Calls for Parliament to be recalled
Just 38 hours after the Commons rose for its Easter break, I'm already hearing talk of a recall. The anti-euro contingent on the Tory backbenches are mobilising to argue that MPs should be told about the extent of Britain's contribution to the EU bailout of Portugal, and be given the chance to ask some of the very difficult questions that arise from the bailout - like who signed us up and which other states might follow Portugal.
Ideally they would like to be back in Westminster in the middle of next week - when they could also take the opportunity to get an update on the latest events in Libya.
That, backers of the recall argue, is exactly what the classic parliamentary role of "holding government to account" should mean. Although at the moment I suspect they're unlikely to get their way.
But there is a genuine sense that it looks very bad for MPs to head off on their Easter hols when British forces are involved in military action and financial crisis is stalking Europe.
A three week Easter break, followed by a short week around the royal wedding, followed by a fortnight off for Whitsun, from May 24, rather than the usual week, does not exactly suggest we're all in it together.
It's argued that Parliament will sit for as many days as it did last year - but I seem to remember that the General Election took a bit of a bite out of the 2010 sitting schedule, so I'm not too impressed with that.
Perhaps what we're seeing is "compensation" for the extra two weeks the Commons is due to sit in September, in the shape of longer breaks earlier in the year. To be sure some MPs will be diligently at work in their constituencies, and campaigning in the various elections now under way - but I fear some will not. And weren't we promised that this Government would not sideline Parliament?
I'm Mark D'Arcy and I'll be writing about what goes on in the chambers and committee rooms at Westminster.
Comment number 1.
At 7th Apr 2011, Race_Equality_Inspector wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 2.
At 7th Apr 2011, Mad hatter wrote:Mark, as I recall it was Alistair Darling who signed us up to this rescue fund, with George Osbourne watching over his shoulder. As to the loan, I think we are standing as guarantors, only liable to pay if the country goes completely bankrupt and is unable to repay the loan
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Comment number 3.
At 7th Apr 2011, Race_Equality_Inspector wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 4.
At 7th Apr 2011, John Airey wrote:I don't see there's a big issue. Parliament only needs to sit if it's going to legislate, and since the last government passed laws like they were going out of fashion, MPs spending more time with their constituencies is a much better idea. You never know we might get MPs representing their constituencies rather than big business. Now there's an idea...
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Comment number 5.
At 7th Apr 2011, John_from_Hendon wrote:Mark,
I am pleased to read that you are naming names properly for once - you are right to call the xenophobes 'Anti-Europe' and not 'Euro-Sceptic'. These MPs are a disgrace to Britain and indeed to factual and rational discussion and thought.
Having said that: we should in my opinion back Portugal together with the rest of the EU, but we should not do so unquestioningly - we have to speak sternly to our friends from time to time for their own good and for the good of Europe. Will our fellow Europeans come to our rescue, for we will without doubt need them as our financial position is by far the worst in Europe!
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Comment number 6.
At 8th Apr 2011, Lemon flavoured wrote:I think they'd have more traction in calling for a recall over the events in Libya (especially since it seems that NATO forces have been attacking the rebels) than over Europe.
If I remember correctly, to recall parliament a minister has to write to the speaker saying why it necessary. That wont happen over Europe, but it could over Libya.
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Comment number 7.
At 8th Apr 2011, Bill wrote:Very impressed by this particular blog, Mark. Aspects of it that represent the vagaries of our political representatives' peculiarly ancient harvest holiday/sitting scheme at Westminster.
Until ALL our political representatives get real and understand that their constituents don't stop working when schools close for breaks, but pay others to care for their children while at work (most children don't gather in the harvest anymore, in case they hadn't noticed) and politicians are not teachers and children, and not entitled to these out-dated ancient breaks.
In fact I would go further and recommend a complete review of the whole timetable of Parliament and their 'sittings/holidays'?
Why is an elected representative of the people entitled to take paid leave and the same holidays as teachers. In fact, why are teachers and children too, still stuck with six weeks leave in summer - oh that must be because we are all busy cutting the wheat by hand with our scythes and stacking it by hand and turning it everyday?
Just stop and think about it - please!
Aargh - could go on
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Comment number 8.
At 10th Apr 2011, magnificentpolarbear wrote:Most organisations have a procedure for calling special meetings that makes it possible for 'ordinary' members, rather than the 'Board' to call a meeting.
Why is there not a similar process for the UK Parliament. There would be a threshold of say 10% of MPs (so 65) that had to be reached on a published, limited motion for the House to consider.
There could be 'sub thresholds' (like there are for nominations to select committees) so that there was a broad consensus for a recall so 65 would require say 25 from the Gov't party(parties), ditto for main opposition plus signatures from the smaller parties too.
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