John Redwood

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Redwood votes for more work and less money

In the Commons on 1 November MPs voted in free votes on three important issues about how Parliament should work in the future.

Parliament voted by a large majority not to have September sittings. John Redwood argued for them, believing that MPs should have the opportunity to cross examine the government and stand up for their constituents in September.

Parliament voted by  a substantial majority to increase MP’s expenses by another £10,000 a year for each MP to help with the costs of communicating with the electorate. John Redwood voted against, believing the current expense allowances are sufficient to run a professional MP’s office.

Parliament also voted to give the Speaker power to limit speeches in the House to three minutes, instead of the current eight minute rule used in oversubscribed debates. John Redwood voted against, believing the answer to the shortage of time for proper speeches is for Parliament to meet more often and for longer hours, so that all MPs have a fair chance of making the points their constituents wish them to make.

John said “It was not a  good day for Parliament, to block sitting more often to allow us to cross examine the government more and to speak up for our constituents. It is all too easy for Parliament’s critics to knock what the majority of MPs voted for. We need a livelier and more powerful Parliament. I’m all for brevity in speeches, but not to the point where you are only allowed a soundbite and no proper debate”