Parliament: reform or revolution?

30 Mar 2010

Speakers: Jessica Asato, Martin Bell, Suzy Dean, Graham Smith, James Panton

The forthcoming UK election is likely to focus attention once again on our parliamentary institutions and constitutional arrangements. This time the debate should perhaps go beyond the usual questions of whether we should make our voting system more proportional or further devolve power to the Welsh Assembly and Scottish Parliament. Today the very legitimacy of the system is in question, with public respect for Parliament perhaps at an all-time low. 2009 saw the traditional protection of parliamentarians undermined from within when the Serjeant at Arms allowed police to arrest Damian Green, and then the MPs’ expenses scandal, leading to reform of the role of the speaker. New speaker John Bercow promised a clean break, with various reforms to modernise the Commons while protecting the rights of backbenchers and restoring the integrity of Parliament. But is it too little too late?

While some observers worry the sovereignty of Parliament is being eroded, advocates of reform have called for further checks on MPs. The Lord Chief Justice has criticised plans for an independent body to oversee MPs expenses, as it risks a dangerous conflict between judges and Parliament. But should the authority of Parliament be checked in the interests of accountability, transparency and sound modern governance? Are old institutions worth defending, or should we get rid of a system riddled with problems? As the election draws closer, should we even bother to exercise our right to vote, or is the really progressive thing to look elsewhere for democratic revival?

Indeed, to add to the parliamentary chaos, political parties look increasingly defunct, with membership at an all time low, while voter turnout was a mere 61% in 2005. Does the rise of independents and fringe groups signify a negative rejection of collective politics or a positive opportunity to move towards new collective ideals?