Just before the recess a load of MP's, lead apparently by shadow commons leader, Terresa May, said that the fact that over 100 statments being published on the eve of the 76 day recess showed "distain for MP's". The Lib-Dems also complained about the information being withheld for so long.It does seem rather odd that it the Government chose only to release this info now, a rather cunning trick meaning that the opposition are unable to hold us to account or ask about the issues in Parliament, especially as among the information released were statements showing that the Child Support Agency has outstanding claims of £3.5bn, that a landmine destroyed an RAF Hercules in Afghanistan, and that former prime minister Tony Blair's "farewell tour" cost taxpayers more than £1.5m.
May said "It doesn't give members of Parliament proper opportunity to be able to assimilate the information and then be able to question ministers." adding that Ministers had shown "disdain" for Parliament "in a whole variety of ways".Fair enough i guess, but i understand exactly why Brown has done it. As most of the info released is things which the opposition would love to attack in the house, furthermore and possibly more importantly, much of the info is related to Blair's time, hence, a part of the distancing act Brown would like to keep such arguments at arms length.
I understand why the statements have been withheld, mostly to prevent to opposition being able to quiz the government on them in Parliament. I personally think that to do so
shows disrespect and contempt of the house, it is disrespectful to the commons. What makes it all the more annoying is that we all thought that this kind of contempt for parliament was long gone with Brown coming in and offering us a new kind of politics. Brown has until this week, show nothing but the utmost respect for the House, yet in the last week there have been a few leaks to the media and now this.If Gordon is serious about treating Parliament as it should be treated, and as he treated it initially (and indicated it would continually be treated), then he should steer clear of such tricks as the one we have just seen. I applaud and welcome all Brown has done in trying to emphaise the importance of the Commons and how he has ensured that policy is announced in the Commons as opposed to being leaked to the press. He should continue this respect for parliament in the future, and steer clear of unpleasantness akin to that which we have just seen.
2 comments:
I had a look at the full list of what was released, and most of it was utterly mundane and tedious.
Most of it is, but there are one or two more important announcments, such a allowing additional US missiles to be placed here in the UK, at a new site in England (can't remember exactly where, but will say when i remember). Furthermore it is the principle that matters, and doing this does show a certian disrespect for Parliament.
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