MPs

I wonder if the outcry over MPs expenses, will finally prompt this nation to ask hard questions about our democracy. I remember learning as a Law student, that the UK has effectively an elected dictatorship. That just over 43% of the popular vote can deliver over 60% of the seats in the House of Commons, and the whip system and Prime Ministerial patronage means the government normally gets its way. The Executive have the Royal Prerogative, which means significant Royal powers are available to the Prime Minister which do not require parliamentary approval. Powers to declare war, make treaties, seize land,etc etc.

The anger over MPs expenses of course will get tied up with the scintilating details of moats and duck ponds, but the real question is the fettering of respect for politics and the political system.

I think we need an urgent Consitutional Convention, of all parties, respected academics and people from across public life, to ask hard questions about our democracy. Britain needs to reform the system this nation is governed by. It is not acceptable that MPs for safe consituencies have a job for life, nor is it acceptable that this nation has an appointed second chamber.

In 100 years time, political students will learn about the crisis of 2009, and the sweeping from office of the Speaker for the first time in 300 years. What will they make however of our response to this? Let's be bold, and grasp the challenge to create a new politics for a new era.