Today in symbolic gestures

The Globe reports on today’s House debate.

Opposition MPs are preparing to pass a motion in the House of Commons calling on the government to launch a public inquiry into the handling of detainees in Afghanistan...

Even if the Commons passes the motion, it cannot force the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper to launch the inquiry since that is a decision that rests with the executive branch of government. But it would increase pressure on the Conservative minority, which would then be forced to decide if it will reject the will of the Parliament.