Comments on: Will the next Parliament be any better?

By: Y Rhyfelwr Dewr

Y Rhyfelwr Dewr — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:09:42 +0000

"Will the next Parliament be any better?"

No. If there's one thing of which I am entirely convinced, it's that, whatever government we end up with, the best we can expect is that in five years' time, we'll be mildly less screwed than we are now. Cameron's a lightweight.

By: Lola

Lola — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:18:15 +0000

Adam, read JR previous stuff and think about my comment again.

By: Lindsay McDougall

Lindsay McDougall — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:16:05 +0000

Agreed 100%. Let us get specific. If an incoming Conservative administration governs badly, the party's backbenchers should say so in parliament. The Conservative party has for too long followed the cult of the leader.

We will need a few Enoch Powells around, to insist on root and branch renegotiation of our treaties with the EU, to insist on every single penny of public expenditure being justifiable, to question whether a strategic nuclear weapons system purchased off the shelf from America can be considered independent, etc. Any volunteers?

By: William

William — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:06:52 +0000

The next one could be a great one, IF it was done honestly and we opened up MPs to be paid off properly.

Like this, I would like to do dinner in the House of Commons, I am willing to PAY the MP who invites me.

I have already had one respond, now who ever offers me the best experience gets the money, its a fair system.

Curruption works, when it is open and above board. Green peace hashte bucks to pay for Green policies.

Think about it.

By: Adrian Peirson

Adrian Peirson — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:50:04 +0000

Surely if we allowed free votes, that would end the Dictatorship wouldn't it ?

By: Ex Liverpool rioter

Ex Liverpool rioter — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:28:05 +0000

Sorry John
As a reformed rioter (Liverpool 81) that with age has had the chance to read a number of books on the subject of the Econermy i fear the furture with deep dread.

I know where all this is going, you need only read Peter Schiff outstand book "Crashproof" to know the debts are now too big to service. In some way the debt has to be forgiven, & judging how America is now trying to provoke China it seems "They" decied on war!

I wonder where this will all end
Mike

By: Mike Stallard

Mike Stallard — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:19:34 +0000

We all know what has to be done.
Parliament needs to be reformed fairly so that there are a lot fewer expensive and useless people elected. The chamber, during debates, ought to be full: MPs ought to listen to the arguments and vote accordingly. Committees should be along the lines you propose. The Scottish MPs should be told not to vote on English matters. The whips ought to lay off a bit. The patronage system of the PM ought to be curtailed……..
BUT imagine if you were head of a political party. What about all the loyal supporters who had helped you even when times were rough? What about all the people who regarded you, since your first internship, as friends? Or your old flatmate? Or the ex girl friend?
BUT what about all the traditions where, as at Eton, you looked a complete idiot if you got it wrong? I mean, what if your dog bit a beater in a shoot? Or if you turned up to a TU meeting in a bowler hat? Or if you supported hanging?
BUT what abut the ladies and gentlemen of the press who are itching for a chance to catch you out with a clever question about animals and AGW?
We voters are fed up. We trusted Tony Blair three times, even after Iraq. We look for reform. We know times will be tough. We do not like smarm. We are resigned, apprehensive about our future and on edge.
Soon we will be, no doubt, looking for what the Germans in Weimar called "ein Starke Mensch" – a strong man……..

By: adam

adam — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:01:00 +0000

cant you worry about more important stuff?

Have you heard how our Parliament is being shut down, democracy destroyed and civil servants moved out of whitehall.

Have you heard how the London Assembly, supposedly my new public sector debating chamber is owned by a private corporation called morelondon and is private property.

Have you heard how Global Warming is not really about saving the world but is really about changing human civilizations economic development and lifestyles and abolishing capitalism. Justin Rowlatt, of all people, just did a programme on it.

By: Colin D.

Colin D. — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:52:15 +0000

Parliament would be better if
(1) MPs bothered to attend – all I see are empty green benches
(2) PM Question Time reverted to twice a week – this would at least send a signal that ministers expected to be scrutinised
(3) 80% laws did not come from the EU, and we all know the solution to that one!

By: Jonathan Tee

Jonathan Tee — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:52:36 +0000

Agreed. It always strikes me if I watch a debate in the US House of Representatives how much more vitality there is in the discussions. The tone is much more intellectually vigorous than House of Commons debates. Perhaps there are features of that House that we could bring across to our Parliament so that members could be more empowered?