Reforming Parliament

Question 1

What are 7 problems with the House of Commons?

Answer 1

• Overly powerful executive - lack of MP independence
• Scrutiny function of the House and Committees are weak
• Party control is prevalent in the commons and this could be addressed by reducing the power of the whips
• A lot of the work is ritualised and and has no significant effect
• Spends too much time on complex procedure and too little time on debating real political issues
• not socially or politically representative: largely a result of the FPTP
• lost public support due to the behaviour of some MPs (expenses scandal)

Question 2

What are five reforms since 1997?

Answer 2

-Working hours reformed 10am-7pm (family friendly)
- Select Committees strengthened
- E-petitions introduced
- Backbench Business Affairs Committee
- English Votes for English Laws (EVEL) 2015 (repealed 2021 as it was too complicated)

Question 3

What are 4 recent failed reforms?

Answer 3

• Alternative Vote referendum May 2011, failed
• Reduction to 600 MPs failed (2012) and equal constituency sizes introduced next election
• State Party funding – unresolved
• Primaries to choose (MP) candidates, failed to become popular

Question 4

What are 7 suggested Reforms of House of Commons?

Answer 4

• Alternative electoral system using PR/creating coalition governments to reduce the power of the executive
• Reform of procedures for more effective legislative process.
• Strengthen committee’s powers and scrutiny functions.
• Strengthen safeguards to improve MPs behaviour. (E.g. recall elections made easier)
• A stronger Freedom of Information Act to reduce executive secrecy
• Prime Minister’s prerogative powers go to Parliament.
• Greater control of the debating process by Parliament – more time devoted