. Cited Charles Clarke’s comments on Jeremy Corbyn promising a future he can never deliver. Spoke of the courage shown by Theresa May for continuing her speech yesterday in impossible circumstances. Asked the chamber to give the current government a chance. Difficult negotiations to take place in leaving the EU but he is confident that David Davis is an experienced negotiator. Is certain that the Conservative government will get the best possible deal. Saying we would accept any deal would not encourage those we are negotiating with to give us a good deal. The level of uncertainty is regrettable but the exchange of students will continue when Britain leaves the European Union. There is a lot of fear about, but a deal will be done and the fears expressed in the chamber will fall away. Neither of the two main parties demonstrated economic competence at the last general election. This one nation government has increased disability spending and reduced unemployment.