UK Parliament / Open data

Recall of MPs Bill

Proceeding contribution from Stephen Twigg (Labour) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 21 October 2014. It occurred during Debate on bills on Recall of MPs Bill.

I agree with the hon. Gentleman and will return to that point in a moment.

The constant pressure of notices of intent, even if they are supported by only a very small minority in a constituency—a notice of intent could be triggered by just 5% of the electorate—could prove destabilising to the ability of the Member of Parliament to fulfil his or her duties, both in this place and, frankly, in their constituency. Politicians often have to make decisions that are unpopular in their constituency, but they may be decisions that are ultimately right for the country as a whole. In our system, a Secretary of State is accountable to this House, but if they are a Member of this House they also have a constituency. Does it make sense for a Secretary of State to face recall for making a decision that may be unpopular in their own constituency but may make sense for the country as a whole?

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
586 c785 
Session
2014-15
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
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