House of Commons

1
House of Commons

• issues
• Modernisation of house required or do ancient
  traditions generate greater respect for
  democracy?
• Talking shop or decision maker?

Essay question In what ways has the House of
Commons been reformed in recent years?
2
Modernising the Parliament

• Low turnout of voters is interpreted as
  disillusionment
• Arguments that Parliament has been reduced to a
  talking shop as MPs role diminishes in decision
  making

3
Modernising the Parliament

• In response to criticism the government
  established an all party modernisation committee,
  chaired by Robin Cook in 2001
• The proposals aim to enhance the capacity of MPs
  to influence political decision making e.g.
  questions to be more topical by reducing 2 week
  notice period, debates shortened/streamlined
• also have a better work-life balance e.g. working
  hours more family friendly
• Work of committee is ongoing

4
Modernising the Parliament

• In 2003, Parliament made major changes to working
  practices
• Monday sittings remain from 2.30 to 10.30, Tues,
  Wed, Thurs commence at 11.30am and increasingly
  Friday is a non sitting day
• This allows MPs more time with their families

5
Modernising the Parliament

• Although recent legislation on the anti-terror
  bill March 2005 lasted all night the sitting
  hours generally are shorter
• Committees examining legislation now start at
  8.55 am, should help to improve the scrutiny of
  government action

6
Modernising the Parliament

• PMQT changed from two 15 min sessions on
  Tues/Thurs to one 30 min session on Wed 12pm
• Separation of votes from debates and restrictions
  on the time available for scrutiny of legislation
• Public Accounts Committee has been given
  responsibility for monitoring quangos accounts

Quango-unselected body appointed by gov,
responsible for public spending
7
Modernising the Parliament

• Notice periods for a question to ministers during
  debates was reduced from 2 weeks to 3 days to
  make debates more topical
• Ministerial statements on key issues now takes
  place at 12,30 instead of 3.30 or later
• PM now appears twice yearly before the liaison
  committee (oversees select committees)
• The House of Commons is also the first to be
  advised of important policy announcements
• Salary has increased to 56,358 indicating MPs
  rising status