Westminster needs to move with the times

Jane Dodds has criticised moves by Jacob Rees-Mogg to scrap the hybrid arrangements currently in place and force MPs to return London following the Parliamentary recess.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, Leader of the House of Commons, has today announced plans to wind up the successful "hybrid" system, which allows MPs to speak and vote either from the chamber or from home, after Parliament returns from recess.
The move has been widely condemned with many MPs highlighting that a resumption of 'business as usual' would force them to travel hundreds of miles to London to take part.
In response, we're calling for Westminster to maintain the current arrangements indefinitely and fully embrace online voting and participation.
Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said:
"Over the past few weeks people and businesses across the UK have had to adapt to remote working. What we have found is that not only can it work, it does work.
"It allows people to juggle their work and personal commitments, cut out repeat journeys to and from the office, and enable everyone to participate - no matter where they live.
"The House of Commons has shown that this is possible for MPs too. Due to new digital measures MPs can now contribute to debates, ask questions and vote from their constituencies.
"However, Jacob Rees-Mogg now wants to scrap these new measures, just weeks after it was implimented. He wants us to turn our back on all the the progress we've made to modernise our Parliament.
"With the Palace of Westminster needing extensive rennovations, surely now is the perfect time to be embracing these new methods of online working. By doing so we can avoid wasting taxpayers money on temporary debating chambers and allow Parliamentary business to continue.
"Westminster needs to move with the times and show the public that it is changing the way it works, just as they have had to do. MPs need to stand up and make sure this progress is not thrown away due to Mr Rees-Mogg's nostalgia."

Comments

Lib Dems Propose New Bill to Protect Welsh Farmers

The Liberal Democrats have proposed new legislation to protect Welsh farmers from being undercut by food trade deals that do not meet the UK’s environment and animal welfare standards. The plans, set out in a private member’s bill from Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Rural Affairs Tim Farron MP, would require the government’s Trade and Agriculture Commission to assess the impact of any new trade deal on UK farmers, and guarantee that MPs had the final say on trade deals initiated by the government. This would include an assessment of the impact of new trade deals on farming communities in each region and nation of the UK. Farron’s Bill comes after concern was raised by farmers unions and the Welsh Liberal Democrats that the Government’s new trade deal with Australia will not include a Welsh-specific impact assessment. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS and Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson Tim Farron MP Commenting on his...

Welsh Lib Dems voice support for Flintshire lagoon plan

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have voiced their support for the Flintshire Tidal Lagoon project unveiled by Port of Mostyn. The plans published would see a 6.7 kilometre lagoon, stretching from the breakwater at Mostyn to Point of Ayr in Flintshire, constructed to produce renewable green energy. The project, with a price tag of £590 million, would see enough low carbon electricity generated to power 82,000 homes in the north of Wales. It would also create around 300 jobs during the construction phase, with up to 30 high-skilled permanent posts after it was completed. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have long championed Tidal Power, leading the campaign for the Swansea Tidal Lagoon and calling for major investment in renewable energy sources to power a green recovery post-Covid. Chris Twells, Lead Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Candidate for North Wales, said: "As we leave lockdown and begin to look towards the future, we need to be ambitious and be investing in the jobs of the ...

A recall petition has opened to decide if a Tory MP convicted for a false expenses claim will keep his seat.

Chris Davies tried to split the cost of photographs between two office budgets by faking invoices , when he could have claimed the amount by other means. Brecon and Radnorshire voters wanting to sign the petition will be able to do so until Thursday 20 June in six locations in the constituency. A by-election will be held if 10% of the electorate - 5,303 voters - sign. Mr Davies would be able to contest a by-election, if one takes place. House of Commons Speaker John Bercow confirmed the recall petition last month , after Mr Davies was given a community order of 50 hours unpaid work and a £1,500 fine, at Southwark Crown Court. In a statement, Mr Davies has apologised to his constituents for "making such an error", saying he very much hopes to continue serving Brecon and Radnorshire. Constituents can sign the petition at venues in Llandrindod Wells, Brecon, Presteigne, Ysytradgynlais, Hay-on-Wye and Crickhowell. Apart from Spring Bank ...

Welsh Liberal blogs

Search This Blog