Public ‘failed’ by Parliament
The whole system of Parliamentary communications must be modernised if voters are to be re-engaged in politics.
Publishing its first report the Commission on the Communication of Parliamentary Democracy, organised by the Hansard Society and chaired by Lord Puttnam, concluded that Parliament was failing in its duty to communicate to the electorate.
It calls for a reassessment of Parliament’s relationship with the media, and suggests that the rules on filming in Parliament should be loosened.
Currently, filming is tightly restricted with reactions of MPs during debates generally not shown and strict rules on filming outside the chamber.
But, it is also for the media to enhance their coverage of parliamentary business, the report notes.
Parliament is urged to take control of its own affairs and establish a single communications service and stop allowing the frontbenches to dominate its administration.
Lord Puttnam, said: “Change should be driven by what citizens have a right to expect from their Parliament. Participation and an understanding of the process of government are a right, not a privilege.
“The public have a right to expect a Parliament which communicates its work clearly, reaches out to all citizens and invites participation and interaction. Acceptance of our recommendations would have the effect of reconnecting Parliament with the people it exists to serve.”
