A principled stand of little purpose

In Britain, shadow home secretary David Davis has resigned as a Member of Parliament claiming a recently passed bill infringes upon civil liberties. Had he not resigned, it is fair to say most people would ask David who? For his career has been unremarkable. But now he can say he committed hara-kiri for a cause he believes in - an infringement upon the rule of habeas corpus.

As an example of grandstanding, it is supreme. Possibly no one will contest the by-election, which means he would return to parliament unopposed and without a vote, thus effectively nullifying his grandiosity. Yet his resignation also demonstrates his refusal to accept parliament's will. As a member of parliament, Davis knows he has to represent his constituents. A vote was taken and a bill passed - that's democracy. If he does not accept that reality, then he has no place in parliament.