Claims that a modernised House of Commons will improve the standing of MPs in the eyes of the public are "complete cobblers", a senior backbench Conservative has said.

As MPs return to a new parliamentary timetable, John Redwood told this website that "House of Commons modernisation demonstrates the government's contempt for parliament".

The Wokingham MP, who has two children, also remains unconvinced by the "family friendly" billing made for the new arrangements.

"It shows little understanding of the lives of members of parliament," he said.

"How can they say it is 'family friendly' when most MPs will still not be able to get to their constituency homes after a 7.00pm vote?"

"Why won't they use more of the time available for proper cross-examination of the government?"

Along with other sceptics the former cabinet minister will be "watching to see if the government shows any more courtesy towards parliament than it has in the past".

"Could it for example go back to telling parliament first before briefing the media?" he asks.

And he rejected Commons leader Robin Cook's argument that a media friendly timetable will boost press coverage.

"I think the government's intention is to try its dominance of the media and to minimise the time available for cross examining ministers and examining legislation," Redwood told ePolitix.com

Redwood scorns the suggestion that a House of Commons working "normal" hours will improve the standing of out of touch Westminster politicians in the eyes of a disenchanted public.

"That's complete cobblers. The way for politicians to improve their standing collectively is to show they can make a difference on things that matter to people's lives," he said.

"Calling this modernisation 'family friendly' when it still splits up families but does not increase time for proper debate shows how out of touch they all are."