ChatterBank1 min ago
The Cameron and Clegg Show - Parliamentary Reform
Some interesting chatter from all parts of the political spectrum is being generated over a couple of linked proposals for parliamentary reform.
1. 5 year fixed term parliaments - Remove setting the date for the general election from the gift of the PM. Seems fairer, but 5 years?
2. The 55% rule - The coalition proposal is that any vote that calls for dissolution of parliament requires a minimum of 55% of the MPs to vote for it. So, in theory, the coalition could lose a vote of no confidence on a simple majority (51%),but could still, in theory, carry on in power, since even if all the current LibDem MPs voted alongside the opposition, they could still only generate 53% of the vote.
Personally, I am not sure this seems all that democratic, since if you cannot win a vote of no confidence, you should not be able to carry on in power - although I know the Welsh and Scottish assemblies require a 2/3 majority on a dissolution vote.
So, what do you guys think? Are these proposals fair and democratic, or are they restrictive and protectionist?
1. 5 year fixed term parliaments - Remove setting the date for the general election from the gift of the PM. Seems fairer, but 5 years?
2. The 55% rule - The coalition proposal is that any vote that calls for dissolution of parliament requires a minimum of 55% of the MPs to vote for it. So, in theory, the coalition could lose a vote of no confidence on a simple majority (51%),but could still, in theory, carry on in power, since even if all the current LibDem MPs voted alongside the opposition, they could still only generate 53% of the vote.
Personally, I am not sure this seems all that democratic, since if you cannot win a vote of no confidence, you should not be able to carry on in power - although I know the Welsh and Scottish assemblies require a 2/3 majority on a dissolution vote.
So, what do you guys think? Are these proposals fair and democratic, or are they restrictive and protectionist?
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