By Nigel Evans MP
I am pleased to see that progress is being made to allow Members of Parliament to question Government Ministers who sit in the House of Lords, including Lord Mandelson. It is high time that the Executive was completely answerable to the elected Legislative.
At the moment, plans are afoot to allow MPs to grill Ministerial Lords in Westminster Hall. However I, like Speaker Bercow, would like to see this go further and for this to occur in the chamber of the House of Commons. The chamber off Westminster Hall is small for a start and also plays second fiddle to the main chamber. The Executive must be accountable to Members of Parliament and I believe that this will, in my opinion, enhance our democratic process.
Which brings me to another historic moment that I believe is a good thing for British politics. I am the Honorary President of the British Youth Council and on 30th October 2009, the UK Youth Parliament will sit and debate in the House of Commons. This is the first time that anybody other than MPs will have debated in that chamber. Such a move makes our parliamentary process more accessible and more tangible. It is a good thing that young people who are interested in politics will be afforded this opportunity.
The House of Commons is the people’s chamber not the MPs’ chamber. To that end, I would also like to see visiting Heads of State address both Parliament and the country in the House of Commons. I once saw Peter Kilfoyle MP address the Colombian Parliament from within, whilst the rest of our delegation also sat in. It was a tremendous courtesy despite the fact that Peter has never been described as a Head of State! Imagine the focus of attention should President Obama visit and address the UK and MPs from in front of the Speaker’s chair.
These ideas should not be seen as debasing Parliament. In a letter that I have sent to Speaker Bercow I have expressed my opinion that such changes would enhance the role that the House of Commons has to play in the political life in our country. Other people may have different views as to how to widen our democracy but I am glad that we have got the ball rolling.
