Parliament recently debated and voted on the issue of same sex marriage.
There is no getting away from the fact that this is an issue that divides opinion and it is one on which I have received numerous representations from my constituents. Some firmly believed that no changes should be made to the present arrangements on marriage whilst others felt that the move towards civil partnerships were a step in the right direction but did not go far enough.
Whilst Members of Parliament were given a free vote on this issue as it is a matter of conscience, I was of course guided by the representations I have received.
I decided to vote against any changes to the current definition on marriage.
I believe that civil partnerships already offer same sex couples the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to each other and because of this I voted against any changes to the current arrangements after the debate.
The reaction from Rugby residents to my vote has reassured me that I made the right decision. The response from constituents has been overwhelmingly in favour of the way I voted and I am glad I voted on the basis of many of my constituents’ wishes. However, there was a clear majority when the vote was taken. The bill now passes to the House of Lords who will debate and bring forward their own amendments which will be considered later by the House of Commons.
Putting personal differences aside on this, we now have the opportunity to move forward and get to grips with the most pressing issues the country faces and refocus our attentions on getting Britain moving again, on creating jobs and growth, continuing the already impressive work on cutting immigration, reducing crime, tackling the deficit and keeping council tax bills low for hard working families.