Yesterday in Parliament MPs got to vote on an ammendment to the Recall Bill. Under this amendment to the Bill, if 5% of voters in a constituency sign a notice of intent to recall and an agreed percentage of eligible voters (minimum 20%) sign a petition calling for their MP to be ‘recalled’, a referendum would be held. If more than half of those taking part then vote for their MP to be recalled, a by-election must follow. In the wake of the expenses scandal, the UK’s main political parties all promised to introduce a Recall mechanism, and in 2011 the Government produced a draft Recall Bill. However, its proposals fall far short of genuine Recall. In the Government’s proposals, a Parliamentary committee (not voters) would decide if an MP qualifies for recall. The proposed criteria is so narrow that just as today, an MP could break all pre-election promises, switch party, refuse to see constituents, all without qualifying for Recall. Genuine Recall would empower voters, increase accountability and improve the relationship between people and power. Our local MP, Tom Blenkinsop voted against this amendment, meaning he doesnt trust his constituents. UKIP PPC, Steve Turner has written the following on this subject to our local newspaper: Are all our local MPs afraid to trust their constituents? Looking through the list to find out how our elected politicians voted on the proposed recall bill amendment I wasnt really surprised to see that none of them want to give the public the true power it needs to recall an MP who has reneged on their election promises or who has continually failed to represent the public they are elected to serve. An MP who is confident that they always do the right thing for their constituents would not worry an inch at any form of recall bill. Ours obviously feel differently and want to ensure the only option we have is once every five years at a general election. Now we know thats their wish Im sure we can oblige and recall them all in May. Steve Turner (UKIP PPC MIddlesbrough South & East Cleveland)
Posted on: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 13:54:45 +0000
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