Fabian Hamilton

I, too, thank all hon. and right hon. Members who have taken part in the debate: the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon), who is always direct and forthright; my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth (Ruth Cadbury); the hon. Members for St Ives (Andrew George) and for Christchurch (Sir Christopher Chope), who made excellent contributions; the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Sarah Olney), the Liberal Democrat spokesperson; the hon. Member for North Bedfordshire (Richard Fuller), the shadow Minister; and, of course, the Minister. I first tabled a debate on this issue in June 2009—that was the first debate on this issue in this Chamber—and other Members have been debating the issue for even longer. I leave Members with the thought that compensation for Equitable Life policyholders is not just something that unfortunately not been fully fulfilled. My view, which was the view of many at the time, is that compensation is a moral obligation that has never been fulfilled. It is tragic that there is no question of reopening the scheme or using the statistics—the figures—about the moneys that are left; I think the Minister has just completely contradicted the view that there is no such money left. Unlike two colleagues—the hon. Members for St Ives and for Wells and Mendip Hills (Tessa Munt)—I have not had a sabbatical. Nevertheless, I and many others who have campaigned on this issue will continue to campaign until the compensation is paid in full, however unlikely that may be. I again thank everybody for the part they have played in today’s debate, and also EMAG for all its work. Question put and agreed to. Resolved, That this House has considered the matter of compensation for Equitable Life policyholders.