I would like to make clear that the Government's policy is to allow a free vote on matters of conscience.
There has been much debate about the subjects New Clause 7 relates to and I agree with the Secretary of State that change is needed in Northern Ireland. However, I disagreed with the tabling of the amendment within the scope of this legislation. The Act does not allow the law to be charged it asks civil servants to work within the confines of the law as it exits today.
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