I would like to explain the Government's position on public sector pay levels following the vote in Parliament last night. This vote was to reject an amendment made by Labour to the Queen's Speech. The Queen's Speech is my party's programme for Government for the next two years. Had I, and a few other colleagues, voted against the Queen's Speech, and therefore our programme, the Government would have fallen and we would all be facing another election. I would not be voting for that occurrence and will not do so when the same thing happens again today.

The Queen's Speech sets out the calendar of new legislation for the year. The opposition decided to be opportunistic with this amendment. Finances, and public sector pay, are set by the Chancellor after the public pay review bodies have reported. This is usually announced in the annual Budget Statement. I recognise the arguments and I will use my position as your MP to make my representations to the Chancellor.

I received a few comments about MPs cheering following the result. I missed the announcement of the vote because, after voting, I went straight off to a UNICEF conference in support of UK International Aid to Africa. Any noise would have been in support of maintaining our programme and should not reflect any other position. I tend to sit in silence at times such as this. The status of the House of Commons is often let down by rowdiness from all sides. I am sorry for the poor impression this may have given.

I hope that this explains my vote and the background around the amendment.