Changes to parliamentary procedure won't transform the lives of the people whom I represent. Decentralising, devolving decision-making and renewing civil society will.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
For many years I have advocated 'redesigning Parliament' in a variety of ways - elect the Senate, do away with the 'confidence convention,' permit freer voting, strengthen the role of back benchers and committees, do away with ineffectual 'take note' debates, restructure question period, and so on.
There's much more we can be doing in Parliament, we could be giving more power back to people at local government level, through local referendums.
I am totally in favour of reform - but it must be reform that changes the nature of British politics, not simply the makeup or operation of parliament.
People's lives have to change as a result of this legislation.
It's not just parliament that requires radical modernisation. It's our democratic processes.
My government is committed to carrying out electoral reforms. It is our firm resolve to keep criminal elements away from power.
Under the Fixed Term Parliaments Act, it is possible for other parties to change the direction of a government without bringing a government down.
Society has to change, but the political powers we have at the moment are not enough to effect this change. The whole democratic system would have to be rethought.
Our political system needs changing. It needs to move away from personalities and patronage to a system of party programs and consultation with the people.
My function in life is not to be a politician in Parliament: it is to get something done.
No opposing quotes found.