§ Mr. Tony Benn (Chesterfield)I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 20, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely,
the continuing imprisonment of Nelson Mandela and the urgent need to secure his immediate release on the occasion of his 70th birthday.Yesterday, in Hyde park, a quarter of a million people heard Archbishop Tutu make the most impassioned appeal for the release of Nelson Mandela. Yesterday morning, at Canterbury cathedral, Archbishop Runcie made a speech about the dangers of racialism in the world.Nelson Mandela is one of the most courageous world leaders. He has spent 26 years in prison. I, among many others, took part in the demonstrations at the time of the Rivonia trial when he was imprisoned for life. He is a symbol of the black people and of many white people in South Africa. His release has been demanded by many nations and national leaders across the world, the United Nations Security Council, the Commonwealth, the EEC Heads of State and the Churches, and has wide support across the House.
It is especially appropriate for the House to devote some time to this issue, in view of the historic and economic links with South Africa and the fact that it is Nelson Mandela's birthday. It is urgent because his continued detention is one of the factors leading to a daily loss of life in South Africa and his release would give fresh hope.
The House has adjourned to mark the death of great world statesmen. I am asking you, Mr. Speaker, to allow the House to prevent the death of a great nation by the continued violence against Nelson Mandela.
I know very well the formula from which you, Mr. Speaker, read in rejecting applications under Standing Order No. 20, but I ask you to set those words aside today and to grant the request which may be effective in saving life as well as in honouring a great man wrongly imprisoned for great principles which are important to the future of the world.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe right hon. Gentleman asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 20, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he believes should have urgent consideration, namely,
the continued imprisonment of Mr. Nelson Mandela and the urgent need for further Government action to secure his immediate release on the occasion of his 70th birthday.As the right hon. Gentleman knows, I am enjoined, under the Standing Order, not to give reasons for my decision but to take careful note of the criteria laid down in the Standing Order. I regret that I do not consider that the matter that he has raised is appropriate for discussion under Standing Order No. 20 and I cannot therefore submit his application to the House.