David Shearer
Labour Leader

10 July 2013

Doesn’t the PM trust his MPs’ consciences?

John Key should let National MPs vote with their conscience tomorrow when Parliament debates the legislation to implement his dodgy deal with SkyCity, says Labour Leader David Shearer.

“Gambling has traditionally been a conscience issue at Parliament, and Labour MPs will be free to vote as they see fit. We will not be whipping our MPs.

“It is disappointing to hear that John Key doesn’t trust his MPs to vote with their conscience, and will force them to stick to the party line.

“The truth is that John Key can’t take the risk. He can’t give his MPs a free vote on this bill because if he did there is no guarantee he’d get the numbers.

“Let’s remember just what this legislation does – it increases the number of gaming tables and pokies, allows for ticket in – ticket out systems and cashless gambling.

“Worse still it extends the casino’s licence, and tries to lock in future Governments to this convention centre-for-pokies stitch up for 35 years.

“This is clear a conscience issue. Gambling causes huge social harm. MPs should be given a free vote on this matter,” says David Shearer.

ENDS

© Scoop Media