One small clause in the Bill to establish a statutory code of conduct for MPs' has been defeated - by three votes, including John Reid and Margaret Beckett.
The clause sought to make statements by MPs in the House subject to actions in the courts, threatening the centuries-old Parliamentary privilege that affords MPs immunity from prosecution for defamation.
It is a victory, but a small victory, but not enough ... and since so few people now listen to what MPs say in the House, one can hardly believe it matters.
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