MPs will have the opportunity to discuss ideas for parliamentary reform on Thursday in a Backbench Business Debate hosted by Green MP Caroline Lucas.
In November, Caroline Lucas (Brighton Pavilion) published a report entitled The Case For Parliamentary Reform, outlining her vision for a more efficient, cost-effective and user-friendly Parliament.
The report highlighted some of the most archaic procedures and processes of the House of Commons - and called for urgent reform through changes to the way Westminster works. The MP has now secured a debate on the issue in Westminster Hall and hopes this will be an important first step towards change.
Caroline Lucas MP said:
"Since being elected to parliament, I have been deeply shocked by the inefficiency of the outdated systems at Westminster.
"At a time when the political process is struggling to achieve legitimacy and credibility in the eyes of the public, it is more vital than ever for parliament to demonstrate that its work is efficient, transparent and accountable. Now is the time to shake off the image of the "old boys' club" - and drag Westminster into the 21st century.
"What's more, as the Government's programme of severe spending cuts comes into force, the financial cost to the tax payer of time-wasting in Westminster takes on a new and more urgent significance.
"For example, an electronic voting system would make far better use of MPs' time; just queuing up to vote accounts for around £30,000 a week in MPs' salary costs."
Among the report's proposals are; the introduction of electronic voting, a systematic overhaul of Parliamentary language, measures to prevent the "talking out" of Private Members' Bills, greater use by the Speaker on limits on backbench speaking time and an end to late night sittings.
Caroline Lucas added:
"The reforms outlined in my report would be straight-forward and cost-effective to achieve. Some build on previous proposals, and some have been agreed in the past, but not implemented. Some are drawn from experience in other legislatures. A new parliament, in new circumstances, should examine them again."
Read the report 'The Case For Parliamentary Reform' here.
===
Caroline Lucas writing on modernising and reforming parliament in the New Statesman can be found here:
http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/02/parliament-mps-voting