Robert Marshall-Andrews

Constitutional Reform

Mr. Robert Marshall-Andrews (Medway) (Lab): I congratulate the Prime Minister on his statement. At a time of change, nothing could be more significant than this abrupt departure from the past on central issues of civil liberty. Does he accept that although there may be problems with the letter of the statement, not least the West Lothian question, it is the spirit in which it is made to the House that will give many of us cause for considerable optimism?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Gordon Brown): For any Prime Minister to be congratulated by the hon. Member is a unique occasion.