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MP Phillip Lee abstained from voting on the gay marriage bill
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How your MPs voted - Gay marriage

By Jennie Slevin
February 06, 2013

Dr Phillip Lee, MP from Bracknell Forest has registered abstention on a vote to legalise same-sex marriage.

Last night MPs were given a free vote, meaning they were not told which way to vote by party whips, on whether or not couples of the same sex should have the right to get married in civil and religious ceremonies.

Dr Lee and Rob Wilson, Reading East MP, voted both for and against the bill, technically abstaining from the vote.

Gay marriage - why Dr Phillip Lee abstained

Windsor MP Adam Afriyie whose constituency includes some areas of Bracknell, and Wokingham's John Redwood voted against the bill whereas MP for Maidenhead and Home Secretary Theresa May voted for the bill.

MPs voted in favour of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill by 400 to 175, a majority of 225.

The legislation will now be further scrutinised by Parliament.

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Most recent user comments 33 of 33

I believe Lee is Neither Married nor Gay. Can we therefore assume he is technically abstaining from both?

Timothy Jefferies, Disgraced Mayor Of Crowthorne.
11/02/2013 at 15:30

Neal Evans vs the Tory party AGAIN! Yawn.

Crimson Dawn, Bracknell
11/02/2013 at 05:51

Time4tea - Lee's actions in this matter and his abuse of his position is scandalous; both in the two jobs (one of which he lied about by saying he would be a fulltime MP as shown in the "bracknellblog" link), two pensions and his excessive expenses, not to mention the flat!

http://nealsworld.wordpress.com/2012/05/18/dr-phillip-lee-expenses-an-interesting-mile-high-view/

Lee has constantly proven himself to be an unsuitable MP for Bracknell and I think the time is coming for an Independent OF Bracknell and FOR Bracknell to step forward and show this pathetic excuse the door in 2015.

http://38degrees.uservoice.com/forums/78585-campaign-suggestions/suggestions/3544175-bracknell-conservative-association-must-recall-and

Neal Evans, Forest Park
10/02/2013 at 21:21

What I would like to know, is why Lee stated verbally at the open primary that he would work as a full time MP, he gave myself and others the impression that he would stop his GP work. This cannot be so if he is spending time working as a GP. I feel really cheated by this man and cannot now trust him.

The way I see things, is that Bracknell is a small town with people who have no time for career politicians, they just want someone who will serve them well.

Bring on the independants. I would certainly like to help someone good campaign.

Time4tea
10/02/2013 at 19:05

I think Olds Oak your love affair with Phil Lee is getting rather boring. Whatever he does or says you will support as you are a typical old fashioned blindly following Tory. Whether Cameron was there or not is not the point, it is what Lee did that is in question here.

I'm not going to bother listing all the faults with Lee. Instead on this occasion just a link:

http://bracknellblog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/dr-phillip-lees-mp-surgeries-earns-him.html

Look at the photo.

Roll on 2015. I hope the whole rotten lot of Tories and Lee in particular get a wakeup call by being shown the door. ANd with one or two exceptions that includes the vast majority in the local Council.

Neal Evans, Forest Park
08/02/2013 at 15:30

Tom Edwards - What did our MP say that was different to the link I gave to Iain dale, who you seem to admire?

The bill might be of the right sentiment - just that the implementation is diabolical. So OK lets vote for the thing in essence but not in substance? Not sitting on the fence, not not turning up, but a positive statement?

And what of the proponent of the bill? The Prime Minister David Cameron – who was absent? Is that not real sitting on the fence?

Olds Oak, Finchampstead
08/02/2013 at 00:58

http://www.phillip-lee.com/article/marriage-same-sex-bill-personal-statement/

So - according to his personal statement - our MP wants to get rid of ALL Civil Marriage and replace it with a Chruch Blessing?

He also think its the CHURCHES job to come up with a solution!

"The easy and, dare I say, less courageous decision would have been to have either stayed away completely or to have blindly followed the majority and voted in the ‘Aye’ lobby"

Mr Lee - the "easy" or "less courageous decision" would have been to do what Adam Afryie did when he diesagreed with the bill VOTE AGAINST.

Personally - i have no isse with the bill - what angers me is the pathetic way you sat on the fence!

Tom Edwards, Bracknell
07/02/2013 at 08:27

I reckon he's hedging his bets...There'll be a leadership challenge shortly and he's waiting to see who gets selected.

Dids, Bracknell
06/02/2013 at 21:43

Tom Edwards - Take a look at: http://www.iaindale.com/posts/2013/01/26/forget-gay-marriage-it-must-be-equal-marriage-and-this-bill-is-deeply-flawed and tell me what you think?

Open to facebook people: https://www.facebook.com/BracknellConservatives and: http://www.bracknellconservatives.com/ on the www

Olds Oak, Finchampstead
06/02/2013 at 18:28

I prefer :

"No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where should we be?"

Sounds like Lee & Camerons world to me.

Neal Evans, Forest Park
06/02/2013 at 16:54

I suspect someone is having fun with the local Tories.

Sorry, but Steve Baker can't have it both ways - purport to be a socially liberal, modern Conservative (with just a twist of libertarianism) - AND claim some moral high ground where he flip flops on the rights of adult individuals.

We need to get past this hang-up about sexuality. Marriage between a man and woman isn't threatened - surely it's strengthened by making us all equals.

If you vote for the bill you seek to legitimise and equalise ALL relationships, vote against and you are saying that some people are more equal than others. With such a conservative mindset it is sadly possible to see Orwell's quote become reality:

"If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever."

Winstanley, Bracknell
06/02/2013 at 14:52

I doubt that is really is Bracknell Conservative Association .... but regardless .... Glad we didnt get Iain Dale? NO!!! Iain is great, he would have been a strong voice for Bracknell. He has strong opinions and a reputation for fightng for people that need the help. He is 10 times the person Phillip Lee is and Iain would have been a much better choice ... regardless of whether he is Gar, Straight, undecided, Martian or whatever!

Tom Edwards, Bracknell
06/02/2013 at 14:27

So "Bracknell Conservative Association" do you support Phil Lee wasting his vote? Great representation Bracknell Forest has. An MP who hardly has the best interests of anything other than himself at heart. We deserve an MP for Bracknell not a part time Doctor/part time Westminster Politician!

http://38degrees.uservoice.com/forums/78585-campaign-suggestions/suggestions/3544175-bracknell-conservative-association-must-recall-and

Neal Evans, Forest Park
06/02/2013 at 13:37

Just read an interesting post by Steve Baker, MP explaining why he voted the way he did. He voted for what he felt was righ and explains his reasons unlike the sad muppet we have representing us!!

http://www.stevebaker.info/2013/02/why-i-voted-against-the-marriage-same-sex-couples-bill/

Neal Evans, Forest Park
06/02/2013 at 13:30

Wikipedia:

"Marriage (also called matrimony or wedlock) is a social union or legal contract between people called spouses that establishes rights and obligations between the spouses, between the spouses and their children, and between the spouses and their in-laws.[1] The definition of marriage varies according to different cultures, but it is principally an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged. When defined broadly, marriage is considered a cultural universal."

Bet you're all glad we didn't get Iain Dale as MP now?

Bracknell Conservative Association
06/02/2013 at 13:26

At least he had the right to vote. Even more doubtful are the votes of the Scottish MPs on a bill that won't apply to Scotland. In particular Ming Campbell who proudly announced that he had voted for the bill.

Most dictionaries define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The next government proposed change is that red will be redefined as green so that colour blind people have equality.

PoneRana, Wokingham
06/02/2013 at 13:04

Steady on Mr Evans - people like Frank will talk!

Mme. Madeline Vegas
06/02/2013 at 12:49

For those who keep on saying we need to get rid of Honest Phil Lee, Man of the People why not record your displeasure here:

http://38degrees.uservoice.com/forums/78585-campaign-suggestions/suggestions/3544175-bracknell-conservative-association-must-recall-and

Then again in 2015 by not returning him to his life of two salaries and a lovely expense account which really needs looking at. A flat in London when he only lives in Bisham - he could save us money by getting a cab home at night, but his claim is in my opinion dishonest due to the rules governing such claims as I have previously stated.

Winstanley - I am sure we won't fall out. Maybe you, Maddie and me should have a our own platform for 2015 which is free of party politics.

Neal Evans, Forest Park
06/02/2013 at 12:41

Ooh, what's this? Just had a leaflet dropped through my letterbox from the Campaign For Marriage asking me to "tell my MP not to redefine marriage".

Even the opponents can't get their act together - the vote was yesterday, but you campaign today.

I'm interested in the quote that says 620,000 people signed a petition opposing gay marriage. As though that somehow represents the nation.

All I would ask is how many people didn't sign it?

This specious lump of propaganda isn't even worthy of Goebbels.

Mme. Madeline Vegas
06/02/2013 at 12:34

I am incredibly heartened by the debate here - it goes to show that the ordinary voter has a much firmer grasp of the realities of life.

Whether for or against this particular issue, it shows up the political classes for the bunch of bickering children they so often appear. It really does remind me of overhearing my children after school arguing about the pettiest of concerns, while the adults carry on with the important matters.

Like putting food on the table, making sure the kids are safe, a roof kept over our heads, and wishing that amongst all the juggling we could have some kind of life for ourselves occasionally!

What concerns me is when MP's across the spectrum, who are fearful of their own sexuality, make decisions based on protecting their own electoral viability, rather than acting with honesty and integrity.

Winstanley, Bracknell
06/02/2013 at 12:26

My views on Phillip Lee are well voiced on this website.

With regards to gay marriage, I don't see why anyone would be against it given that is has absolutely no impact on their lives whatsoever! It's pathetic!

Bruce Wayne
06/02/2013 at 11:59

Well, deciding to waste the vote on an issue won by such a clear majority is rather hopeless, but try to hide your surprise that Lee would make sucha total mess out of having an opinion and sticking with it. He has proven utterly hopeless at having any impact other than passers by rolling their eyes.

Otherwise, I am loving this - "we disagree with our party on something, so we shall make a monumental difference to the party by buggering off and whinging from somewhere where we no longer represent those who elected us." And they think it is a threat of some sort, rather than the amusing sight of a gaggle of idiots shooting their own feet. Go on. Go. But keep the noise down when you leave, because you will have stopped affecting anything and will just be making pointless noise.

My congrats to Neal on still having friends. Well done you. And Frank - my family would love it if you just shut up. If you hate anything other than your own family, hide away with them, preferably not on a sheep farm somewhere. Demonising other families doesn't make you a decent human being, nor does it encourage anyone to hear your bleetings (pardon the pun).

Nowtas, West Berkshire
06/02/2013 at 11:56

So what happens when the children or grandchildren come out as gay Frank?

Is being gay defined purely by what happens in the bedroom?

Are those who are gay incapable of providing a warm, loving, secure, and respectable family environment?

I would challenge you on equating being gay with zoophilia* but you're doing such a good job of highlighting your commendable views.

*seriously editors, why ban perfectly acceptable words that are not offensive, and best describe an act when part of grown up debate?

Mme. Madeline Vegas
06/02/2013 at 11:44

Disgraceful. Disgraceful. Disgraceful. When can we get this clown out?

dodgynews, Bracknell
06/02/2013 at 11:25

Apparently, on the politics website, Phillip Lee has been voted as the 3rd worst MP on Twitter.

"It's difficult to imagine a mind so broken it could bear to read the tweets of Dr Phillip Lee, although some must exist, because he sports over 600 followers. His messages are commendably constituency-based, but they are so grey it is hard to finish them without falling into a catatonic state of despair. "Today met with BT senior executives to discuss broadband in Bracknell constituency," he tweets. And then: "My regular walkabouts through the constituency are a great way to meet local residents." Siri probably has a more distracting social life."

Regular walkabouts??!!

I fear, Mr Winstanley, that modern politics would not tolerate my Churchillian habits.

Mr Barlow - how does supporting gay marriage not conform to your stated Conservative policy? Surely affording equal marital status to same sex couples, as they exist for straight couples, IS supporting family and family life.

Mme. Madeline Vegas
06/02/2013 at 11:15

Dr Lee The traditional Conservative policy and practice is to support the family and family life. He should resign and join the Liberals.

Frank Barlow, Bracknell
06/02/2013 at 11:05

Oh dear Neal. I'm contemplating a run as an Independent! Perhaps Ms. Vegas wishes to come aboard?

I do hope we won't fall out. Haven't heard from Phillip, not that I expect to. Although I was annoyed that my daughter was overjoyed at having her picture taken with him (harumph!)

The trouble with this whole gay marriage debate is that it becomes different things to different people - some will view it as a further sop to liberal views, others will demonise those against as homophobic. Traditionalists and church-goers will see it as an attack on their values, while those who embrace diversity see it as moral obligation.

Without knowing the detail of Lee's thinking I would say, for me at least, he called it right. As a colleague of his said - positive abstention.

Winstanley, Bracknell
06/02/2013 at 10:44

Neal - I agree ...... I dont actually care which way he voted providing he actually said YES or NO .... but to abstein is horrendous

Tom Edwards, Bracknell
06/02/2013 at 10:40

I'm with you Tom. I am going over to the other side on the next vote. At least UKIP seem to actually understand how the people of this country feel (although I’m in favour of wind farms and solar panels everywhere if I had the choice). The other parties think they do but are living in lala land. Personally, I agree that we should all live in harmony whether gay, straight or any other persuasion. It’s about time the government started to LISTEN to the people rather than presuming all the time and going by what the church wants. This is 2013 AD, not 2013 BC – times change and so do people’s views and if we can all move with it, then why can’t the people who make changes do the same?

HK, bracknell
06/02/2013 at 10:34

One thing to be clear on. For or Against is not the problem I have with this story. It is the fact he has wasted his vote.

Neal Evans, Forest Park
06/02/2013 at 10:34

Phil Lee does not stand for his constituents by yet again showing how weak he is. In April 2012 he suggested he would vote against, local Tory Councillors I understand believe he would still vote against; instead he wastes his vote.

Last year this was written: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2136773/U-turn-Tory-MPs-tell-constituents-We-wrong-gay-marriage-bid-win-voters.html

And now according to rumours - I still have friends - there are a number of local Tory Councillors considering a vote with their feet due to being unhappy with Cameron – and I also hope that Lee. Independent or UKIP though that is their choice. If the latter I applaud them as I am considering standing for UKIP at the next local elections if the local Tories continue in the same lily livered way as "their" MP does.

Lee has asked me for a meeting via my Twitter Account. I think I shall take him up on that - with Hugh Fort or Jennie Slavin in attendance, also hopefully Winstanley and any others who wish to explain to Lee what is so wrong with him.

Neal Evans, Forest Park
06/02/2013 at 10:30

Trouble is Tom, not everyone thinks the same. He represents me as much as he does you. I suspect you were against the bill, whereas I was for it.

He doesn't just represent conservative voters, and those that did vote for him will have a diverse range of views. Local Tories can't expect to have a monopoly on having their views heard above anyone else.

I agree with you about an Independent. Bracknell desperately needs a candidate(s) apart from party shenanigans - and pie in the sky schemes! In this day and age it should be much easier to connect with the populace and represent a broad spectrum of views effectively. I still believe there should be an Independent standing against every party candidate.

Mme. Madeline Vegas
06/02/2013 at 10:30

This for me is the final straw - I will never vote Conservative again and will, like many others, walk away from the Conservatives to join UKIP. They won’t get elected in Bracknell but if enough Conservative Voters do the same it will split their vote down the middle.

We need a BRACKNELL MP, an Independent, someone to represent US and NOT a Party.

Email the Conservative Office and register your views bca@bracknellconservatives.com

Did he listen to what his residents TOLD him was their view??? He should be held to account and forced to resign!

Tom Edwards, Bracknell
06/02/2013 at 10:11

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How your MPs voted - Gay marriage

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