WAY OF ALL FREE MEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 22 May 1941, Page 5

WAY OF ALL FREE MEN

BRITISH PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM BROADCAST BY LABOUR M.P. (British Official Wireless] Rugby, May 20. Mr H. B. Lees-Smith, the well-known Labour member of Parliament, in a broadcast speech said: “On the day Hess flew to this country Hitler destroyed the House of Commons—the bone and heart of the unity of Britain. He understands us so little that he thinks by destroying the building he can destroy the spirit it contains. “He has always derided what he described as our decadent parliamentary system, but now Parliament can give him its reply. The Nazi system has lasted for about eight years, and when, like the British Parliament, it has weathered the storms of about 800 years we can begin to discuss which of the two will in the end show the greater staying power. “Thank God for Parliament and the free discussion for which it stands. It will be the main factor in winning the war. Take an example—why is the United States drawing nearer and nearer every day to our side? Not merely on account of careful calculation about her own eventual safety, but because they have come to see that our system of government in open parliament represents the way of life of all free men, and they cannot continue to stand by without lifting a finger and watch us, alone in the world, protecting for them their liberty as well as our own.”