John Hemming MP is The Freedom Association’s ‘Parliamentarian of the Week’

The historic child sex abuse cases that have seldom been out of the headlines in recent times, have shocked us all. Whilst we are aware that child sex abuse regrettably takes place, we would like to think that those in authority would do everything they can to prevent it and to bring the perpetrators to justice. Sadly this has not always happened.

The Freedom Association is always delighted to support those parliamentarians who have made a contribution to freedom and liberty, and who speak up for those without a voice, regardless of the political party they are a member of.

This week, our ‘Parliamentarian of the Week’ is John Hemming, Liberal Democrat MP for Birmingham Yardley. At the end of his speech during a debate secured by Simon Danczuk, Labour MP for Rochdale, on the progress of the historic child sex abuse inquiry, Mr Hemming said:

“The history here is all about abuse of power by employees of the state. The fact that it involves the maltreatment of children for sexual gratification makes this all the worse. For the future, we need to make it harder for state employees to conceal abuses of power. More transparency and accountability are needed, as well as less secrecy. Parliament, which is the voice of the people, has to stand on the side of the powerless. Whitehall mandarins, judges, BBC managers, council bureaucrats and professionals all have their own interests and a desire to hide mistakes. Parliament needs to balance the scales on the side of the weak-those without wealth who are crying out and not being heard.”

 I don’t think I really need to add anything to Mr Hemming’s words. They speak for themselves, and he also speaks for all those affected. It is the duty of all MPs to speak up for those who do not have a voice, and in Mr Hemming, the people of Birmingham Yardley have such an MP.

I offer him my congratulations as this week’s worthy recipient of our ‘Parliamentarian of the Week’ award.