Released 30 October 2002

Responding to the vote in favour of modernising working practices of the House of Commons, Karen Bartlett Director of Charter88 said:

"The vote in favour of modernising the working practices of the House of Commons was a close but important victory. Most people believe that being an MP should be a full time job and not a hobby. More normal working hours reflects this. All political parties recognise that interest in parliament has slumped to an all time low, but the support of some MPs for keeping archaic working practices hardly demonstrates any understanding of the alienation people feel from what is in danger of becoming a meaningless talking shop on the Thames. Bringing the practices of the House of Commons into the modern world will hopefully allow more women and people from different backgrounds to participate"

"The effect of these reforms will be more, rather than less, effective scrutiny and better legislation coming out of Westminster. MPs will now be able to discuss topical events, while tabling questions three days in advance will still allow for answers to be properly prepared."

Commenting on the effect of proposals on scrutiny of legislation she said:

"The House of Commons can be made more efficient and effective as a result of better planning of the Parliamentary calendar, allowing the carry-over of Bills and changes to the sitting times of the House. If the Government delivers on more pre-legislative scrutiny, and legislation is drafted better, then this time will be well spent."

Talking about House of Commons reform in the context of wider Parliamentary reform she said:

"Modernisation of the House of Commons must not take place in isolation from reform of the House of Lords. We need co-ordinated reform in order to produce an effective Parliament. The suggestions of the Joint Committee on Reform of the House of Lords next week will be crucial in determining whether we will have a reformed second chamber that can assert any democratic legitimacy."

Karen Bartlett is available for interview.