Philip Davies, English politician

Philip Andrew Davies, born on 5 January 1972, is a prominent British Conservative Party politician. He serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Shipley, a constituency located in West Yorkshire, representing its diverse communities in the House of Commons. As an MP, he plays a crucial role in scrutinising government policy, debating legislation, and advocating for the interests of his constituents.

A Distinctive Parliamentary Career

Davies was first elected to Parliament in the 2005 general election, marking the beginning of a parliamentary career characterised by a notably independent stance. He holds the distinction of being the most rebellious serving Conservative MP, a status earned through his consistent voting record against the "Tory whip" on over 250 occasions. The "whip" in parliamentary terms refers to the instructions given by a political party to its members on how to vote in Parliament, designed to ensure party unity and the passage of government legislation. His frequent defiance of the party line highlights a readiness to challenge government policy and a commitment to his own convictions, even when they diverge from his party's official position.

A notable aspect of Davies' parliamentary strategy involves "talking out" Parliamentary Bills. This is a legitimate, though often controversial, tactic primarily used by backbench MPs during debates on Private Members' Bills, which are legislative proposals introduced by individual MPs rather than the government. Due to strict time limits for such debates, an MP can effectively prevent a bill from progressing to a vote by speaking for an extended period until the allocated time expires. Critics argue that this tactic allows him to "kill off legislation he doesn't like" without a formal vote, particularly when the government itself does not support the bill, thereby preventing further parliamentary scrutiny or passage of the proposed law.

Advocacy and Campaigns

Philip Davies is widely recognised for his outspoken campaigns, particularly against what he terms "left-wing political correctness" and certain aspects of feminism. His views often challenge contemporary discussions around identity politics and social justice. Concurrently, he is a fervent campaigner for the men's rights movement (MRM), advocating for issues and concerns specific to men and boys in society.

A significant achievement in this area was his lead role in securing the first-ever International Men's Day debate in the UK Parliament in 2015. International Men's Day, observed globally on November 19th, aims to focus on men's and boys' health, improve gender relations, promote gender equality, and highlight positive male role models. The success of the 2015 debate led to it becoming an annual event in Parliament, providing a platform to discuss issues such as male suicide rates, educational underachievement among boys, prostate cancer, and issues faced by fathers.

Political Affiliations and Ideological Alignment

Beyond his parliamentary duties, Davies is actively involved with several organisations that align with his conservative and libertarian leanings. He serves on the governing council of The Freedom Association, a prominent pressure group dedicated to individual liberty, free markets, and limited government intervention. Furthermore, he is an organiser for the TaxPayers' Alliance, an independent campaign group that advocates for lower taxes, reduced government spending, and increased transparency in public finance. These affiliations underscore his commitment to principles of economic liberalism and individual freedom.

Controversial Stances and Public Criticism

Throughout his career, Philip Davies has frequently drawn criticism from other politicians, public figures, and various advocacy groups for comments he has made on sensitive societal issues. These criticisms often stem from his statements regarding gender equality, women, homosexuality, ethnic minorities, and disability rights.

Noteworthy examples of his controversial remarks include:

• On Disability and Employment: Davies has controversially stated that disabled individuals should have the option of working for less than the national minimum wage. His argument, often framed as a way to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities, has been met with strong opposition from disability rights organisations and others who argue it could lead to exploitation and undermine the principle of fair pay.
• On Diversity in Government: He has also suggested that white, male ministers risk being "hoofed out" of government positions to create opportunities for women or Members of Parliament from ethnic minority backgrounds. This comment has been interpreted as a critique of diversity initiatives aimed at increasing representation in government, sparking debates about meritocracy versus positive discrimination.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philip Davies MP

What constituency does Philip Davies represent?

Philip Davies represents the Shipley constituency in West Yorkshire.

Why is Philip Davies known as a "rebellious MP"?

He is known for being the most rebellious serving Conservative MP because he has voted against the official "Tory whip" (party instructions on voting) over 250 times during his parliamentary career, demonstrating significant independence from his party's leadership.

What is "talking out" a Bill, and how does Philip Davies use this tactic?

"Talking out" a Bill is a parliamentary tactic, primarily used during debates on Private Members' Bills, where an MP speaks at length until the allocated debate time expires, thus preventing the bill from proceeding to a vote. Philip Davies has used this method to prevent the passage of legislation he opposes, particularly when the government does not support the bill.

What are Philip Davies' key campaign areas?

His key campaign areas include opposing "left-wing political correctness" and certain aspects of feminism, as well as actively advocating for the men's rights movement. He played a crucial role in establishing the annual International Men's Day debate in the UK Parliament.

Which political organisations is Philip Davies affiliated with?

He is on the governing council of The Freedom Association, a pro-liberty pressure group, and is an organiser for the TaxPayers' Alliance, which campaigns for lower taxes and government spending.