Washminster

Washminster
Washminster

Wednesday 4 July 2007

BIG Changes

Chapter Three of "The Governance of Britain" is entitled "Re-invigorating our democracy". At its heart is "Renewing the accountability of Parliament".

  • House of Lords reform - the Government is committed to removing the 92 remaining hereditary peers. Cross party discussions are continuing over the makeup of the House of Lords. A statement is expected before the summer recess.
  • House of Commons - the Modernisation Committee Report has been welcomed by the Government.
  • The Structure of the United Kingdom - the principle of a single class of MPs has been forcefully restated. A campaign by opponents of the Government to have Scottish (and Welsh) MPs excluded from participating in matters affecting England is rejected. Devolution of powers is supported and Mr Brown has already appointed Regional Ministers. The Green paper describes their role and suggests the establishment of nine regional select committees.