Less crazy idea: get rid of the whip and let MPs vote as they please.
That would be even better, but let's take this one step at a time.How about let the MPs vote as their constituents want?
How about let the MPs vote as their constituents want?
I live in a multi-seat constituency, so I have four elected representatives - two centre-left (Fianna Fáil), one centre-right (Fine Gael), one left-wing nationalist (Sinn Féin). Normally, that means I get four chances to have my voice heard in parliament, but in my particular case, one is the prime minister and another the foreign minister, so the amount of time they have for constituency matters is reduced. However, that still leaves me with two representatives that I could approach.Having spent the last 3 months campaigning on a local issue it would be nice to have a good MP . Our MP does not respond to anything and is known for this on FB too as others complain
that would be a good start !
Don't they do that already, for the most part? What if their constituents divide almost equally between two groups wanting diametrically opposed things (eg on Brexit)?
I'd much prefer MPs who have minds of their own, and who vote according to what they believe will be best for (all) their constituents, and for the country as a whole.
I can see where you are coming from, but the UK and/or its individual countries is not that big. The last thing we need is a "United States of UK/Britain".
We elect politicians to do the work of government for us, not to constantly bug us with questions. As long as we're able to get rid of them if we're unhappy with their work, I have no problem with politicians using their own judgement, or relying on that of their party. But again, only if it's easy to get rid of them if they prove incompetent.
I live in a multi-seat constituency, so I have four elected representatives - two centre-left (Fianna Fáil), one centre-right (Fine Gael), one left-wing nationalist (Sinn Féin). Normally, that means I get four chances to have my voice heard in parliament, but in my particular case, one is the prime minister and another the foreign minister, so the amount of time they have for constituency matters is reduced. However, that still leaves me with two representatives that I could approach.
Note that I have two members from the same party in my constituency - that happens a lot with the bigger parties, and it indirectly tends to weed out the sort of lazy MP that you've evidently got. The big parties run one candidate per seat in elections, so if I supported the party, but thought the sitting candidate wasn't doing their job, I just put them further down my list, and prefer the party's other candidates instead. In that way, I don't have to vote against my own political wishes to get rid of someone who's not working for their constituents.
Proper PR, and end to lobbying, an end to corporate donations and individual limits on cash donations, mp wages and expenses to be voted on by the people, index linked mp pensions if the country does well they do well and vice versa. Banning mps from taking up directorships for five years after they cease being mps. Breaking of financial ties and influence on the bbc. New rules around misrepresentation of facts in office. And removal of police protection for former PMs, dont do ****y things and get involved in unjust military action and you wont have to look over your shoulder. A process for deselction of active mps by public ballot.
And a fair few more...
Well, a democracy can only function properly if citizens are well-informed. So, one thing I would do would be to make it an offence for politicians to deliberately lie, cheat, deceive or mislead the public for their own selfish gains. It's time that lying, corruption, cheating, and being found in contempt of Parliament actually has consequences. Otherwise we end up with mob rule and demagoguery.
With the power to issue the death penalty for the most severe offences.Great idea - an ASA for politicians.
With the power to issue the death penalty for the most severe offences.