Topical debates

Thursday 8th May 2008 at 12:12 AM
Deputy leader of the Commons Helen Goodman has asked MPs to contribute their views on the future of Topical Debates by May 23, to inform the review previously announced by Commons leader Harriet Harman on February 27.

Topical debates were introduced to the House in October 2007 on an experimental basis for the 2007-08 session, following the recommendations in the modernisation committee's 'Revitalising the Chamber: the role of the backbench member' report.

MPs can submit suggested topics for debate via email, letter, during weekly business questions, or in person to the Commons leader. A written ministerial statement is published every quarter that lists all subjects that have been proposed for debate.

But is the process working? Are the debates achieving their objectives? And what could be done to improve them?

ePolitix.com, in association with the Leader of the Commons, is facilitating the debate below.
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