Dodgy Dave, Don't most people get sacked for back handers? Options

[Adrian Hollister]

In the news is Dodgy Dave who seems to be accepting back handers for access to him and his policies; so I think the government must declare all lobbying activities, any political funds associated and any personal funds that MP's may benefit from. This is something that I've asked Benyon about, but as usual I got the 'no real answer' letter back discussing the weather and how nice and thick parliamentary paper is .

I've also wondered why NWN never cover things like this? Dealing with corruption effects us all, so perhaps they are a little too caution to cover sensitive issues for those in 'power'.

So what do you lot think? Should we just allow the corruption to continue; or do we need reform?

[Jo Pepper]

In the news is Dodgy Dave who seems to be accepting back handers for access to him and his policies; so I think the government must declare all lobbying activities, any political funds associated and any personal funds that MP's may benefit from. This is something that I've asked Benyon about, but as usual I got the 'no real answer' letter back discussing the weather and how nice and thick parliamentary paper is .

I've also wondered why NWN never cover things like this? Dealing with corruption effects us all, so perhaps they are a little too caution to cover sensitive issues for those in 'power'.

So what do you lot think? Should we just allow the corruption to continue; or do we need reform?

It is not just conservatives that have a problem, Lib Dems have the same problem.

Why are your surprised? This problem has followed the conservatives for years.

[Adrian Hollister]

It is not just conservatives that have a problem, Lib Dems have the same problem.

Why are your surprised? This problem has followed the conservatives for years.

I hadn't spotted that, but it does seem that those in 'power' don't want change. Benyon here didn't even agree with an elected second house (House of Lords). Why on earth not? Just 'cos some people have inherited titles, should not entitle them to be in an unelected government.

[blackdog]

I hadn't spotted that, but it does seem that those in 'power' don't want change. Benyon here didn't even agree with an elected second house (House of Lords). Why on earth not? Just 'cos some people have inherited titles, should not entitle them to be in an unelected government.

Hereditary entitlement went some years ago - a few selected Lords were allowed to stay on but they will go soon. The main political parties want reform of the Lords to give them control over its membership - they definitely don't trust the electorate to decide. It will be interesting to see of they can get rid of the Bishops.

What they should do (in my opinion) is elect the Lords by proportional representation based on the votes cast for MPs in each general election. There would be no need for any additional election, the political balance of the 'upper' house would reflect that of the country, and government would no longer be able to simply appoint a bunch of peers to ensure they have a majority.

[Berkshirelad]

Hereditary entitlement went some years ago - a few selected Lords were allowed to stay on but they will go soon. The main political parties want reform of the Lords to give them control over its membership - they definitely don't trust the electorate to decide. It will be interesting to see of they can get rid of the Bishops.

What they should do (in my opinion) is elect the Lords by proportional representation based on the votes cast for MPs in each general election. There would be no need for any additional election, the political balance of the 'upper' house would reflect that of the country, and government would no longer be able to simply appoint a bunch of peers to ensure they have a majority.

The problem is that currently, the Commons has the right to produce legislation and can force it through against Lords opposition.

If the upper house were to be elected (by whatever method) then they could rightly claim that they too have a popular mandate and the primacy of the Commons would have to give; potentially causing a constitutional crisis