The Government Hobbles Parliament - Again
This morning we had Business Questions in the House. This is conducted by the Leader of the House (currently Harriet Harman) and the Shadow Leader (Theresa May). The idea is to discuss the next week’s business, but MPs use it to raise local and national issues. The usual form is “Can we have a debate on [fill in blank]”. As you can imagine, a lot of fun was had (or attempted) at Harriet Harman’s expense, although the Speaker was up frequently to rule questions on Labour funding out of order.
Another interesting point emerged during questions. Parliament’s procedures have recently changed to include topical questions and topical debates. Every day, Ministers come to the HOuse to answer questions, but these have to be tabled a week in advance. Now we have topical questions. Although you have to request one a week in advance, you can actually choose the subject on the day. All well and good.
Topical debates are meant to fulfill the same function, allowing Parliament to debate a topical matter every Thursday. The first one we had a few weeks ago was on immigration. Today we are debating apprenticeships. Important? Yes, very. Topical? I would say not, particularly as it will form a part of our debates on the Government’s education reforms.
Why are we debating apprenticeships? Because it turns out the person who chooses the topic for debate is Harriet Harman, as leader of the House, not the Speaker, even though the rules are completely silent on who gets the choice. So while the nation debates party funding, Parliament will debate apprenticeships. Yet another reform designed to take power from the Executive and give it to the legislature has been undermined by this Government.
Sue said on November 29th, 2007 at 3:26 pm:
So, you’re saying that one person can dictate what the Ministers debate, and if there’s a subject that they’re not keen on, they have the final say-so? If the rules are “silent” on who gets the choice, how do you go about changing those rules so that someone impartial (is there such a person?) makes the final choice?
The more I learn about the way Government is run, the more I despair
Tizzy said on November 29th, 2007 at 4:10 pm:
‘…(currently, Harriet Harman)..’
You might be wrong, Ed, on the topicality of apprenticeships; maybe Harriet is thinking ahead and is looking for a re-training scheme for herself and her husband?
PS not too keen on that jacket Theresa was wearing. Reminded me of a German officer in WW2.
canvas said on November 29th, 2007 at 4:49 pm:
Ed says: “Because it turns out the person who chooses the topic for debate is Harriet Harman, as leader of the House, not the Speaker, even though the rules are completely silent on who gets the choice”
Silent rules can be broken.
Demand a debate on the need to implement a new procedure for choosing the topic for debate? Surely in a democracy there would be a rotation system?
Votedave said on November 29th, 2007 at 6:38 pm:
Parliament is in serious decline - the critics are silenced and there is no accountability.
Teesbridge said on November 29th, 2007 at 9:39 pm:
And Mr Speaker making the decision would favour the Executive less? Excuse my hollow laugh.
Sue said on November 30th, 2007 at 6:56 pm:
This is nothing to do with this post, but in case people here wonder if Ed ever reads our comments, I can assure you that he does!
He’s just been round to see my flood damaged house, I think he was fed up of me constantly inviting him over LOL
I think he was shocked by what he saw, and surprised that it is taking so long for our house to be repaired. I’m glad that he’s seen it for himself though, because the attention is usually on the immediate aftermath of the floods, and people tend to forget that the problems are really long term. It’s likely to be March 2008 before our home is back to normal - that’s 8 months since the flood, and considering we “only” had 6 inches of water, it’s a ridiculously long time.
Anyway, thank you Ed - I’ve always thought you were one of the good ones, and you just keep on proving it!! It was really nice to see you, and the kids are still gobsmacked!
Votedave said on November 30th, 2007 at 7:21 pm:
How extraordinary! Did you tell him you post on here Sue?
Sue said on November 30th, 2007 at 7:30 pm:
Actually, the very first time I met him I told him that I was “Sue from the blog”!!
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, and he’s always lovely
Tizzy said on November 30th, 2007 at 8:20 pm:
ED! ED! ME NEXT!!!!!
My roof is a bit leaky. No?
I’ve got an etching you might like to see. Truely; it’s one of the Prince & Princess of Wales unveiling Alfred’s statue in the Square. Well worth the 200+ mile journey, honestly. I’ll throw in dinner a deux (I’ll get my husband to fix the roof while we eat).
Votedave said on November 30th, 2007 at 8:56 pm:
I don’t know, Ed. Women, eh?
BTW, do you know if Theresa Villiers could visit my house, even though she’s not my MP?
canvas said on November 30th, 2007 at 9:09 pm:
God I wish Sir Alan Haselhurst MP would hurry up and retire.
Votedave said on November 30th, 2007 at 10:11 pm:
I think he might want to be the Speaker of the House of Commons first canvas…
Sue said on November 30th, 2007 at 10:27 pm:
ROFL, sorry Ed, I should have known my comment would get a reaction like this, especially from the women
What can I say Ed, - you’re a star, I’m a lucky constituent (despite the flood!!) and the others are just jealous
canvas said on December 1st, 2007 at 11:20 am:
Ed, Last night on Newsnight - Michael Gove suggested that you were probably better qualified to comment on Vivienne Westwoods new book / manifesto (Active resistance to propaganda).
Vivienne Westwood has recently expressed her support for David Cameron and the Modern Conservative Party. This is a real coup as she is hugely influential for people of my generation (40s).
Vivienne can be quite barking at times - but she is also very clued up in many ways. I admire her.
Michael Gove was very insightful in his analysis of her new book/manifesto - but it would be great to hear your views too.
Would you consider writing about this subject?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,,2077855,00.html
canvas said on December 1st, 2007 at 11:22 am:
PS> Tell Michael Gove he looks so much better with his glasses ON! Why is wearing contact lenses? He should work the brainy look. Glasses really suit him!
;)
Tizzy said on December 1st, 2007 at 3:03 pm:
Apologies for the shallowness (hangs head in shame).
——–
Didn’t Harriet anad Gordon look comg on the stage together today?
Tizzy said on December 1st, 2007 at 3:06 pm:
or put another way:
Didn’t Harriet and Gordon look comfy on the stage together today?
(Argh, any chance of an edit facility?)