Released Wednesday 12 December 2001

Responding in advance of the announcement on proposals for modernisation of the House of Commons, Chris Lawrence-Pietroni, Deputy Director of Charter88, said:

"The acid test for modernisation of the House of Commons is whether backbenchers and select committees are given more authority and resources to scrutinise the Government. The government's grip on those who scrutinise it has to be weakened and the power of the whips to decide who sits on Select Committee members has to be removed."

He continued:

"Modernisation is necessary both to check the power of the Executive and to change the working practices of the Commons. Parliament must be able to stand up to this enormously powerful Government, be more accessible to the public and a better reflection of society at large."

Commenting on specific expected proposals he said:

"Proposals to move Prime Minster's Questions seem sensible and timing parliamentary recesses more closely with school holidays is long overdue. Reform of the working hours of the House of Commons is a step towards attracting a wider variety of people to stand for election. A greater use of recent innovations such as publishing legislation in draft form and allowing Bills to "roll over" from one session to another are certainly to be welcomed."

He concluded:

"Public faith in the Commons will begin to grow when MPs demonstrate that they can be effective champions of their constituents even when faced with an over-mighty Government. If proposals for modernisation help this process they will be of the greatest significance."

Chris Lawrence-Pietroni is available for interview.

Robin Cook will be addressing the Constitution and Citizenship Associate Parliamentary Group this evening.

Venue: The Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House

Date: Wednesday 12 December

Time: 6pm

Speaker: Rt. Hon Robin Cook MP (Leader of the House of Commons)

Chair: Dr Tony Wright