Last orders, please, for MPs.

[Workingman]

The Times is reporting that when the Houses of Parliament are being refurbished (£4bn and counting) MPs wil be moved to Richmond House, currently occupied by the Department of Health.

It is cheaper than doing the refurbishment with the MPs still in the HoP, so not such a bad idea: except ...

George Osborne set up bond schemes to attract Gulf money, and one of them was Richmond House. The government now leases the place, but from an Islamic bond holder and it forbids alcohol under Sharia law.

I do not know whether to laugh or cry. On the one hand we could have sober MPs for about six years. On the other it is shocking that Sharia Law is allowed to operate in the UK, and even more so when it is so near to the heart of government.

[Kaz]

Much as it pleases me to hear that MPs will have to tighten their belts a little, I am not happy about the Sharia Law business, that's just not on!!!!

[Kate1933]

Sharia Law and their courts have been alive and well for years in the UK, approved and accepted by government. It is suggested that there are over 70 Sharia councils in the UK, they have their own banks, advisors and decision makers with respect to married couples disputes, methods of schooling, etc etc. Choudry has always been on the front line quoting Sharia Law and the punishments that should be forthcoming if individuals be they Muslim or any other religion offend the teaching of the Koran.i am sure Frank and Suff can confirm this fact?

[Kaz]

I know about Sharia Law within the Moslem community, Kate, but this takes it to a whole new - and somewhat disturbing - level!

[Kate1933]

I know about Sharia Law within the Moslem community, Kate, but this takes it to a whole new - and somewhat disturbing - level!

I agree Kaz..

[Workingman]

To learn that the government allowed these bonds to be run under Sharia law is, in itself, shocking. Discovering that it then leases back a building operating in such a way is frightening. It probably explains why Sharia Courts are allowed to operate unhindered up and down the country. It might also explain why a private members bill by Baroness Cox, hoping to curtail these courts, ran out of time in the Commons even though it passed four times in the HoL.