Talk:Jonathan Aitken

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Is it true that convicted criminals can't stand for Parliament? If so, why was there so much fuss about Archer and Aitken possibly being let back in? Surely it wouldn't have been an issue otherwise? Someone help! Megawattbulbman 13:38, 30 May 2006 (UTC)

No, it's not true. I saw that statement and immediately questioned it in my own mind. First, standing for Parliament and being allowed to take your seat are two very different things. Bobby Sands, for example, stood and was elected while serving a sentence (and undertaking a hunger strike). Second, I suspect that former prisoners are allowed to take their seats. I have no independent source as yet, but the Wiki entry for the House of Commons agrees. Of course that in itself is not sufficient: it would be too circular, though the entry does seem to be reliable.JohnPet 21:11, 16 August 2006 (UTC)