There is something very undemocratic about the way the executive holds sway in our legislature. Surely the elected representatives of the people should have more power to hold the executive to account? Yes it should, but in reality, this seldom happens.
If anything remotely contentious is wending its way through parliament, you can guarantee the government will at some stage use a guillotine motion to stifle debate and therefore scrutiny. The power of the whips remains supreme in appointing members of select committees. You have to be a good boy or girl if you want to get on and hold any position of influence. If you are a maverick, life will be very hard for you.
Ben Farrugia highlights in this article how once again reform of the House of Commons is going to be blocked by the government. Changes that could and would have made a difference to democracy in this country will not happen in the lifetime of this parliament because of a procedural trick played by Harriet Harman.
Ben describes this as a complete and utter disgrace. He is right. One day this country will become a democracy again, instead of an elected dictatorship.
TPA member, Julie Fisk, has written to both Harriet Harman and Labour chief whip, Nick Brown. She is hopping mad, as you will be able to see, and this letter expresses the frustration of many people I have spoken to. When will the so-called ‘elite’ ever learn?
Dear Madam and Sir
You are both a disgrace. I have just read about your disgraceful intentions in The Times, i.e.
“The Government has decided to table an “unamendable order” — which will mean that an objection from a single MP will prevent any of the measures from being introduced. This is almost certain to happen since there is a hardcore minority against the proposals.”
How dare you! You are both SERVANTS of the British People – you are NOT Masters.
Please understand that. – The public were appalled by the MP’s Expenses Scandal and all parties agreed that there was a need for reform.
What does it take to get through to you that the British public are sick and tired of your pathetic excuses? Wake up! Do we need a revolution to get through to you just how you are viewed by the majority of us?
I have never marched or held a protest banner in my life – but I can tell you now that I will be on of the first people in queue to rid our parliament of unscrupulous people like you.
You disgust me.
Julie Fisk
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