There’s a conspiracy theory doing the rounds in Westminster that the ‘wrecking amendment’ for the gay marriage bill is a nifty way of the government dropping the legislation because it is unaffordable, and blaming Labour for backing a reckless proposal. At the morning lobby briefing, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman wouldn’t directly speculate on what might happen if the amendment does pass, simply saying ‘the government has a legislative programme’ and reiterating Maria Miller’s point that ‘there are a number of complexities’.
I’ve spoken to a government source, though, who insists that even if the suggested £4bn price tag for pension liabilities as a result of heterosexual civil partnerships is correct, the government would still want to see the bill pass into law. They said:
‘There’s no sense at all that we won’t progress the bill over this.’
The source also added that the conspiracy theory ‘doesn’t add up’ because this amendment is simply an inconvenience to the government. Besides, there are other amendments, such as the one calling for a referendum that was first reported on Coffee House in April, which would have a far more damaging impact if passed.
But if the Loughton amendment does pass tonight, then I’m assured by sources that ministers will do everything they can to overturn it in the Lords or at ping-pong.
Comments