Michael has helped to secure victory in the campaign to continue the use of vellum for printing Acts of Parliament.
On Wednesday evening, he joined MPs from all parties in supporting a backbench motion to oppose the decision by the House of Lords to unilaterally end the use of vellum. The Commons voted 117 to 38 to approve the motion.
Michael said: “I was proud to vote for this motion. Vellum is a vital part of our national heritage. The strong cross-party support of the House of Commons for its continued use is welcome. The short-sighted attempt to end this tradition must now cease.”
Local calligrapher Patricia Lovett, who was in Parliament to watch the debate, said: “The success of the campaign is an indication of how democracy can work. I am so grateful to Michael Fallon for the interest that he has shown in the campaign, his support, and the work he has done to ensure that the significance of vellum and the actual cost, £37,000, was made known in Westminster.”