Chris Huhne

Huhne Backs Autism Bill In Tight Commons Vote

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne was one of the MPs who ensured that the Autism Bill would go through to its next stage and be considered in detail in committee in a tight vote in the Commons.

The private members bill put forward by Cheryl Gillan MP won the support of 130 MPs, more than the 100 necessary to proceed to its committee stage. The Government had opposed the bill following concessions by ministers.

Ministers promise that the key provisions of the bill – including a requirement on local authorities to assess the numbers in need on the autism spectrum – will be introduced by other means, but campaigners want to test the promises in committee.

“It was important that the bill should continue so that ministers can set out in detail how they intend to proceed, and autism campaigners can make sure that the promises are watertight” said Mr Huhne.