Fixed Term Parliament

I am disappointed that the Conservative- Liberal Democrat coalition government of the UK is seeing fit to change the constitution, by law, to allow for a fixed Parliament which can only be dissolved by 55% of MP's voting in favour. I believe that constitutional change should only be made after serious consideration of the consequences for our Democracy. It seems that only the House of Lords can prevent this change from happening, but because they are an unelected body they will eventually be over-ruled by the House of Commons. Once again, a Prime Minister is able to implement serious changes to the constitution without checks and balances. One conservative MP described the situation as "constitutional incoherence" and I agree with him.

What would happen if the government was defeated on a major law change, the budget or a decision to go to war by a simple majority? Presumably, they would still continue to govern without the confidence of Parliament and the Head of State could do nothing about it. At present the Queen could, reluctantly, intervene to dissolve a government which seriously defied the will of Parliament. The general public would accept this but a change to the law would render her powerless.

The coalition could claim that this is a temporary ploy to provide stability, but what happens if we return to single party government? Will the law be repealed? I do not think so. It will make it even more difficult for the opposition to overthrow an incompetent government of whatever complexion.

We have a parliamentary democracy and Parliament should be able to vote out a government by a simple majority. No wonder there is disquiet amongst some MPs from all the political parties.

The argument that the Scottish Assembly requires a 66% vote of MSPs to affirm a dissolution of Parliament does not hold water, as the Westminster government reigns supreme to prevent an abuse of power.

We urgently need a fully elected House of Lords which is given the authority to defend the constitution on the Queen's behalf. I am now fearful that the necessary changes will not be made.

Surely, all Members of the House of Commons deserve the right to challenge the Government no matter which party they are a member of. This is why we have a representative democracy.

The Liberal Democrats have long argued that the electoral system does not represent, fairly, all the voters of the UK. I agree with them. However, all of our representatives in Parliament should enjoy the same right to challenge the Government and fairness can only be guaranteed by equity. If a sufficient number of Conservative or Liberal Democrat MPs are opposed to government policy or action they should be allowed to overthrow the government by forming a simple majority with the opposition.