§ Mr. Steve Webb (Northavon)My constituents were dismayed when they learned that the Prime Minister could commit British troops in the Gulf without the approval of Parliament. In order to allow them to register their objections, I placed a petition on my website. To date, nearly 500 constituents have registered their support for the petition in that way. I understand that the procedures of the House do not allow me to register those names formally, but the number has been placed on the record, which is important.
I do have a more traditional paper petition, which states:
To the House of Commons
The petition of residents of South Gloucestershire and others.
Declares that British forces should not be committed against Iraq without the approval of Parliament.
The Petitioners therefore request the House of Commons to urge the Government not to commit British forces against Iraq without a prior vote in favour by the House of Commons.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.