Cameron calls for MP independence
Backbench MPs must stand firm on their beliefs and not just follow the party line if public faith in the democratic process is to be restored, David Cameron said this evening.
The shadow education secretary and Tory leadership hopeful told members of the Carlton Club that parliament had to be brought back into the centre of national life and debate.
Building on previous comments that the party should stop trying to score political points and instead stick to its beliefs, even if that meant agreeing with the government, Mr Cameron said parliament had to return to working together for the good of the community.
“Whatever the public may sometimes think, we should be proud of the fact that in this country, most politicians are in it for the right reasons,” he said.
“But one of the things that undermines people’s faith in MPs is the suspicion that they do what they’re told, rather than what they think is right for their constituents and their country.”
The main way to restore people’s faith was for MPs to reassert their independence, starting by insisting that select committees be elected by backbenchers, not appointed by the whips.
There should be more free votes, he said, while there should also be limits on the number of bills the government can introduce, limits on the number of ministers and advisors, and sunset clauses for new legislation and regulation.
In addition, it was vital the Conservatives tackle the issue of the House of Lords. Accusing Tony Blair of “botched” reform of the second house, Mr Cameron put himself firmly in favour of a majority elected house.
The prime minister should also no longer be able to set the date of a general elections, the shadow education secretary said. Fixed-term parliaments would be one way of redressing “the balance between a weak legislature and an over-mighty executive”.
“I think it’s our duty to develop these ideas, and place them in a proper context. Not to present them as academic tinkering that interests a few lawyers and parliamentarians but sends the rest of the country to sleep,” Mr Cameron said.
“But to argue for them as vital changes that will strengthen the ties that bind us as a nation. Only the Conservative party is equipped to do this.”
