Sinn Fein, Allowances and Access to Commons Facilities

On 18 December 2001 the House debated and agreed a motion to allow Members who had chosen not to take their seats to use facilities within the precincts of the House and use the departments of the House, and claim Members’ Allowances. This Note looks at the implications for relevant political parties and sets out the chronology of events. 

This note is no longer being updated. Please see the Commons Library briefing Short Money for further information.