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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

On 7 and 8 May 1940, the Commons was packed as Members crowded into the chamber for an adjournment debate on the failed Norwegian campaign. The discussion widened to encompass the entire conduct of the war against Germany, then at a delicate stage and about to get incalculably more difficult within hours.

From the Conservative MPs on the benches behind Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain came thundering criticism. Leo Amery quoted Oliver Cromwell in the Long Parliament: ‘You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!’ Chamberlain loyalists put up a poor fight and only Churchill made a convincing attempt at defending the PM.

Chamberlain won the vote on the night of 8 May but by a much smaller margin than expected. With Labour and Conservative MPs, including Harold Macmillan, standing in the chamber to sing Rule Britannia, the Prime Minister returned to Number 10 to think, at that stage, about restructuring his government.

On the morning of 10 May the Germans blitzkrieged their way into the Low Countries on their way to France, and at its meeting the Cabinet made clear that Chamberlain’s position had been made untenable by the vote in the Commons. Churchill emerged as the new Prime Minister, rather than Lord Halifax.

The Commons had killed the Chamberlain premiership, and in doing so it experienced its finest hour. In regarding itself as important it forced those in power to take it seriously, and as a consequence helped shape the history of Britain and the world.

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Dave B

November 28th, 2008 7:18pm

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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