BROMSGROVE MP Sajid Javid is one of just 20 MPs to be selected to put forward a Private Members Bill to Parliament.
Mr Javid was fifth out of the hat of the 459 members who put themselves forward and, given that time is limited to hear as many bills as possible, he is with a good chance of getting his proposal debated and voted upon.
He will now have until next month to decide what he will propose for his bill.
We approached Mr Javid for comment but he is remaining tight-lipped on that at the moment.
When Mr Javid was elected by the Bromsgrove Conservative Group to stand for the constituency he was asked a question about what he would submit were he to be lucky in the Private Members Parliamentary ballot.
His answer in 2010 – for those with long memories – was that he would ‘make St George’s Day a public holiday’ although, with everything that has happened since then (more than 11 years ago), priorities may have changed.
Also, in 2011, the now Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi put forward a bill for both St George’s Day and St David’s Day to be public holidays of which Mr Javid was one of the signatory backers – unfortunately the proposal was not given Government support and private members’ bills almost certainly need that to make it through process.
Chairman of Ways and Means, Rt Hon Dame Eleanor Laing, said: “The Private Members’ Bill Ballot is an important parliamentary tradition.
“Private Members’ Bills empower backbenchers to pursue changes in the law and raise awareness of issues close to their hearts.
“I’d like to congratulate my colleagues on being successful in the ballot, and I look forward to seeing some exciting bills being brought forward in the coming year.”
- What do you think? If you were in Sajid Javid’s shoes what proposed legislation would you put forward? We’d love to hear your suggestions – email your views to [email protected]
