Electoral reform

ConservativeHome asks whether the government’s new found enthusiasm for electoral reform could have anything to do with the Conservatives’ poll lead (recently put as wide as 16 percent). Frankly, it had not occurred to me that there would be any other reason for it. The official line, however, is that Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary, is worried that once the House of Lords is elected by proportional representation, the supremacy of the House of Commons will be challenged.

The simple solution to that concern would be to stop messing around with the Lords, since it works perfectly well as it is. They actually scrutinize legislation (unlike their elected colleagues), they stand up to the government (unlike their elected colleagues), and they don’t even get paid (again, unlike their elected colleagues). Unfortunately the government can’t bear to just leave things alone, and have set their hearts on making the upper house more ‘democratic’ (i.e. ‘more obedient to the government whips’).

Or maybe I’m just being cynical...

direct democracy is what is needed
written by ed blundell, April 17, 2008

I recently came across your website & was interested in your views on "Direct Democracy" I strongly believe that we; the British people; are not consulted or even listened to by our governments (doesn't really matter who's in power, labour, tory, or liberals)

I recently came across an interesting project that might have the answers to Direct-Democracy.
http://www.metagovernment.org/

please take the time to look over the ideas there & let me know what you think.

If you have any questions please contact me via any of the below means.

Yours Sincerely,

Ed Blundell

Written by Tom Clougherty
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
ConservativeHome asks whether the government’s new found enthusiasm for electoral reform could have anything to do with the Conservatives’ poll lead (recently put as wide as 16 percent). Frankly, it had not occurred to me that there would be any other reason for it. The official line, however, is that Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary, is worried that once the House of Lords is elected by proportional representation, the supremacy of the House of Commons will be challenged. The simple solution to that concern would be to stop messing around with the Lords, since it works perfectly well as it is. They actually scrutinize legislation (unlike their elected colleagues), they stand up to the government (unlike their elected colleagues), and they don’t even get paid (again, unlike their elected colleagues). Unfortunately the government can’t bear to just leave things alone, and have set their hearts on making the upper house more ‘democratic’ (i.e. ‘more obedient to the government whips’). Or maybe I’m just being cynical... Bookmark Comments (1) Subscribe to this comment's feed direct democracy is what is needed written by ed blundell, April 17, 2008 I recently came across your website & was interested in your views on "Direct Democracy" I strongly believe that we; the British people; are not consulted or even listened to by our governments (doesn't really matter who's in power, labour, tory, or liberals) I recently came across an interesting project that might have the answers to Direct-Democracy. http://www.metagovernment.org/ please take the time to look over the ideas there & let me know what you think. If you have any questions please contact me via any of the below means. Yours Sincerely, Ed Blundell Write comment This content has been locked. You can no longer post any comment. Powered by Azrul's Jom Comment for Joomla!