Motion text
That this House is deeply concerned about the death sentence imposed on Mrs Shagufta Kausar and Mr Shafqat Emmanuel, a married couple, for allegedly sending blasphemous text messages; notes that the messages were written in English, but both are illiterate and unable to write proper Urdu, let alone English; further notes that the couple have repeatedly said they lost the phone in question before the texts were sent, and that the SIM card in the phone was not theirs; expresses concern that throughout the trial, the complainants' lawyers intimidated the judge by repeatedly proclaiming Quranic references calling for death to blasphemers and appeals to the
Government of Pakistan to release them, so that they can live together with their four children, as a family.
Signatures (12)
The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.
Shannon, Jim
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
6 February 2018
Girvan, Paul
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
6 February 2018
Robinson, Gavin
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
6 February 2018
Simpson, David
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
6 February 2018
Paisley, Ian
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
6 February 2018
Blackman, Bob
Conservative
Signed on
7 February 2018
In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.
Bottomley, Sir Peter
Conservative
Signed on
21 February 2018
Cunningham, Mr Jim
Labour
Signed on
8 February 2018
Glindon, Mary
Labour
Signed on
8 February 2018
Hopkins, Kelvin
Independent
Signed on
20 February 2018
Lewis, Dr Julian
Conservative
Signed on
20 February 2018
Rimmer, Ms Marie
Labour
Signed on
7 February 2018
There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.