Nationalists call for dissolution of parliament
By politics.co.uk staff
The Scottish National party (SNP) and Plaid Cymru are preparing to table a motion calling for the dissolution of parliament.
The two nationalist parties are joining forces in a bid to force the prime minister to hold a general election.
The drastic move comes as the expenses scandal claimed several more victims and Gordon Brown’s impending reshuffle caused chaos and uncertainty in Westminster.
There is an element of history repeating about the move. In 1979, a no confidence motion by the SNP brought down the Callaghan government.
SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson said: “This dissolution motion is about confidence in the whole Westminster political system which has been mired in the expenses scandal.
“It is not just the UK government that is out of step with public opinion, but parliament itself.
“The only way to sort this mess out is for parliament to be dissolved and for the people to have their say in a general election. There can be no argument against the entire House of Commons submitting itself to a vote of the people who elected them.”
The motion will be tabled next week, leading to serious questions about whether the Conservatives will support it.
David Cameron has repeatedly called for Mr Brown to call a general election, while Nick Clegg, Lib Dem leader has said he would welcome the move.
The news comes as Labour haemorrhages MPs and senior, Cabinet level posts.
