Romiley Gazette – Political Commentary
Thursday 30 October 2025
A raucous scene erupted in the House of Commons yesterday as Liberal Democrat MPs loudly heckled Nigel Farage during his speech urging the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
The jeering came as Farage argued that remaining bound by the ECHR weakens parliamentary sovereignty. Yet many watching — including some from Romiley — saw irony in the Lib Dems’ noisy display, given their own party’s controversial history when it comes to human rights closer to home.
The Commons clash
As Farage began outlining his proposal, Lib Dem benches erupted in derision. MPs shouted him down repeatedly, prompting several interventions from the Speaker. Social media clips from the chamber show Liberal Democrat members waving papers and making dismissive gestures as Farage attempted to continue.
The outburst drew headlines for its energy — but also raised eyebrows for its hypocrisy.
The shadow of Mr Parnell
Local campaigners were quick to point out that the Liberal Democrats’ sudden passion for “defending human rights” rings hollow to those who remember the case of Mr Parnell, a sick and innocent man who was repeatedly imprisoned until his death at 58.
According to contemporaneous correspondence, senior Liberal Democrat figures — including peers, MPs, and party officials — were all informed of what was being done to him by the Stockport LibDems. Lisa Smart was working in former MP Stunell’s office for part of the time this abuse was going on. Not one, campaigners say, lifted a finger to intervene.
“It’s galling to see them jeering and posturing about the ECHR now,” said one Romiley resident familiar with the case. “When a real person’s rights were being trampled by their political cohorts at Stockport, they looked the other way.”
Hollow outrage?
The Liberal Democrats have long presented themselves as champions of civil liberties — but the Parnell case remains a stain on that image. Critics argue that yesterday’s performance in the Commons was more about political theatre than moral conviction.
“They shout loudly when cameras are rolling,” another local observer noted, “but when it came to genuine injustice, they stayed silent.”
Farage’s motion was ultimately defeated, but the episode may have done more to expose the inconsistencies of his opponents than to strengthen their standing.
Conclusion
While the Liberal Democrats continue to frame themselves as defenders of the ECHR and the rule of law, many in Romiley and beyond will remember cases like Mr Parnell’s as evidence that compassion in Westminster often stops where party convenience begins.
Yesterday’s jeering may have drowned out Nigel Farage’s speech — but it did little to silence questions about the Lib Dems’ own moral credibility.
