Political Editor - John Redwood calls for greater relevance of Commons debates

Last Thursday (25th) John Redwood intervened in the Commons debate on its modernisation, urging that the Commons’ relevancy could be improved if Ministers simply answered the questions put to them. Mr Redwood welcomed the Government’s modernisation proposals, but stressed that the continual evasions of Ministers when asked difficult questions are frustrating for electors and compromise the Government’s accountability.

Here is the full intervention and response from the Leader of the House, Harriet Harman (taken from Hansard):

Mr. John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): I favour the Leader of the House’s proposals for more topical debates and questions. But before we get muddled up about regional accountability—with which some of us do not agree—could we have some national accountability? One of the frustrations that many of my electors have about this place is that when MPs ask perfectly sensible, intelligent but tough questions of Ministers, there are no answers. We then have “Groundhog Day” with the recital of idiotic banalities of a political kind, instead of Ministers actually trying to answer the question. If they answer the question the first time, we will have rather more accountability.

Ms Harman: The right hon. Gentleman will have to come and see me to explain further what he is talking about, as I do not recognise his description. I try to ensure that I give as clear and full answers as possible.

The reform measures before the House today reflect work that began before I became Leader of the House and will contribute to this House remaining at the centre of the nation’s affairs; not just being at the centre, but being seen to be at the centre so that the important role of the House is clearly understood by the public.

For more information contact John Redwood on 0771 148 6555

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