June 1644: An Ordinance for the excluding of the Members of either House of Parliament, that have deserted the Parliament, and adhered to those that leavie Warre against the Parliament.

June 1644

[29 June, 1644.]

The Lords and Commons now assembled in Parliament, taking into consideration, That divers Members of both their Houses, have since the beginning of the unhappy destraction now depending, in breach of their duties, withdrawn themselves from that attendance upon that Publique affaires of the Kingdom in Parliament; To which the necessities of the Kingdome, and the trust in them reposed have obliged them; and have also joyned with, and repaired unto that party that is now in Armes against the Parliament, and seriously weighing the great inconvenience and prejudice which hath arisen, and may further arise in respect thereof, the same tending to the scandall and dishonour of the Parliament, the discouragement of such as are well-affected, and the subversion of Religion, Lawes and Liberty, by means whereof the whole Kingdome is neerly interested and concerned in their sad departure and offence: And whereas divers Members of the House of Commons, which have deserted the Parliament, and adhered unto those that leavie Warre against the Parliament, have by Judgment of the House of Commons, been justly disabled from sitting or continuing any longer Members of the said House during this present Parliament; By which Judgement the severall and respective Counties, Cities, Boroughs, and places for which they served have right to Elect new Members for the Parliament, upon a Warrant under the hand of the Speaker of the House of Commons, desecting a Writ to issue under the Broad-Seale to that purpose. And whereas divers Members of the House of Peers have also diverted the said House of Peers, and adhered to those who leavy War against the Parliament.

Peers and Members of H. of Commons that have adhered to enemies of Parlt. disabled from sitting in present Parlt.

The Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, doe Ordain and Declare, That whatsoever Member of the said House of Peers hath so offended; or hereafter shall so offend as aforesaid, shall be disabled from having any voyce, or sitting in the said House of Peers during this present Parliament, until his readmittance shall be opproved of, and consented unto by both Houses of Parliament.

Provided alwayes, and it is hereby Ordained and Declared, That whatsoever Member of the House of Commons, that heretofore hath deserted, or hereafter shall desert the Parliament and adhere to those that leavie Warre against the Parliament, is and shall be absolutely disabled from sitting in the said House of Commons during this present Parliament.