Madam, There has been much debate in recent weeks about the issue of gay or equal marriage, on which there was a vote at Second Reading recently in the House of Commons. As a Member of Parliament, I expect to be held accountable for my actions in public office, and so I am happy to explain how I voted, and why.

This Bill was subject to a free vote, although the Government chose to whip MPs on a series of further motions mainly relating to the parliamentary timetable. In considering how to vote I read around the subject, reviewed emails and correspondence on all sides, and took soundings with friends, constituents and colleagues. As you might expect of someone who taught and studied philosophy at University College London for six years, I also thought very long and hard about the issues involved.It is no secret that, like one of my great heroes, Edmund Burke, I very much believe that an MP is a representative of the people, not a delegate. An MP must consult with constituents, but ultimately has to exercise an independent judgement. An MP should never kowtow to any individual or group of any kind.

In my case, that independence of mind led me to disagree with the government, my own party and the Prime Minister last year over the House of Lords Bill, at considerable personal cost. Similarly, I have been a supporter of the Human Rights Act – in my view a highly conservative piece of legislation, which has been grossly misrepresented -- although I know many of my constituents and my own party, perhaps a majority, would disagree. Further details of both issues are on my website http://www.jessenorman.com">www.jessenorman.com, in case you are interested.

In this case, I concluded that there were good arguments, and specifically good conservative arguments, on both sides of the issue. The Bill was designed to address a clear case of discrimination, and inequality before the law. But at the same time it might well have negative effects on the Church of England and other institutions, despite the Government's assurances.

After long reflection I could not see that either consideration was decisive, and I therefore abstained on the Bill. Feelings have run very high on both sides, and of course I absolutely recognise that others may and will see things differently.

Jesse Norman MP