Hold them to account

Iain Martin

Thursday, 20th November 2008

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

It is not as though there is a shortage of questions to which MPs might demand answers.

Are the terms of the bail-out deal imposed on the banks in Brown’s rescue plan right for Britain? Why did ministers not consider the impact on already hard-pressed pension funds of a bar on the payment of dividends from bailed-out banks? The government says it does not want to interfere in the running of banks, but ministers have already started to make contradictory demands and suggestions — lend more, repossess fewer houses — which risk impeding the recovery of institutions vital to the future of the UK economy. The Treasury, the Financial Services Authority and the Bank of England failed to anticipate the consequences of allowing Britain to be over-reliant on debt. So, what should replace the failed regulatory structures which made a bad situation catastrophic?

Why, with all this at stake, should so many of our elected representatives have chosen to stand by as spectators? A Tory MP, usually quite sensible, saw my point when I rang to ask.

‘What would we do? We could ask a lot of questions which Brown is very good at avoiding answering. He would say we were just diverting him from important national work and wasting time with party point-scoring. And then what? I’m sorry, but it would be seen in the country as pointless.’

His analysis struck me as the perfect example of the weakness of many modern MPs. Seeking an MP who talks sense, I asked Frank Field — a real House of Commons man with a deserved reputation for holding the executive to account — for an explanation.

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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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