Hold them to account

Iain Martin

22 November 2008

Iain Martin fears that Members care too little about the erosion of Parliament’s authority

The contrast with the continuing financial and economic emergency through which the West is living, and the almost non-existent role Parliament has chosen for itself, is pitiful.

Since the latest stage of the crisis began in September, the Commons has been nowhere. At the time of writing, there has yet to be a debate in either the Commons or the House of Lords (although the government has indicated that it is willing to clear a little time in the Upper House), and only a perfunctory knockabout with opposition leaders and the Prime Minister. For those brief exchanges the chamber has not been well attended, although Conservative MPs have put up a better show, in number, than their Labour counterparts.

An institution which thinks it has little power or influence will, quite quickly, find that it does not. And if many within Parliament’s walls conclude that their deliberations do not matter, is it a surprise if the voters in the country question the point of their elected representatives?

It has not always been this way. In the second world war it was the famed cockpit of the nation, and ministers from the Prime Minister down feared it, or at least respected it, and felt it was owed a proper account of the unfolding drama. MPs wanted questions answered and were not afraid to criticise their own party leaders even at moments of great national peril.

In the famous Saturday sitting of the Commons at the start of the Falklands war, or in the Maastricht debates over a European treaty, MPs showed that they had a sense of occasion and seriousness that by an expression of collective will could be communicated to their fellow countrymen. Depressingly, the most recent examples of MPs acting in concert have been when their own allowances and pay are under discussion.

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Dave B

November 28th, 2008 7:18pm Report this comment

I'm surprised Mr Martin made no mention of the Direct Democracy platform, and it's suggestions for reinvigorating our democracy.

One key point, selecting candidates by open primary. This would give an MP a personal mandate, ensure members represent the opinions of their constituents, and weaken the party whips.

Another - have quangos seek annual approval/renewal of their budget from Parliament, and their heads confirm by parliament.

Another - judges to have their appointment confirmed by parliament.

It's an interesting platform. You can read more online

http://www.direct-democracy.co.uk/

Or buy the Carswell/Hannan book 'The Plan: 12 Months to Renew Britain'.

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