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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary
A three-line whip
Hi,
What does a three-line whip mean in the parliamentary context? Last night the PM Cameron imposed the three-line whip on Tory backbenchers. I understand that a parliamentary whip disciplines MPs to vote along the party line, but why it has to be a three-line one is a mystery to me.
Thank you.
What does a three-line whip mean in the parliamentary context? Last night the PM Cameron imposed the three-line whip on Tory backbenchers. I understand that a parliamentary whip disciplines MPs to vote along the party line, but why it has to be a three-line one is a mystery to me.
Thank you.
Top answer
A single-line whip is a guide to what the party's policy would indicate, and notification of when the vote is expected to take place; this is non-binding for attendance or voting. A two-line whip , sometimes known as a double-line whip , is an instruction to attend and vote; partially binding for voting, attendance required unless prior permission given by the whip. A three-line whip is a strict instruction to attend and vote, breach of which would normally have serious consequences.
- A single-line whip is a guide to what the party's policy would indicate, and notification of when the vote is expected to take place; this is non-binding for attendance or voting.
- A two-line whip , sometimes known as a double-line whip , is an instruction to attend and vote; partially binding for voting, attendance required unless prior permission given by the whip.
- A three-line whip is a strict instruction to attend and vote, breach of which would normally have serious consequences.
- Permission not to attend may be given by the whip, but a serious reason is needed.
- Breach of a three-line whip can lead to expulsion from the parliamentary political group in extreme circumstances and may lead to expulsion from the party.
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2 Answers
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- A single-line whip is a guide to what the party's policy would indicate, and notification of when the vote is expected to take place; this is non-binding for attendance or voting.
- A two-line whip, sometimes known as a double-line whip, is an instruction to attend and vote; partially binding for voting, attendance required unless prior permission given by
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